How does a clothes washing machine work?

[911 Rod]

I admit I haven't used one in a long time.
My wife discovered that when she selects "hot" it pumps in cold water. Not until 1/2 way through the cycle it pumps some hot in.
I took the hose off and confirmed hot comes out.
I'm too old for this s#it so lets call in a tech. $100 later he confirms this and says new board and sensor, but isn't sure. $500
10 years old so we order a new machine at $1,500 (cdn)
New machine and it's the same!
How does a clothes washing machine work when you select hot?

[stevej37]

The water heater is a good distance from mine. The washer Wii fill slowly until the hot makes it
there.... Then its full blast.

[911 Rod]

Originally Posted by stevej37

The water heater is a good distance from mine. The washer Wii fill slowly until the hot makes it
there.... Then its full blast.

It doesn't even try to draw in hot water at the beginning. Tank is 5 ft. away.

[stevej37]

What happens if you shut off the cold supply?

[masraum]

Right, this is probably just like turning on hot water in various places around the house. You turn the hot water on and immediately feel the water, and that water is cold. Depending upon the size and layout of your house which determines the length of pipe between the water heater and whatever faucet you just turned on, the water in the pipes will be cold, and it'll take a bit for the hot to get from the water heater to the faucet.

I know that folks here have talked about recirculation systems that ensure that the pipes are always full of hot water. Then, there's insulation which might help. My guess is that if the missus runs the washer on a hot/hot or hot/warm cycle, the second cycle (rinse) will be hotter than the first since the water was run to fill the thing the first time.

You could probably fix the glitch by installing a small tankless water heater at the washer.

[911 Rod]

Thanks for the replies.
Does anyone now how a washing machine works?

[KFC911]

https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Laundry/Washers/Product_Info/Washer_Product_Assistance/Getting_Cold_Water_when_Warm_or_Hot_was_Selected

Machine is probably working as designed.... hope this helps.

[911 Rod]

Originally Posted by KC911

https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Laundry/Washers/Product_Info/Washer_Product_Assistance/Getting_Cold_Water_when_Warm_or_Hot_was_Selected

Machine is probably working as designed.... hope this helps.

Thank you!

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Thanks for the replies.
Does anyone now how a washing machine works?

You likely have two solenoid valves. One is hot, one is cold.

A 'hot' cycle should turn on only the hot solenoid.

A 'cold' cycle turns on only the cold solenoid.

A 'mixed' cycle turns on both.

It is very odd that you select 'hot' and get cold water.

Find the solenoid valves and see which is being turned on. You don't need a voltmeter, your can feel it or hear it click.

[KFC911]

I learned something new on that link I posted.... his machine is working as designed... whowudddathunkit

Yer welcome Rod!

[HobieMarty]

Sometimes the cold and hot hoses are not hooked up correctly so that is the first thing I would check, then as stated before there are solenoids that open or close depending on what water temp is selected.

How does a washing machine work? Clothes go in, water goes in, it agitates and spins the clothes in the water and detergent, drains, refills with clean water, agitates and spins and badda boom badda bing, clean clothes!!!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Rusty Heap]

Washing machines sometimes beatch and moan, give her a glass of wine helps.

[911 Rod]

I have trouble shot this myself to no end. Paid for a service call and talked to 2 plumbers.
Obviously none of them know how a washing machine works.
Thanks to KC's link, I think I may not be going insane.

[pwd72s]

Sensors....arrgh! Speed queen still makes top load machines with more simple controls. Thinking we'll go that way next time.

https://speedqueen.com/products/all-products/#top-load-washers

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Rusty Heap

Washing machines sometimes beatch and moan, give her a glass of wine helps.

No matter which buttons ya push you never know if she'll be hot or cold

[masraum]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Thanks for the replies.
Does anyone now how a washing machine works?

I feel like you're going to need to ask something more specific.

Because based on your question, the machines mixes water and soap and runs through various cycles.


Hot water is generally 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius) or above.

Warm water is generally between 90 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 43 degrees Celsius).

Cold water is generally between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius).

Most water heaters are set to 120-140º. So the washer will provide 100% hot water from the start if set to hot.

But if you turn the hot water on, and the water that comes out for the first 5-10 secs (or longer) because the water in the pipes is cold, then that's the water that you're going to get.

It's possible that some washing machines may heat the water, but I suspect those are rare, and probably only high end.

[masraum]

Here - https://www.explainthatstuff.com/washingmachine.html

[John Rogers]

The best washing machines I have ever seen or used were in Subic Bat PI, were the laundry people on shore used big galvanized wash tubs, throw in the clothes, add some Ivory Snow soap then fill with hot water. Once soap had dissolved, there would be a skinny little kid jump in the tub bare footed of course then dance around a while. Then rinse the US Navy white uniforms until no soap. Finally, a young woman would iron everything.

Only time I ever had the sweat stains come out of the collar of my whites or hash marks on my skivvies!
John

[KFC911]

Y'all need to read that link I posted

[KFC911]

Best washing machine ever made....

Mom