Washing machine sounds like old fashioned kettle - why?

[Jon123]

I have a CDA CI925 which has caused nothing but problems since day 1.  Up until now it has been under warranty however it is now 2 years old and so is out of warranty.  I’m just trying to establish whether the latest issue is even worth trying to fix, or whether I cut my losses and get a new machine.

the machine has started to make a noise that sounds like a old kettle on the stove that is whistling.  This is the best way to deprive it.  It happens towards the start of the cycle but is happening irrespective of whether the drum is moving or not so can’t be bearings or anything.  It also doesn’t seem to be related to water entering the machine.

 

ive searched the forums and common faults but can find no clues to what is causing this.  It’s not very loud, but is clearly noticeable.  It only seems to last the first 15 minutes of the run before it stops. 

 

At the moment it seems to still be washing ok but I am not holding my breath.  It only had a new motor fitted last month as that broke when still in warranty.  The engineer says it should last more than this as I live on my own and only use once a week or so.

 

does anyone have any ideas?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello Jon. It sounds like a poor quality washing machine. The fault you describe sounds like what's known in the trade as kettling. If the heating element is caked in heavy limescale then it can sound like a kettle when it is heating up the water due to heat being focused in localised areas. Heavy limescale is usually caused when not enough detergent has been used. Have a good look at my articles on the subject here for more information - Limescale in washing machines