Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Broken drain knob on washing machine - a solution
Our Bosch washing machine occasionally fails with an "F04" code, which relates to a blockage on the pump impeller. There is a nice big access knob that gives access to the impeller - but the flanges for you to hold are very thin, and of brittle plastic. After a couple of attempts with the extra help of a Mole wrench, I ended up with flanges too weak to turn with a wrench, and a plug too stiff to turn by hand.
The solution? Buy a tub of Polymorph plastic granules - melt an egg-sized lump of the material (it's a plastic that melts in hot water) and force it on top of whatever remains of the filter/impeller access knob, forming a ridge on the top to give you a comfortable grip. Let it cool down and then turn. You can even re-use the Polymorph for another project if you are sure you won't need to remove the drain knob again.
The solution? Buy a tub of Polymorph plastic granules - melt an egg-sized lump of the material (it's a plastic that melts in hot water) and force it on top of whatever remains of the filter/impeller access knob, forming a ridge on the top to give you a comfortable grip. Let it cool down and then turn. You can even re-use the Polymorph for another project if you are sure you won't need to remove the drain knob again.
# posted by John Geddes @ 8:36 am 
