Our washer dryer (Hoover WDM 120) stopped draining. Following previous
postings here, I checked the filter and pipes for blockages.
Eventually I removed the pump (well, I think it is the pump - a small
motor on the back of the filter chamber. The paddles seem very small
though).

There is nothing obviously wrong with the pump, but when I connected
it to the mains (I was very careful it didn't do anything, not so
much as a buzz or click. As there are only 2 connectors, I presume it
should start to work when power is applied?

So, do you think a new pump will fix it? There is nothing else
obviously wrong, the drum spins (after manually draining it) etc. I am
just worried that the pump might have burnt out part of the controller
when it failed.

The machine is a little over 2 years old, but it has been used pretty
heavily. It could last a good while longer or the bearings might go
next week. I am willing to take a gamble if it is just the pump, but
if it is likely to be anything more serious I will probably have to
cut my losses.

As you might have gathered, I am not too experienced at fixing these
things. I've owned a number over the years, but they always seem to
fail catastrophically so I've never attempted to fix one before.

Cheers

Dom

"Dominic" wrote in message
om...

So, do you think a new pump will fix it? There is nothing else
obviously wrong, the drum spins (after manually draining it) etc. I am
just worried that the pump might have burnt out part of the controller
when it failed.

You could try *CAREFULLY!* measuring the voltage on the pump when the washer
is about to drain and see if there is a voltage applied here - if there is,
it would indicate the controller is working

a better test would be to connect a similar load to the wires that go to the
pump (after disconnecting the pump) (a light bulb for example) and see if it
lights when the washer thinks it is draining!

Sparks...

"Dominic" wrote in message
om...
So, do you think a new pump will fix it? There is nothing else
obviously wrong, the drum spins (after manually draining it) etc. I am
just worried that the pump might have burnt out part of the controller
when it failed.

The machine is a little over 2 years old, but it has been used pretty
heavily. It could last a good while longer or the bearings might go
next week. I am willing to take a gamble if it is just the pump, but
if it is likely to be anything more serious I will probably have to
cut my losses.

As you might have gathered, I am not too experienced at fixing these
things. I've owned a number over the years, but they always seem to
fail catastrophically so I've never attempted to fix one before.

common failure - new pump £10-15
should fix it

"Dominic" wrote in message
om...
Our washer dryer (Hoover WDM 120) stopped draining. Following previous
postings here, I checked the filter and pipes for blockages.
Eventually I removed the pump (well, I think it is the pump - a small
motor on the back of the filter chamber. The paddles seem very small
though).

There is nothing obviously wrong with the pump, but when I connected
it to the mains (I was very careful it didn't do anything, not so
much as a buzz or click. As there are only 2 connectors, I presume it
should start to work when power is applied?

Yep.



So, do you think a new pump will fix it? There is nothing else
obviously wrong, the drum spins (after manually draining it) etc. I am
just worried that the pump might have burnt out part of the controller
when it failed.

Possible, but in my experience unlikely. Look for soot marks or scorching
near the electronics/electrics boards.


The machine is a little over 2 years old, but it has been used pretty
heavily.

Quantify "heavily"?
Two years is brand new in my experience - some machines
last for ten or fifteen years or so (depending on load of course).

It could last a good while longer or the bearings might go
next week.

Ach, you are just being pessimistic! :-)

I am willing to take a gamble if it is just the pump, but
if it is likely to be anything more serious I will probably have to
cut my losses.




As you might have gathered, I am not too experienced at fixing these
things. I've owned a number over the years, but they always seem to
fail catastrophically so I've never attempted to fix one before.

There's a "Haynes" manual on washing machines that is probably sitting in
your
local library just now crying for you to borrow it...


Methinks the pump should show some resistance if you stick a multimeter
across
the two terminals (not connected to the machine of course).

You can then turn the multimeter to Voltage range and check that the
(presumed)
spade connectors on the machine do rise to 240 volts AC when the machine
gets to
its rinse cycle. Careful with the mains potential of course.

If it is the pump, just take it along to your local washing-machine-repair
shop and
part with ten or twenty quid for a new one.

HTH

Mungo

"Dominic" wrote in message
om...
Our washer dryer (Hoover WDM 120) stopped draining.
The machine is a little over 2 years old, but it has been used pretty

You may well have a rights to take it back to the shop you bought it from!

(Even if it is out of warranty)

Take a gander at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

If you were using it for commercial puropses, then this is a different case,
but for domestic use (however high) you ma well be able to get it fixed free
of charge

-------
The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) says that goods should be:
of a Satisfactory Quality, i.e. of a standard that a reasonable person would
consider to be satisfactory - generally free from fault or defect, as well
as being fit for their usual purpose, of a reasonable appearance and finish,
safe and durable;
------
It broke pretty quickly, so I would say the item was not durable
------
fit for the purpose - As well as being fit for the purpose for which they
are generally sold, goods should also be fit for any specific or particular
purpose made known at the time of the agreement;
------
Well I guess you were using it for cleaning and drying fabrics, if so, it
has failed to cope
(If you were trying to use it as a cement mixer, then this will be
different!!
------

when you buy goods from a shop, you enter into a contract under the Sale of
Goods Act 1979 (as amended). This holds the shop liable for up to SIX YEARS
after purchase (Limitation Act 1980), providing that you can show that the
problem is down to an unreasonable fault and not normal wear and tear.
Secondly, remember that the guarantee is in addition to these statutory
legal rights. Don't be taken in by the shop's argument here - they are using
the issue of the guarantee as a red herring to try to avoid their legal
obligations toward you. See our leaflet 'Buying Goods' for more information
on your rights.

"Sparks" wrote in message ...
"Dominic" wrote in message
om...
Our washer dryer (Hoover WDM 120) stopped draining.
The machine is a little over 2 years old, but it has been used pretty

You may well have a rights to take it back to the shop you bought it from!

(Even if it is out of warranty)

I absolutely agree, in fact this is a bit of a bee in my bonnet!
Unfortunately the sale of goods act seems practically useless when it
comes most household appliances. The problem is that the retailer can
just refuse to do anything and it is then up to you to take them to
court. Sure it is "easy" (everyone says) but it takes a while.

As I see it this leaves you with several options:

1) Do without your washing machine until the court case. Could take
months. Not an option!
2) Buy a new appliance but force the retailer to fix the old one, then
keep it in the garage for years as a spare. This hurts you a lot more
than it hurts them, because you shelled out for a new machine.
3) Fix it at your own expense.
4) Scrap it and take the loss. Life is short, after all.

In my case I think option 3, paying 20 quid for a new pump, was the
best thing to do. You have to choose your battles.

BTW, I fitted the new pump and it works! A minor achievement, but I
haven't felt this smug since I grew my own radishes

Dom