Washing Machine Trips Rcd After Being Frozen

[wookeyrasta]

Hello all,

Ive just had to thaw out my fagor ff136 washing machine- incoming water supply, link to drum, and waste pipes were all frozen.

Since then it keeps tripping the RCD, usually about 10 seconds after the cycle starts.

I have managed to get it to run a full cycle using the delicates/wool setting at 30 degrees but no other program will work.

I'm guessing an element fault (i will be testing the IR when I get hold of a tester this week), does anyone have any ideas that may help me sort this out?

Thanks in advance,

Paul

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

If it's related to being frozen I would suspect a small leak from a cracked valve or something. It's possible water in the valve could freeze and crack the valve. If expecting freezing conditions it's a good idea to turn off the water valves and de-pressurise the valves by putting the washer onto a fill 10 degree cotton cycle for just several seconds so that the valve energises and tries to take in water. Because the water has turned off it will just suck in some of the water from the fill hose and valve, which will help clear them a little.

Other than that I can't think of any damage related to freezing apart from possible condensation on electrical parts. To troubleshoot tripping the electrics you need an insulation test meter.

[wookeyrasta]

Thanks for the info, I'll get the meter and also see if it is indeed the valve. Will let you know how it goes!

Paul

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

The insulation test meter is a specialist meter, normally too expensive to buy for a one off use. If you could borrow one that would be great.

[wookeyrasta]

I've decided to upgrade! Just bought a new larger drum size washing machine. So I will still be looking at the old one, but when I have some more time.

Thanks for your input, Paul

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Thanks for the update. If the washer is going in the same place you need to try and ensure it doesn't happen again. I would always turn off the tap(s) after use and during cold weather periods I would try to remove as much water as you can from the hose(s) and the water valve by de-pressurising.

After turning off the water put the washer on a 40 degree wash and wait for it to try filling with water. After 10 seconds or so cancel the programme. This should pull in some of the water inside the valves and hoses taking off the pressure and making it less likely to expand if it freezes.