Bosch WFK2801 – outlet blocked?

[planetf1]

Hi,
I have a ~8 year old Bosch front-loading washing machine, model
WFK2801. It’s been working fine until this weekend when I (stupidly)
put 3 small squares (perhaps 30×30 cm) or carpet in.

During the low temp (30 C) wash lots of fluff/fibre came out of the
carpet. After completing the cycle I picked up the pieces of yarn
inside. I also cleaned the small amount out of the drain filter.

Today the wash stopped with error 3 – blocked outlet. I restarted
manually, and it drained, just a bit slowly. I did a 90 C wash with
some soda crystals (done many times before) to soften up any gunk/
limescale, and after this I again checked the filter, and also took
the opportunity to clean out the “trap” between the pump and rear of
machine – A piece that is often limescaled up.

It wasn;t too bad. The drain hose looked ok at the sink end, and no
blockage in the sink. I did not however remove/clean..

Just done another wash and the machine is really struggling to drain –
basically it won’t!
– I;m pretty sure the pump is operating
– it starts emptying slowly (higher pressure in drum?) and then slows
to a crawl
– Some water comes out of the front/emergenvy drain hose connected to
pump, but not a huge amount
– When the pump operates water stops coming out of the short/front
emergency hose
– When the machine is powered off a glassful or so rapidly comes out
this same hose then slows to a trickle
– If the screw-cap over the pump/filter is removed water comes out
slower than expected?

Tomorrow I plan to (obviously) remove/clean the hose from machine rear
to drain.
I think I also need to check the one between the “trap” and the pump –
hope it’s not too hard, not done that one before

What else could it be/should I check? How easy is it to get to the
pump to clean? Should I detach the pipe from the drum? Is it hard to
get to/reattach? Is best way to remove all the pipes from the pump+ drain from drum to remove front panel? Is that fairly obvious to do?

Many thanks for the advice. Just preparing for a “session” tonight 🙁

Nigel.
(feeling a bit stupid right now……)

[Phidom]

Re: Bosch WFK2801 – outlet blocked?

Are you sure the blockage is in the machine and not the house plumbing? I would try having it draining into a bucket and see if it empties quicker.

[planetf1]

Re: Bosch WFK2801 – outlet blocked?

The hose attaches to the sink plumbing. The sink drains extremely rapidly, so at worst the host from machine to sink could be blocked.

I couldn’t check that last night — plan to tonight. Was just prepping for different eventualities.

My gut feel is it’s internal, since attempting to drain from the pump area (via the access/hose at the front results in a surprisingly slow outflow of water).

Could be pressure but I doubt it..

Thanks for the reply
— Nigel.

[planetf1]

Re: Bosch WFK2801 – outlet blocked?

Did the deed (mostly) last night. Recommendation was access via front panel. access was pretty easy and one pipe was virtually blocked solid in limescale (+fluff and 5p coin!). Apart from one screw which needed penetrating oil to soak!

All done apart from the outer door seal to attach which needs a second pair of hands – and will prob be somewhat tricky.. think bicycle tyre. And of course testing …..

Other than 2 pairs of hands and soap, any recommendations for remounting the outer seal? The clip is actually just a solid wire (think coat hanger) attached with a very tight spring. It seems the best bet is to slide on with clip mounted, starting at the spring side, but it still seems very tricky

[Author]

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