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Polyurethane is a synthetic plastic material, widely used in creating pleather or faux leather. Should you discover a great pleather jacket second-hand or if you lost considerable weight, you may want to try and shrink the jacket if it doesn't fit properly. Fortunately, the material lends itself well to shrinking, but you have to take some precautions to do it right.
Don’t let a shortage of space keep you from owning a washer and dryer when you have space-saving alternatives to yesteryear's clunker models. Choose from stackable, compact models and some of the latest technology in smallish appliances, but not until you’ve sorted through the pros and cons.
You should always clean front-loading washing machines every so often to avoid damaging the piece. Clean front-loading washing machines with help from a home cleaning professional in this free video clip.
When the washer pumps fail on a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, the first symptom you may notice is a lack of fluid coming from the washer jets when you press the spray button. Although the pumps are durable and generally last for many years, they will need repair eventually. In order to repair a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer's washer fluid pumps, the pumps must be removed from the washer fluid reservoir and replaced; the pumps themselves are sealed, non-serviceable units.
Energy Star washing machines are designed to use less water than other types. Learn about Energy Star washing machine water usage in gallons with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip.
A compression fitting is an excellent method of repairing damaged drainage pipes on a washing machine. After cutting out the damaged section from the drain pipe, it is important to fit a watertight connection between the existing pipe and the new pipework that will replace the damaged part. This is best done by screwing the two halves of a compression joint onto the ends of the pipes, then screwing the pipes together using a pair of spanners to maintain a good grip. The result is a watertight seal between the old and new piping, so your washing machine can drain…
A washing machine storage pedestal is a convenient add-on feature of most newer model washing machines and dryers. The pedestal elevates the washer off the ground, eliminating the need to bend over while loading and unloading laundry. The pedestal also serves as storage for laundry supplies. Prices for storage pedestals can range from $100 to several hundred dollars. However, you can build a wooden storage pedestal for a fraction of the cost.
Although the electronic controls in a Kenmore front-load washer can give you greater accuracy over your wash load, if they go wrong, they can put your whole washer out of commission. The best way to know which electronic control in a Kenmore front-load washer is bad is by testing it with an electronic measuring device called a multimeter. In order to access the panel for testing, though, you'll first have to remove it from the appliance.
The Kenmore HE3 is a high-efficiency washing machine that uses less water and energy that traditional top-loading washers. However, the HE3 – as well as many other brands of high-efficiency washing machines – have been subject to consumer complaints regarding mold, mildew and foul smells, as well as detergent buildup in the soap, bleach and fabric softener dispensers. It's important to remove and clean out the dispensers on a regular basis to prevent such accumulations. If you experience other problems with your Kenmore HE3 washer's dispenser, such as broken parts, the dispenser cannot be fixed; you will need to replace…
Washing machines have a tendency to vibrate vigorously when in use and can "walk" across a floor if not properly installed. A pedestal can raise the appliance to a more comfortable height, and adding shock mounts keeps the wear and tear from excessive vibration on the pedestal under control.
When your washing machine’s actuator switch is damaged, the washer will not work at all. The actuator switch tells the washer that the lid is closed and it can begin the washing process. When the switch malfunctions, the washing machine cannot work properly. Fortunately, replacement actuator switches are available for a DIY repair. However, installing a new actuator switch may void your washing machine’s warranty. Always consult the warranty before beginning any repairs on the washing machine yourself.
If your older Frigidaire 2 top-loader washing machine begins to function improperly, you may be tempted to call in a repair technician. However, hiring a professional can be a costly option. Instead, consider repairing the machine yourself. If your Frigidaire washer makes a grinding noise when running or does not spin correctly, the tub bearings will need to be replaced. If the agitator becomes stuck or cracked, it will also require replacement.
The proper operation of your washing machine depends on having secure connections to hot and cold water supplies and a waste pipe system. The area behind your washing machine can look messy with the water hoses and drain pipes seemingly going every which way. A recessed washing machine box makes the wall behind your machine look neater. While many washing machine boxes are installed during the rough-framing construction of your home, they can be installed after the fact with a little cutting.
The rubber gasket, also known as the bellow or boot gasket, located around the front opening in your Frigidaire Affinity washing machine creates a seal between the door and the washer. A crack, tear or cut in the bellow can cause the machine to lose its seal and begin to leak water from the machine during the wash cycle. Fortunately, you can obtain new bellows, or gaskets, to replace the damaged bellow in your machine.
Many homeowners find their laundry rooms have unsightly drain attachments for the washing machine. While a simple hose tied in to a drain may be up to the local plumbing code, a washing machine standpipe can lend a much more polished look to the laundry room. Installing a washing machine standpipe is not a difficult task, and can be easily completed over a weekend with a few tools and only a basic understanding of plumbing.
Common to many top-load washing machines, the clutch mechanism is a key component connecting the motor and the washing basket. Without a functioning clutch, you might find your Kenmore washing machine makes unusual sounds or fails to agitate properly. Understanding the purpose of the clutch mechanism will give you a better idea of how your washing machine works -- if you need to make any repairs. The mechanism is relatively simple to understand without advanced knowledge of gears.
If your Kenmore HE3T 42926 front-loading washing machine won't start or quits operating in mid-cycle, troubleshooting the problem will involve checking several possible causes. Often, problems operating the appliance are easily remedied. Resolving issues using your own tools and knowledge is a practical way of saving money if your appliance is out of warranty.
Storage cabinetry for appliances helps maintain neat spaces while hiding the laundry. Using built-ins such as storage shelves above the washing machine for laundry supplies or sundry items adds further value. Customized cabinetry is possible when you understand the size requirements of the washer and the space requirements of the washer's location.
Most men buy tuxedos for specific formal occasions and then forget about them once the occasion is over. But tuxedos are delicate garments that can be easily destroyed without proper care. Because they are expensive, improper storage and cleaning can cost you lots of money in repairs and replacements. Tuxedo care is neither difficult nor time consuming and only requires a small amount of advanced planning.
Although not as common in home appliance centers as more modern automatic washers, wringer style washers of yesteryear are still used to handle a household’s laundry chores. Like any manmade machines, wringers aren’t without their fair share of maintenance issues, one of which is an underperforming agitator. This is a fairly inexpensive do-it-yourself repair that negates the need to call in the services of a licensed repairperson.
Zanussi is a well-known kitchen appliance brand in Europe. Like other brands of washing machines, a bad bearing will cause the Zanussi washer to make grinding noises. If the bearing is not replaced, the washer won't spin correctly. Fortunately, you can save money by replacing the washer’s bearing yourself. Always check the warranty information for the appliance, as do-it-yourself repairs can void the Zanussi warranty. The exact disassembly process may vary slightly depending on the model of washing machine you're working on.
The Whirlpool washer model LXR6232EQ0 is a top-loading washer designed for high-capacity washing. As with most washers, accidents such as too much detergent or overloading with heavily soiled clothes can happen when loading the washer. It’s possible that over time the outer drum can get coated with caked detergent or dirt. This could interrupt the agitation cycle or cause rusting on the drum, depending on the debris. To clean the outer drum you have to remove the cabinet.
Washing machine motors drive the transmission to run the appliance through the different cycles. On many models, the motor also supplies power to the pump for draining the tub. Heavy metal retainer clips hold the motor securely to minimize vibrations and prevent the part from working itself loose. If the motor has been removed for repair or maintenance, there's a simple trick to fitting the part back in the retainers that takes only a few minutes.
Washing machines are equipped with a supply inlet to fill them with hot and cold water. A separate water supply line is required to feed both hot and cold water into the washing machine. Although a hot water line is not required for operation, it helps improve the stain removal capabilities of the machine, especially when washing white garments. This project can be completed in just a few hours and is much easier with a second person to help move the washing machine.
Dating vintage appliances can help you learn about the history of your home furnishings. Knowledge of an antique appliance's vintage may help you make repairs to the unit and keep it in good working order, if you so desire; and it might help you learn the value of the appliance. Various methods for dating vintage washing machines exist, all of which require some initiative on your part. The more information you know about your machine, the easier the process of dating it.
The gear case in your Kenmore washer is part of the transmission, which is a requirement to turn the tub in top loaders. Front-loading washers don't have transmissions and therefore no gear case. If the gear case is leaking, oil may spill out of the unit and the agitator may work sporadically. Whether the case is cracked or has a hole in it, the best solution is to replace the part with a new one. The process will vary depending on the model of Kenmore washer but essentially you just disassemble the motor and transmission assembly to access the gear…
A water return for a washing machine refers to either the fill valve or the drain pipe. Fixing an overflowing water return on your washer might require you to disassemble the machine, depending on where it is overflowing. For a tub that overfills, there's usually a simple fix requiring you to access the water pressure switch inside the control console. An overflowing drain pipe, on the other hand, most likely will require you to unclog the pipe.
That familiar banging noise and dance is a clear signal your washing machine is out of balance. Traditionally, washing machine tubs are held in place through a system of springs, counterweights or pistons. Having the tub’s springs fail is only one potential cause of an imbalanced washing machine. Try to rebalance the washer before opening up the unit to check whether the springs are worn, loose or require replacement.
Many owners don’t realize that the washing machines they use have a complicated motor that has a transmission much like the one in their cars. The transmission gear case houses the gears that create torque to turn the tub during the agitation part of the washer cycle. Whether the gear case is leaking or no longer turning the tub, you need to replace it. The process can vary depending on the model of your washer but it generally requires disassembling the motor assembly and replacing the gear case assembly.
Ladder frames get their name because they look just like a ladder, complete with sides and rungs that connect the sides. They are the easiest frame to build and can quickly raise a front load washer and dryer from 2 to 12 inches from the floor. Building them on an uneven floor requires of bit of tinkering with the frame to get the top surface of the pedestal level. The instructions used in these steps assume a width of 60 inches and a depth of 34 inches for a side-by-side washer and dryer.
Residential automatic washing machines have an internal safety device known as a relay switch that prevents the appliance from operating when the lid is open. If your washing machine suddenly stops working, a faulty relay switch might be responsible. Fortunately, you can bypass the relay switch to determine whether it's still functional. However, because the relay switch is an important safety component, bypassing the switch should only be done briefly for diagnostic purposes.
A washing machine capacitor adds that little extra surge of electricity needed, about double the normal running voltage, to start the washer’s motor. Without a capacitor, your washing machine would fail to start. When capacitors are subjected to a power surge, or several small electrical surges, the result could be a premature failure of the capacitor. Age of the capacitor is another cause of failure. Once the capacitor fails, you motor will emit a humming noise, but not start. Add a new capacitor to your washing machine to get it back into working order.
Front-loading Frigidaire washers are quieter than older, traditional-style units, but if the bearings are bad, you may start to hear loud squeaking or scraping noises. Your tub may wobble during the cycle, too. The bearings come already pressed into an assembly that attaches to the front or the back of the washer’s tub. To change those bearings, you must disassemble the unit down to the tub.
The error code “LE” on your LG washer’s digital display appears when the washtub fails to rotate. This usually occurs when the wires connected to the sensor on the back of the LG washer have come loose or the sensor has failed. If you discover the wires are still connected to your sensor, replace the sensor to repair your LG washer. This is an inexpensive part that can quickly have your washer operating again in no time at all.
The purpose of a washing machine leak pan is to help prevent a disaster. Leak pans sit underneath the washing machine and catch water that spills from the appliance in the event of a leak. The water is then channeled to a floor drain beneath the washing machine, or diverted off through plumbing to a nearby drain, depending on the plumbing setup. You can build a washing machine leak pan rather simply, because of the availability of leak pan kits.
If you've just purchased a new washing machine and are eager to install it, you may find that protruding fixtures are not an aesthetic complement to your new appliance. Using a washing machine outlet box fixture allows quick access to hoses and fittings without detracting from the room. Attaching the fixture to the wall requires making a cut to match the box.
Maytag Neptune washers and dryers are found in several styles, including separate front-loading washer and dryer units -- both gas and electric -- that can be stacked. Stacking a washer and dryer unit saves space and can save your back since there is less bending and lifting. While some models of Neptune washers and dryers can be stacked, a special mounting bracket is required to keep the units secure.
In addition to electricity, washing machines also need a water supply to work. The easiest way to connect a washing machine to a water supply is by installing a compression valve. These supply valves screw onto the water supply pipe and maintain a watertight seal because of the threaded compression fittings. With a few simple tools, a you can install washing machine compression valves on their own, without having to wait for a plumber.
Gunnera, often called giant rhubarb, is a large herbaceous perennial with leaves that can grow up to 4 feet long. It's hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 8 and grows best in partial to full sun in rich, moist soil. Gunnera grows from underground rhizomes, which can be divided. Each division forms its own plant, making division a quick and easy way to propagate a gunnera, compared to growing it from seed. Divide gunnera in the spring or early fall for the best results.
The MTD Yard Machine's rototill features a Briggs & Stratton engine and multiple tines that act as blades to till the earth for gardening purposes. The rototiller's tines and carburetor can become wobbly and flooded, respectively. You can repair these common rototill problems regardless of your familiarity with Yard Machine troubleshooting techniques.
Water runs downward, so a home’s main drain line is usually below grade. When connecting an appliance, such as a washing machine, to the drain system, follow general plumbing standards to ensure that the water drains effectively. The main drainpipe is usually found along the interior of a basement wall or crawlspace wall, but it might be in a different spot. Before connecting to the drainpipe, turn off the water supply and instruct family members not to flush a commode.
If you hear squeaking, scraping or rumbling when you try to run your Kenmore HE3 washer, you might have a bearing problem. The bearings help rotate the tub smoothly and become worn over the course of your washer’s life. The replacement bearings come pre-assembled in the factory in either the front or rear variety. The process can vary depending on which HE3 washer you have, but it usually requires dissembling the unit.
The lower seal, or boot, on a washing machine may eventually crack or split over time due to damage. If the seal is leaking or the washer door does not close fully, the seal may need to be replaced. While this is a task that should be performed by a professional washing machine technician if you are not familiar with washer repair appliance, some homeowners are able to complete the job. If you are confident in your ability to change the seal safely and correctly, replacement seals can often be purchased from the washer manufacturer or appliance stores.
Washing machines have numerous inlet and outlet valves that must be in working order to avoid leaks. When an injector nozzle begins leaking, the problem can be tricky to identify, especially since the nozzle is comprised of so many parts.
If your Bosch washing machine isn’t turning properly, it won’t do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Over time, the bearings that help rotate your tub smoothly can wear down and cause the tub to shake and wobble. It also causes loud noises as the tub turns, making it inconvenient to use the machine. You can change out the bearings yourself by dissembling the unit and accessing the tub, which may vary depending on your washer model.
Many homeowners opt to save water by draining some of the waste water from their home into a sump. A sump is essentially a rock-filled basin that is used to dispose of grey water -- waste water that doesn't emanate from potentially health-hazardous sources, such as toilets. When combining washing machine water with water softener used to treat hard water in a sump, however, there are a few things to keep in mind.
An eccentric is any revolving object that is not perfectly round or cylindrical. The best, and most common example of this concept is the common camshaft used in most car motors. When the camshaft rotates, eccentric lobes also rotate with the machine. If the balance of any of these eccentric lobes is off, the machine -- whatever it is -- will become unstable and break down due to excessive vibration. You can't balance any eccentric machine without a lathe that is wired to detect minute vibrations. When vibrations are detected, the eccentric is balanced by the lathe feature on the…
A top-load washing machine balance ring assists in balancing the inner tub during spin cycles. When the washing machine tub spins, the balance ring keeps it straight. Some washing machine models are designed with a liquid-filled balance ring, because the liquid flows allowing for better centering of the inner tub.
A sink water pump for a basement washing machine is typically used to help drain the appliance at the end of a wash cycle, particularly if the washing machine is below the level of the drain. The pump may also be used to recycle gray water for the second wash during a cycle, rather than filling the washing machine with fresh water twice during a cycle. Replacing a pump is a simpler task than installing a pump for the first time since many of the connections are already in place.
A front-load washer will make irritating squealing noises when its rear bearing fails. The sounds will be most evident during the agitation and spin cycles when both the bearing, and the washtub it supports, turn. While you might initially be able to ignore a bearing’s noises, over time the sounds will grow louder and more apparent until you’re forced to either lubricate the component or replace it to return peace to your home.
