A broken handle on a washing machine is a fairly common problem faced by users of these units. But don't despair. There are tricks that help you open the loading hatch and remove loaded laundry from the drum. By following simple recommendations, users will be able to cope with a malfunction of a washing unit of any brand.
Washing machine breakdown
Typical situation
Usually, the handle on the washing machine breaks when the wash is finished. The user, trying to remove laundry from the drum, opens the hatch, but the handle breaks. At this point, the user is at fault. After completing the washing process, do not immediately open the door. The machine takes some time to turn off all mechanisms.
The door will remain locked until the unit has completely finished operating. If you pull the door at this time, it may break.
Manual method of opening a locked hatch
You are lucky if your washing machine model is equipped with an emergency opening cable. You just need to pull it without unnecessary effort and the locked hatch will open. The emergency rope is a bright, usually yellow color. The emergency opening cable is located at the bottom of the washing machine in the area of the drain filter.
To open washing machines without such convenience, you can use a strong fishing line or synthetic rope. The main thing is to know which direction the locking hook is directed: inward or outward. Using fishing line or synthetic rope, you should try to press the latch towards the opening (example in the video).
Author of the translation: Elremont
Supporting measures
So, a problem happened: the door handle of the washing equipment broke. What to do in this situation? To eliminate such problems, it is recommended to study the instructions for the Bosch, Indesit unit in advance. Many models are equipped with an emergency hatch opening system. Finding this system is not difficult. There is a lever or cable in the pump area under the bottom cover. To unlock a jammed door, you need to slightly pull the cable towards you.
The door handle of the washing appliance is broken
If this Bosh model is not equipped with a special lever, you need to get to the locking mechanism yourself. First you need to dismantle the top panel of the unit. And then reach with your hand the closing mechanism of the loading hatch. If you fail to do this, it is better to contact a specialist.
LG F-10B8ND
If the washing machine hatch handle is partially broken, but part of it remains in place, you can try to open the lock using pliers. However, you should act carefully so as not to completely break the plastic element.
Another option is to open the hatch using a rope. We pass a strong rope into the gap between the body of the washing unit and the door, in the part where the lock is located. Then you just need to pull the rope, trying to open the lock. If everything is done correctly, the door will open easily and quickly.
Lock
How to open a door with a rope
If a situation arises with a locked hatch (the door does not open when turning the machine on and off), you can solve the problem yourself. To do this you will need a thin and strong rope of sufficient length. It should exceed the circumference of the hatch rim by 20-30 cm. The method is designed to pry up the latch when locking.
What should be done:
- disconnect the washing machine from the power supply;
- choose a strong rope of the required length and thickness;
- take a rubber spatula or a small flat screwdriver with a flat tip (you can use other similar means at hand);
- push the rope into the gap between the hatch and the machine body using a spatula or screwdriver;
- the rope must be pushed in the middle into the gap on top of the hatch;
- take the rope by both ends, guide it so that it wraps around the latch;
- Pull both ends firmly in the direction of opening the door;
- the rope must be kept as close to the body of the device as possible (almost parallel);
- When the latch is properly grasped, a small amount of force should be sufficient to open the door.
Changing the handle
To open the unit if the washing machine door handle is broken, it is recommended to use one of the above methods. However, after an emergency opening, you will have to replace the broken part. To purchase a new part, you need to tell the seller the make and model of the device in a spare parts store. The fact is that each manufacturer Bosch, Indesit or any other creates handles and locks for their models according to individual sketches. Therefore, the handle from a Bosh machine may not fit the Indesit unit.
Replacing a car lock
The washing machine door is broken
The door and locking device form the hatch of the washing machine.
Locking the washing machine door ensures safety during operation. After the device has finished operating, the door can be opened manually by waiting 1-4 minutes. But sometimes the light indicator indicates that the wash is complete, the lock unlock time has expired, and the door cannot be opened. What to do in such a situation?
You need to remove the plug from the socket, then assess the situation. You should not open the washing machine hatch by force - this will lead to damage, not repair.
Causes
If there is a lot of water in the drum, the main problem concerns the drainage, and the door does not allow the floor to flood, causing inconvenience to the owner.
If the water has left the tank and the clothes have been washed, wait about half an hour, then turn on the machine again and check the condition of the door. Perhaps the reason for the door not moving is a faulty board (control module). In this case, the mechanism does not receive a signal to unlock it. Also, the board may not receive a signal to block the hatch. This happens if the contact traces burn out or the software crashes. Voltage surges can cause the control module to malfunction.
Article on the topic: How to fix a washing machine at home Indesit
You can try setting the washing program again. At the same time, the device will check the closure of the hatch by unlocking and re-locking the door. You need to have time to open the hatch during this period before starting the wash. A characteristic click indicates that the door is locked or unlocked.
If the door does not open, the handle may be broken. In this case, it will hang strangely. This problem especially often arises when the handle is handled carelessly in machines from Korean manufacturers.
Solutions
If the drain does not work after turning off the washing machine, you can drain the water manually. To do this, you need to get a special hose, open the lid at the bottom, near the drain plug, and drain the water.
But first, try turning on the machine again and running the drain program without spinning. If the water drains, the door will open immediately.
It is much more difficult to open a jammed lock. To unlock the door of a top-loading machine, you need to remove the top cover and unscrew the heating element. After this, you will be able to unlock the drum and open the lock.
To replace the hatch handle, you need to remove the washing machine door.
If the door handle is broken, you can open the washing machine in several ways:
- operate the lever near the drain plug;
- using a rope;
- if part of the handle remains in place, you can carefully grab it with pliers;
- remove the cover and manually open the lock from the inside.
Average repair cost
The cost of repairing a washing machine depends on the degree of complexity. If you need to install new sunroof glass, you will be charged approximately 1,200 rubles for this work. For replacing a machine hatch, a master, as a rule, charges from 1,200 rubles, for replacing a hatch hinge - from 1,500 rubles, and for replacing a locking device or hatch cuff - from 1,900 rubles. Replacing a handle will cost an average of 2,000 rubles. Replacing rubber on the hatch will cost 3,500 rubles. These prices usually do not include the cost of replacement parts. The technician will tell you the exact cost of repairs after diagnosing the device.
Article on the topic: How to remove the Toyota Corolla air conditioning compressor pulley
Master's help
Most often, failure to comply with the operating rules of the machine leads to breakdown. But unprofessional repairs complicate the situation even more. Don't rely on your ingenuity. A washing machine is a complex household appliance that requires experience to repair.
Our workshop repairs washing machines of all brands. Call the operator, tell the brand, model of the machine, and a repair time convenient for you.
The technician will quickly arrive and replace it using original spare parts. The technician's visit and diagnostics are free of charge. The quality of the repair is confirmed by a guarantee.
Replacement instructions
Having purchased a suitable handle, you should begin replacing the broken part with a new one. First of all, we dismantle the door. This stage does not cause difficulties, since it only requires removing the fasteners with a screwdriver. Then we place the door on the floor and unscrew all the bolts connecting the two halves of the element in a circle. At this stage it is recommended to photograph how the glass and hook are positioned. This is necessary so that when assembling the hatch, all parts are installed correctly.
Call the master
After unscrewing all the bolts, carefully separate the door into two halves. We find the handle fastener, which is a metal rod. It must be removed, removing the spring, hook and handle along the way. Then we install a new handle and reassemble the structure in the reverse order. Working step by step, any home craftsman can easily repair a broken loading hatch handle on an Indesit or Bosch washing machine.
How to wash things correctly
Ways to open the hatch
Don’t be surprised, but in order to open the door of a washing machine whose handle has broken, it is not necessary to pick at it with a screwdriver, use an awl, or carry out other “brutal manipulations.” It is enough to resort to one of the available and simple methods, which we will soon talk about, and open the ill-fated hatch in a minute. Let's list these methods.
Article on the topic: How to remove the inlet hose attached to the washing machine
- If you have a fishing line or thin nylon rope on hand, you can use it to open the washing machine hatch. We take a flat-head screwdriver and thread the rope into the gap between the body and the hatch. We take the ends of the rope and drag it under the hatch. Then we pull the ends of the rope with noticeable force - the door will open.
- Pick up the instructions that came with your front-loading washing machine model. Some washing machine models have a special emergency hatch opening lever. Usually this element is located near the garbage filter. If you have one, the problem can be solved simply: pull the lever and the washing machine door will open.
- If you don’t have a rope at hand, and there is no emergency lever that would allow you to open the hatch on your model of washing machine, you can open the hatch through the top cover of the washing machine. Let's unplug the washing machine. Remove the top cover of the washer. At the front of the case there is a gap between the front wall and the top counterweight. We put our hand in there and try to get the hatch closing mechanism. In principle, it is very simple to open the hatch of a washing machine in this way, with the proper skill.
If some part of the handle mechanism remains intact and sticks out, you can try to pick up this part with pliers and carefully open the door.
Removing the damaged part
If we managed to safely open the hatch of a front-loading washing machine, this does not completely solve the problem, because the handle is broken and needs to be repaired. There is no point in repairing an old handle, and most often it is impossible, so the only solution is to replace the broken part.
Article on the topic: Which 4k TV to choose lg or samsung
First, let's remove the damaged handle by performing a series of simple manipulations. Take a screwdriver, open the washing machine hatch wide open and unscrew the two screws that hold the hatch in place. We lay the hatch on the floor with its front side down and unscrew all the screws located around this part. Take a photo of the sunroof glass along with the hook to remember the location of these parts. If you don't do this, problems will arise later.
We disassemble the hatch into two parts and remove the glass to the side. We photograph the inside of the hatch so as not to remember the location of the mechanism parts. We remove the pin, spring and hook of the damaged handle and put them aside. Dismantling the damaged handle can be considered complete.
In order for the metal pin to come out, you will have to push it out with something sharp and hard. A nail or awl will do. If the pin comes out hard, spray it with WD-40.
The handle of the washing machine broke. What to do?
Breakdowns of modern washing machines happen very rarely, but as usual they happen at the most inopportune moment. Many washing machine malfunctions have a common symptom - the door in the washing machine does not open. In some cases, to restore the washer’s functionality, it is enough to clean the sewer or drain filter, and sometimes only service center specialists can repair the breakdown.
This article will discuss the reasons why the washing machine door is blocked, and the basic methods of how to open an Indesit, Candy, Ariston or another manufacturer's washing machine without resorting to brute force. If you overdo it when opening the door, an unpleasant situation may arise when the handle of the washing machine breaks. And this is in addition to the main breakdown.
Structurally, the hatch locking unit is an electromagnetic lock, which is opened by applying voltage from the control board. Therefore, two groups of breakdowns are possible: when there is no “command” from the control controller or one of the elements of the hatch locking mechanism fails. A fairly common cause of breakdown is when the handle on the washing machine breaks.
The main reasons why the washing machine door does not open
In cases where the washer stops during the washing program, be sure to write down the error code. After this, check the sewer and drain hose for blockages, as well as the presence of electricity. If everything is fine there, you need to try to solve the problem by restarting the washer.
Article on the topic: How to remove the impeller from a vacuum cleaner motor without a nut
Perhaps due to voltage fluctuations in the network or internal failures in the controller’s firmware, the machine froze. To do this, you need to turn off the power to the machine for a few minutes and start it again. If it does not enter “mode”, try turning on another program, for example “Rinse” or “Spin”. The machine should rinse (squeeze) the items, drain the water and unlock the drum door. If this does not happen, then a serious breakdown has occurred in the machine and you need to figure out how to open an indesit, Samsung or other model washing machine.
In addition, the reason that the drum hatch cannot be opened may be a failed pump or a malfunction of the water level sensor, as well as mechanical damage to the closing mechanism or electromagnetic opening unit. Also, a similar situation may arise due to the fact that the washing machine door is broken.
How to open a locked washing machine
So, the washing machine stopped and no methods helped to restart the program in the traditional way. First of all, try to decipher the error code displayed on the display. Sometimes it can be used to determine the correct direction of action aimed at solving the problem of how to open the door of an LG, Bosch, Samsung or other brand of a locked washing machine.
Before opening the washing machine door, you must turn off the power to the washing machine, turn off the water supply tap and drain the water from the tank (if it has not drained automatically). To drain the water, you can use any of three methods:
- through the emergency drain tube;
- through the drain filter;
- through the drain hose.
Article on the topic: How to seal a plastic tank of a washing machine
Now you can start opening the hatch door. There are several ways to open a locked washing machine door:
- Cable for emergency unlocking of the hatch lock. It can be found in the compartment behind the small access door to the drain filter. The cable is usually colored bright orange or red.
- By partially disassembling the washing machine. To do this, remove the top cover and move the tank back a little. A hand is inserted into the resulting gap and the lock is released.
- Using a thin, strong cord or fishing line. To do this, the cord is inserted into the gap between the front wall of the washing machine and the door and gently pulled. In most cases the lock can be easily undone.
Now you can remove things from the drum and fix the main damage.
What to do if the washing machine door is broken
Often the root cause of door failure is a broken plastic handle. After all, effort is always applied to it every time you wash it, and in cases where you try to open the washing machine when the lock is locked, these efforts are doubled.
We have already looked at the basic methods of how to open a washing machine if the handle is broken or the door is locked. Now you need to remove the handle and replace it with a new one, since it is not rational to repair plastic parts. Glued or welded plastic will not last long.
First of all, you need to remove the door from the machine body. To do this, simply unscrew the screws securing the hinges holding the hatch. We remove the part and place it on a flat surface with the bolts facing up. We unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the door and, carefully opening the plastic latches, separate the halves from each other using a thin flat screwdriver.
Article on the topic: How to install a washing machine under the sink
Having remembered the relative position of all the parts (you can also use a mobile phone camera for this), remove the glass. Now that we have access to the handle mount, we pull out the metal rod, remove the damaged plastic handle and remove the latch hook and miniature spring of the locking mechanism from their places. Having attached the new handle in its place, we assemble the door.
You have already seen that when the handle on a washing machine breaks, the most difficult task will not be replacing the plastic handle, but how to open the machine. But if you follow the recommendations outlined above, it will not be difficult. But if you are not sure that you can perform all the operations yourself, it is more profitable to turn to professionals. This will not only speed up repairs, but will also save you from having to look for a handle for the door, because the parts for different models of washing machines are different and not interchangeable.
And finally, one more piece of advice - when operating the washing machine, never apply excessive force to the hatch door, and before opening the washing machine, make sure that the washing process is completed, the water has been drained, and the lock is unlocked (you can hear a characteristic click).
Options for solving the problem
The solution to a locked door problem is to open it in the first place.
This can be done with:
opening a washing machine with a rope
- Emergency door opening. To do this, you need to open the bottom panel, which is located in the drain filter area, find the lever or cable and pull one of them until the handle unlocks and opens. This method is one of the correct ones from a technical approach. After all, such emergency unlocking and opening is provided by the manufacturer itself in case of an emergency;
- Ropes. Here you will need a thin and strong rope, which is inserted between the body and the door. To make it easier to insert the rope, you need to use a flat screwdriver to carefully create a gap between the lid and the base. Next, the rope is firmly taken by the two ends from below and above and pulled from the body of the washing machine. At this moment, the lock is also pulled back and the door opens;
- Manual unlocking. This can and should be done if it was not possible to find the lever by removing the bottom panel. Now you need to remove the top cover of the washing machine and try to reach the lock, which closes the door. It takes skill;
- Tools. You can try to pull the door with pliers, holding them on a piece of the handle and pulling it towards you.
Don’t forget that if the washing machine is still under warranty, you have every right to demand repairs from the sellers. In addition, the washing machine is in direct contact with water and electricity, so before using one of the above methods, care should be taken to shut off the flow of water and disconnect it from the electrical network.
Article on the topic: Is it possible to wash slippers in a washing machine?
Causes of failure
The most common problem with a washing machine is problems with the handle.
Among the reasons for the breakdown are the following:
- The electronic module has failed;
- The handle is worn out, damaged or blocked, resulting in a malfunction.
If the door is locked and does not open due to the electronic control module, then the problem can be quickly solved by rebooting the device. It means turning off the machine, waiting for 10 seconds, and then turning on again. If this does not help, you should run a short wash, spin or rinse program, and then after it finishes and the beep sounds, try opening the washing machine again.
Often, owners themselves break washing machines because they did not wait for the sound signal after washing or even tried to open them during washing. It is strictly impossible to do either the first or the second. The door still won't open? This means that the reason is not in the control module and now you will need auxiliary tools to open it.
How to replace the sunroof locking device
Such a unit cannot be repaired. If the locking system is broken, it must be replaced. Once the new part has been purchased, you can begin installing it.
- Connect the wires to a working blocker.
- Place it behind the wall of the case, inserting it into the hole for the lock.
- Tighten the fastening bolts, there are only 2 of them.
- Straighten the cuff and put on the collar.
It is easy to check and replace the UBL if necessary. The main thing: when buying a part, do not make a mistake. It is advisable to use the help of the seller.
Rice. 6 — Hatch locking device
How to change?
A broken handle prevents you from using the washing machine normally. In order for the door to open, the broken part must be removed and a new one installed in its place. You will need a set of screwdrivers for this work.
Removing the part from the washer door
Before you begin to remove the handle that has become unusable, you must turn off the electricity and water supply. Algorithm for further actions:
Remove the hatch door. To do this, you need to open it and unscrew a couple of screws from the inside that hold it on its hinges.- Place the removed door on a horizontal plane with the convex part of the glass facing up.
- Unscrew the bolts that connect both parts of the hatch.
- Using a screwdriver (or a dull knife) release the latches that hold the plastic halves together. They run along the entire circumference.
- Unfasten the plastic from the hatch.
- Remove the sunroof glass.
- Use a screwdriver to push the pin that holds the mechanism in place.
- Disassemble the remaining handle fastening elements.
After some of the plastic and glass of the door are removed, you need to photograph the internal structure on both sides. This is necessary in order not to make mistakes during the assembly process and installation of the new handle.
Installation
After disassembling and removing the old handle, you can proceed to carefully installing the new part. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. If you have doubts about the correctness of your actions, you should check previously taken photographs, clarifying the position of all structural parts.
Procedure:
- install the spring;
- install the lock;
- insert the pin so that it is inserted only partially to begin with - into one ear of the spring;
- put the fixing element on the handle;
- push the pin all the way;
- check the correct installation using photographs before disassembling the hatch;
- place the door glass under the handle;
- Place the previously removed plastic part of the door on the glass;
- snap the latches;
- screw in the screws to secure the two parts of the door;
- test the operation of the spring mechanism by pressing the handle;
- put the door.
After installing the new handle, you must test run the washing machine without laundry to ensure the quality of the installation.
The process of replacing the hatch handle is in the video:
Plastic support malfunction
To repair the part you will need:
- nail with a diameter of 4 mm;
- pliers;
- vice;
- drill;
- drill.
Eliminating defects in the support will require extreme precision, skill and dexterity.
- Remove and disassemble the door.
- Pull out the support.
- Secure the broken part using a vice.
- Drill a 3.8mm hole in the support.
- Cut the nail to the desired length and, holding it with pliers, heat it to a temperature of approximately 180 degrees. Then insert it into the prepared hole.
- When the new “part” has cooled, reassemble the door and install it in its original place.
The plastic support is not easy to repair. Without the proper experience, it is dangerous to undertake the repair of this part, so it is best to use the services of a specialist.
Rice. 8 - Result of using a faulty plastic support
Where to go for help
Opening the washing machine yourself if the handle is broken can lead to even bigger problems. Careless or sudden actions can seriously damage this household appliance, and instead of replacing only one handle, you will also have to repair the door.
It is recommended to contact a special service center to troubleshoot problems with household appliances such as a washing machine. Specialists will not only carefully open the locked door, but will also supply you with a new handle. An example is Gost Service in Samara, details on the website gostservissam.ru. After a high-quality repair, you will be able to use your washing machine for a very long time.
Calling a specialist: where to find and how much will it cost?
If you don’t have the time or opportunity to replace the handle yourself, it is recommended to call a professional. You can find a company that specializes in repairing household appliances on the Internet.
It is better to give preference to those companies that have been operating in the market for a long time and value the opinions of customers. This approach to choosing a specialist will help you avoid falling for scammers.
The average cost of work may vary by city and region. The price for the part is not included in the repair price and must be paid separately .
Sometimes it happens that replacing one part does not end the repair. If, along the way, faults are discovered in the device that require elimination, the cost of repairs increases.
In the capital, the average cost of minor repairs is:
- replacement of the hatch handle – from 1,300 rubles;
- door hinge replacement – from 1,200 rubles;
- replacement of sunroof glass – from 1,300 rubles;
- replacement of the entire hatch – from 1,200 rubles;
- opening a hatch without repairs – from 1,000 rubles.
After troubleshooting, the technician provides a guarantee for the work performed.