Repair of the washing machine tank requires the use of special sealant, with the help of which collapsible parts are glued and the main components are waterproof.
Repair work involves disassembling the tank, its diagnostics, replacing consumables - hoses, bearings and gaskets, and collecting equipment, which requires certain knowledge, skills and tools, in connection with which many prefer to return failed equipment to specialized workshops.
What is sealant used for?
Bonding and sealing the tank of a washing machine (CMA) are considered to be forced, but necessary processes that many owners face. Models of the brands Ariston, Indesit and some others are equipped with non-separable tanks, which are replaced completely in the event of a bearing failure. Such works cost large amounts, and therefore, not all owners of AGR agree to them. Masters can gently cut the drum, remove and replace the bearing, and then glue the halves. Sealant for washing machines is used to seal and glue the tank.
How to choose silicone?
The strength of the entire structure to a certain extent depends on the sealant, therefore, its choice must be approached seriously and responsibly. If the transparent silicone does not catch and the machine begins to leak, you will have to re-disassemble and glue the drum. Sealants vary in composition and method of use, which is why universal products are not always suitable for repairing washing machines. They differ in color. There are both transparent or white, and color, for example gray, sealants.
During operation, the SMA tank is exposed to various factors:
- In the modes of a set of water and an extraction of linen - vibration.
- Temperature differences.
- During the rotation of the drum, centrifugal force acts on its walls.
- Pressure drops during washing.
Sealant for washing machines should be flexible, resistant, not afraid of water and hold parts together. Many manufacturers of washing machines recommend purchasing silicones, which contain the minimum amount of harmful substances, since during washing, which can take several hours, it comes in contact with water and clothing, which can lead to allergic reactions to certain components in the glue. In most cases, transparent silicones or universal sealants are used to repair the SMA tank, which retain elasticity for a long time and are suitable for various surfaces. The key to high-quality waterproofing is the elasticity of adhesives.
To repair the tank of the washing machine, you can use different - both transparent and colored sealants. About some of them - further.
Dow corning 7091
Universal silicone-based compound that can be used on all types of surfaces. After the Dow Corning 7091 has solidified, a viscous gasket forms that protects the parts from water.
Permatex
Sealant Permatex 81730 is considered automotive and is used for headlights and glass, however, it can also be used for waterproofing the tank of a washing machine. It can be operated in extreme conditions. Created on the basis of polyurethane, which provides greater durability.
Kraftool
A distinctive feature of Kraftool sealant is its resistance to high temperatures, resistance. Specialists in the repair of washing machines choose this tool for gluing the drum and tank, since it eliminates leaks and perfectly fixes the details.
"Moment"
Many craftsmen use Moment sealants for aquariums. They are characterized by elasticity, withstand the effects of not only ordinary, but also sea water, provide almost perfect sealing. Sealants "Moment" tolerate prolonged vibration exposure and are created on a silicone basis.
Glue f
Polyurethane adhesive of high strength, providing a stable connection. The only drawback of this gray sealant is the high price - in comparison with ordinary silicones it costs two to three times more expensive, about 700-800 rubles.
ABRO 11AB-R
Ultra-resistant silicone grout, can be used in harsh conditions. Withstands high temperatures, chemically aggressive substances, including acids.
What parts often break in the tank?
In most cases, the following parts fail in the washing machine:
- Bearing. The operation of the entire mechanism to a large extent depends on this particular part. The cost of the bearing is small, but to replace it requires complete disassembly of the washing machine, which can lead to damage to the pin, shaft and other elements.
- Shaft. May become deformed during disassembly of the washing machine and replacement of bearings.
- Drain valve. It may become unusable due to blockage, which requires regular cleaning.
- The walls of the tank. May be damaged by centrifugal force, in contact with the drum or in the event of defects in shock absorbers and bearings.
Repair of non-separable tanks
Work associated with non-separable tanks of washing machines is always more time-consuming, since they require cutting equipment, eliminating leaks and gluing halves. Since most manufacturers equip SMA with non-separable tanks, their repair is one of the popular and complex procedures that are carried out in several stages.
- Removing the front panel of the washing machine. Most often, it is attached using latches or bolts, which greatly facilitates dismantling. After the front panel, the top cover is removed.
- Dismantling the bottom panel, drum door and sealing lips. Bottom and top behind the protective panels are the bolts that secure the front wall. For its easy removal, it is enough to unscrew all the bolts, which is carried out with a conventional screwdriver or wrench.
- Access to the drum opens after dismantling the front wall, so it remains to disassemble and replace the damaged part. Leakage is determined by signs of corrosion, moisture or rust.
- The monolithic tank of the washing machine cannot be disassembled, therefore, to fix the damage, it is carefully cut with a grinder or manually.
- The drum is held in place by means of springs, shock absorbing equipment and holding it in one place. They are attached to the drum and the body at eight points and are removed using a screwdriver or wrench.
- The disassembled drum is simply removed from the housing and inserted back after repair.
- To replace the bearings, the wheel located at the base of the drum is disassembled, the screw holding all the parts together is knocked out, and the plastic is removed. The bearings themselves are removed quite easily, but require the application of a certain force, since they are installed tightly. In place of the old bearings, new ones are installed.
- After replacing parts, basic damage is eliminated and the entire structure is assembled. For gluing the drum and the tank, sealants for washing machines, a clamp and bolts are used, which provide additional fixation of parts.
Features of non-separable tanks and repair nuances
In non-separable washing machine tanks, the drum is hidden in a plastic case, which greatly complicates its dismantling. To disassemble it, you will need to remove the drum along with the plastic case and carefully cut the tank into two parts, while separating the front part. With a competent cut of metal and plastic, the master should have a plastic ring with a cuff made of rubber and sealing the door of the machine. The cuff itself in non-separable tanks does not detach, therefore, to replace it, the rubber is neatly cut and glued.
It is advisable to cover new bearings installed in the machine with silicone grout - it will protect the metal from moisture, and the equipment itself - from leaks. A new oil seal is installed above the bearings, on the inside of which a special lubricant is applied. The axis on which the drum rotates, many experts advise changing or cleaning from rust and plaque, lubricating with machine oil or a composition sold in specialized stores.
The collection of equipment is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Most of the washing machines have a similar design, which greatly facilitates the process of their repair and allows you to carry it out at home without going to specialized workshops. Non-separable tanks, which are sawn to replace parts, must be glued together with sealant for washing machines during assembly. For precise fixing of the halves, it is advisable to carefully drill several small holes in the metal and plastic into the tank and cut it into which self-tapping screws can be inserted during assembly: they will help not only to fasten the parts, but also to more accurately and tightly connect them to each other.
Sealants for washing machines provide excellent sealing, which is why they can be used to process other parts of the equipment. The tool is applied to both parts of the part, and in case of serious damage - over the seams. Despite the fact that the joints formed by sealants are characterized by high strength, it is not always possible to eliminate damage only by them. In some cases, resort to the use of nozzles and flexible hoses, which are attached with glue and silicone grout, and not nuts. Sealants are also used to process the connections of the body and hose and other parts, provided that there is a possibility of leakage in a particular place.
It takes 2-4 hours for the sealant to solidify completely, however the exact time is usually indicated on the packaging of the composition. Masters advise to leave details for a day before proceeding with the collection of the washing machine.
High-quality grouts retain their properties for a long time, so glued damage may not let you know for a long time.
Special sealants for washing machines are used not only by masters involved in the repair of household appliances, but also by ordinary owners of SMA, who can independently disassemble the drum, repair damage, replace components and seal the main components and parts. At home, you can repair even non-separable tanks. Moreover, when using high-quality grouts and silicones, it will not be inferior to that performed in the workshop in the duration of the device after the procedure and the absence of third-party problems, leaks and damage.