How does aquastop work in a washing machine?

The principle of operation of the aquastop is quite simple - thanks to special sensors, all leaks, breakthroughs or overflows are recorded, and the protection of the washing machine is activated. An automatic machine can be protected from water leaks completely or partially - different models have their own “chips”. Let's figure out how the AquaStop system functions and how important it is.

Aquastop with partial protection

When studying the characteristics of different models of automatic machines, you may come across the expression “partial protection against leaks.” What does this term mean? What does the manufacturer want to say by this?

In machines that are partially protected from leaks, there is a bottom tray with a special sensor that will detect overflow.

The bottom of the machine can be plastic or metal. It is available on washing machines with both partial and absolute protection against emergency leaks. Inside the pan there is a small, lightweight float and a sensor with an electric switch.

When the tank, pipes, dispenser or hoses of the washing machine begin to leak, the tray fills with water. The float gradually rises, activating the electrical switch. The sensor is triggered, transmits a signal to the control module and the “brain” stops the washing cycle. At the same time, the microprocessor starts draining - the pump begins pumping liquid out of the machine.

Modern washing machines equipped with a display notify you when the AquaStop system is activated by displaying the corresponding error code on the screen. In the event of such a malfunction, you will have to turn off the power to the machine, drain the water from the pan and begin diagnosing the equipment.Be sure to identify and eliminate the cause of the problem so that the situation does not happen again next time.

Machines with a tray are not always protected from leaks. Budget models may have a bottom, but without a float and sensor. In this case, the washer will not respond to the leak. A tray with a microswitch is just one of the measures that protect washing equipment from emergency leaks. An additional way to secure the machine is a special inlet hose. Let's figure out what its distinctive features are.

Protected hose design

In order to protect the automatic machine from leaks, a special inlet hose was invented. Its design is characterized by the presence of a mechanical valve. It is also able to withstand higher pressures - up to 70 bar.

If the basic configuration of your automatic machine includes a regular hose, it can be replaced with a hose with a protective flap.

When an automatic machine does not have a tray, but a special inlet hose is installed, it is also said that it is only partially protected from leaks. In this case, the system will react to external breakthroughs, while internal “accidents” will remain unattended.

There are two types of hoses in stores that differ in design. The principle of operation of the aquastop is as similar as possible, so which sleeve is preferred does not matter. These are the devices:

• with a cylindrical piston, absorbent and spring;
• with a displacer, an absorbent and a pair of magnets.

The inlet hose is “hidden” in a corrugation - a special plastic shell. At one end it is connected to the washing machine body, at the other there is a nut and a protective device for connecting the hose to the water supply outlet. How does the mechanism work?

A distinctive feature of the aquastop hose is the presence of a plunger with a spring and an absorbent substance. In the normal state, water calmly passes through the displacer, enters the hose, and then into the washing machine. When the pressure in the system is normal, the spring does not interfere with the water flow.

If, for example, the inlet hose breaks, then thanks to the protective corrugated plastic shell, the water will not rush out, but will remain inside and enter the protective device. The absorbent present in the block will swell and stretch the spring, weakening its pressure on the plunger. Thus, the balance in the system will be disrupted and the water supply will be cut off by the displacer.

After activating the protective system, the inspection eye on the inlet hose will turn red. The container in which the absorbent is located has this shade. Therefore, if the machine suddenly stops filling, pay attention to the corrugation. A bright dot will be a clue as to the reason for the equipment freezing.

To resume operation of the machine, you will have to install a new corrugation. The inlet hose cannot be used after the protection system has activated; it will need to be replaced. Finding and buying a device is not difficult - they are sold in household appliance supermarkets.

There are also hoses with a safety valve, the operation of which is controlled by two magnets. The principle of operation will be similar to a block with an absorbent substance and a spring. When there is a leak, the valve is lowered and the water supply to the equipment is stopped.

In this situation, the position of the plunger is controlled by two magnets located opposite. They “look” at each other with poles of the same name.When the system is in balance, the absorbent remains dry, the distance between the magnets is small, which provides sufficient force for their mutual repulsion.

If the hose breaks and water is poured into the protective block, the granules become soaked and the absorbent substance expands, thereby weakening the magnetic field. Therefore, the plunger blocks the water flow. This stops the supply of liquid to the automatic machine. There is one more difference. The nut of the “magnetic” hose has a ratcheting mechanism. This makes it possible to easily screw it onto the thread of the water outlet. To twist such a nut, you need to clamp and hold the pawl. If the absorbent gets wet even once, the hose is also beyond repair and will have to be replaced.

Inlet hose with solenoid valve

It is better to pay attention to modern automatic machines with the function of absolute protection against leaks. In these models, in addition to the pan with a float, there is a specific inlet hose. Then it is possible to protect the equipment from both external and internal breakthroughs.

In machines with absolute protection against leaks, a special inlet hose is provided by design and installed at the factory.

This high-pressure inlet hose is equipped with a block where one or a pair of solenoid valves are installed. They are connected in series in the circuit. The sleeve is also encased in a corrugated plastic shell. The ultra-modern hose contains the following elements:

• water flow limiter;
• coil (solenoid);
• core;
• thermoactive paste (compound);
• diaphragm;
• power cable;
• contact block.

A “box” with a protective “filling” is located at the end of the inlet hose that is connected to the water intake tap.The connection point is tightened with the provided nut. Electromagnetic devices inside the block are filled with compound. From the thermoactive polymer resin, the power cable runs along the entire hose; at its end there is a block with contacts that is connected to the electrical circuit of the automatic machine.

When the hose and machine body are protected

Let's figure out how absolute protection against leaks works. Washing begins as standard: the user loads the laundry into the drum, selects the desired program and starts the cycle. After pressing the “Start” button, voltage goes to the inlet solenoid valve of the machine and the inlet hose block.

The dampers open and water is poured into the washing machine. When the machine is filled to the required level, the control module will send a signal to the valves of the machine and the inlet hose, they will block the water flow. This situation occurs if the washing machine is operating in normal mode.

Let's say that the inlet hose is cracked and begins to leak. Then part of the water will go into the tank, and part will remain in the protective shell of the sleeve. Here the absorbent will get wet, and the water flow will be blocked by the damper. Also, liquid from the corrugation will begin to flow under the machine, into the pan. The float will rise, the washing machine will “freeze” and the corresponding fault code will be displayed on the display. On some models, the drain is automatically activated.

There is a situation where the tank cracks. In this case, it is impossible to immediately notice the leak. This way, water will flow out of the tank, and if the machine does not have a tray with a protective sensor, then flooding cannot be avoided. When a tray is provided, water will collect in it. The float will rise, the sensor will operate, and the control module will close the solenoid valves to stop the water flow.Due to the coordinated operation of all protective mechanisms, flooding can be prevented.

Machines with full protection against leaks still have a drawback. So, if the solenoid burns out or the diaphragm in the inlet hose block is damaged, the entire expensive hose will have to be replaced. However, these costs will definitely not be as high as the costs of repairing your own and your neighbor’s flooded apartment. The AquaStop function is a useful addition that is worth paying extra for.

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