Miele 1623 washing machine Waterproof Fault

[Natasha]

I have a Miele 1623 washing machine.  Recently it has started giving a Waterproof Fault error. 

The machine is filling with water and is getting quite some way through the programme, but then the buzzer alarm goes off. I am guessing this might be at the spin cycle, but I don't know, as my machine is in the cellar and I can't sit and watch it! 

There are no obvious water leaks coming out of the machine. The model is cold-fill only, and has a standard fill hose. I have disconnected the fill hose and it appears sound, and water can pass freely through it. The tap on the wall is also OK. 

I have also disconnected the outlet hose at the machine end, to make sure that was not blocked. I blew down it, and it seems fine. It empties into an open plastic vertical waste pipe behind the utility sink, in the conventional manner, so I don't think anything is back-syphoning.

I also cleaned the filter, and there doesn't seem to be any obvious obstruction in there.

I've twice before unplugged the machine and allowed everything to dry out over a couple of days, then plugged it back in. I even managed to get it to complete one full cycle afterwards, but then the next load went into Waterproof Fault mode again.

Any other suggestions?  Thanks.

 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It sounds like it could have a relatively small leak. There is probably a cover on the base of the machine and a float mechanism installed to detect leaks. Therefore if a leak is within certain limits it can trigger the waterproof fault without necessarily showing any water coming out underneath.  A certain amount of water can be contained inside the base plate. If a leak was bad enough it would of course run out underneath the front or the side of the washing machine.

If there is a proper back panel then disconnecting the washing machine from the mains and taking off the back panel should allow access to see if there are any signs of a leak. Finding a leak can be tricky without experience depending on where the leak is coming from. This article gives some general advice but at the end of the day it's a question of using detective work and logic to find it 5 essential repair tips when faced with a washing machine leaking - do not try to observe the leak with the washing machine plugged in.

[Natasha]

Thanks for your help. I managed to take off a side panel and take a look inside, and there was indeed a puddle of water sitting in the base plate, but all the hoses looked sound and I could see no evidence of leaks. I dried it all out and put it back together, then ran it on a short cold water cycle, empty. It then became clear that the leak was coming from the filter plug.

I think that a couple of weeks ago the machine stopped before it had pumped out because of a blocked filter, and when I unscrewed the filter plug I must have allowed water to get between the filter door and the front panel, where it ran down into the base plate and triggered the Waterproof fault alarm when I next ran it.

I have taken photos of the inside, where it is clear that water has run along the front edge of the machine, from the side where the filter is.  I am not clear why the filter plug is now leaking, where it didn't previously. The back edge has a plastic spike, and the end of this looks ragged, as if it might be damaged. Could this have anything to do with it? I don't really understand the mechanics of how this part works, but it's clearly more than just a simple screw-fit plug.

PS - happy Xmas! 

 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

When pump filters leak after disturbing them thoroughly clean all the parts and make sure it is fitted back tightly. Clean carefully the rubber flange which is the seal and where it fits against the plastic when put back in place. Any bits of grit, gunge or dirt can stop it sealing properly.