Blocked Smeg Washing Machine

pennypincher3562

Hi

I've blocked my Smeg washing machine, after doing something stupid. I put an item in the washing machine, that shouldn't have been washed, it disintegrated, and the fibres have blocked it.

I'm getting an error code 06 - cannot drain.

Is there anyway I can sort this myself, or is it a plumber job?]

Thanks
PennyPincher3562

rev229

Can you drain it manually by opening the removable filter? Should be at front to machine.

pennypincher3562

Thanks Rev229

I've removed the trapped water from inside the machine (using a sponge mop), and am currently trying to locate the filter.

I've seen a plumber go through the whole process (though I can't remember each step.) Would like to attempt it myself to save 100 quid!

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

rev229

The filter will be at the front of the machine usually behind a removable white plinth. It will have large plastic type screws which will unlock with a coin or knife. The filter is usually black. You will need a something to collect the water there will be lots! You should be able to put your fingers in and remove bits. Unplug the machine first. You can probably source a manual online.

pennypincher3562

Here is a photo of the machine. I can recall the last time the plumber was out, he pulled a pipe out the front of the machine, and drained it (1st step.) CORRECTION - the first step is to manually drain the bowl, then drain the excess water using the 'overflow pipe.'

I'm having trouble locating the filter or the pipe that the plumber drained. You can see I've removed a plate at the bottom right of the machine - I can only feel wires inside that hole - no drainage pipe.

Does anyone know where the filter and drainage pipe are located on a typical Smeg washing machine?

Thanks
PennyPincher3562

pennypincher3562

Thanks Rev229

Just read your last message - our messages crossed in the 'ether.' I think you are correct, I should source a manual first.

Do you think it's adequate to just turn the power switch off, rather than unplug the machine?

I don't think the plumber who lasted sorted the machine for the same problem unplugged it (just turned off) as its a lot of hassle to get the thing totally away from the wall.

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

rev229

Looks like an integrated machine you will need to remove the plinth under the kitchen units first.

pennypincher3562

Thanks a lot Rev229, I've removed the wooden plinth.

So far I've

1) Manually drained the bowl.
2) Drained the overflow pipe thing (in photo.)

Next step to open the filter, which I believe is to the left hand side in photo. At present machine is not unplugged, just turned off (and of course I realise this is my responsibility.)

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

rev229

Switching off is fine, I can't unplug my machine as it is wired into the wall and the switch elsewhere! Just be careful when you open the folder as there may be more water.

pennypincher3562

I've opened the plastic capped outlet to the left - I imagine this is the pump filter? Not surprisingly it was full of '!!!!.'

More water came out of it when I opened it - thought not enough to do damage, so it was good I initially a) manually drained the bowl. and b) drained the excess water pipe thing.

I'm no plumber obviously, so please don't take anything I've done here as advice. There is supposedly a danger of boiling water coming out the 'excess water pipe' so at end of day you need to use common sense.

I'm going to now clean up the mess, and put the thing on a 'test spin.' If not fixed, after my amateur plumbing exercise, will need to look at the piping under the sink, tomorrow.

Many Thanks to Rev229!

rev229

I'm no plumber either, but been through lots of washing machines in my time, including a smeg! You may need to do it all again as it may take a while for the bits to filter through. I would also check the waste pipe attached to the waste under the sink to see if that is blocked. Great way to spend boxing night!