This information will help you source the correct washing machine spare part and tell you what numbers you need and where to find them

Getting the right spare part can be straight forward, but the truth is that (depending on the part and the make) identifying the right washing machine part can be very hard. Even people in the trade, with access to repair manuals and spare part breakdowns can find many parts very difficult to track down. I myself have constant trouble identifying the right part number for some washing machine parts.

This page contains free useful advice, but if you are in a hurry and just want to buy parts for washing machines (or any appliance) you can use the spares box over on the right column.

Buying washing machine spare parts advice - avoid the pitfalls

• Manufacturers often fit different versions of parts to exactly the same model
• Some washing machine manufacturers put a model number on the front of the machine which is no good for locating spare parts
• Can Washerhelp send me a spare part?
• Can Washerhelp give me technical support and help me track down and fit a spare part?

 

Manufacturers often fit different versions of parts to exactly the same model

This happens a lot, and causes lots of problems. A particular model of washing machine is usually produced over a period of many months. During its production, parts are sometimes modified, or a cheaper but different design is sourced somewhere else. They just start fitting the different parts mid-production. This results in different parts being fitted to exactly the same model, and they aren't interchangeable. The only way to tell which part is needed is by using a date code, serial number, or production number. This is why the model number alone is sometimes inadequate. Examples of this are an Indesit washing machine with 3 different possible motors, and Hotpoint washing machines with 3 different control knobs.

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Some washing machine manufacturers put a model number on the front of the machine which is useless for locating spare parts

Many "model numbers" on the front of a machine are not proper model numbers and not much use for identifying spare parts. Examples of this are :-

• Hoover Electronic 1100
• Performa Eco 1200
• Hotpoint First Edition 800

Quoting models like this is useless. They refer to a range of machines in which different model numbers exist. A proper washing machine model number usually consists of numbers only or a mix of letters and numbers. Examples of proper model numbers are :-

• A3110
• WM66WD
• AC110
• 17001
• FJ1011A
• WN1096WG

Unbelievably, even the manufacturers that do put proper model numbers on the front panel sometimes use other numbers instead (or in combination with) to identify parts. You simply can't buy parts for some makes of washing machine using only the model number. Examples of this are AEG, Bosch and Zanussi, who all need special numbers located on the rating plates. Also, Indesit have important extra letters in the model number at the back of the machine. Hotpoint also often need a date code which is the first two numbers of the serial number, although Hotpoint put these numbers behind the door.

Where to find the proper model number and serial number on a washing machine

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Can Washerhelp send me a spare part?

I don't supply spare parts directly from Washerhelp, it's a specialist job. But the largest supplyer of spare parts for appliances in the UK has created 4Washerhelp spares where you can order spares and accessories for any appliance. They even have a next day delivery service option if it's urgent.

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Can Washerhelp give me technical support and help me track down and fit a spare part?

Unfortunately this turned out to be a full time job on its own and impossible to do. However there is plenty of free general repair help and advice in the Repair section of Washerhelp as well as archived repair help from when I used to answer questions in my forum Washerhelp repair forum