Epic/Duet/Kenmore HE water level increase: Thoughts?

[dnastrau]

Greetings:

I am contemplating increasing the water level on our 2007 Maytag Epic 9700 (Duet clone.) I have never felt that the machine uses enough water on the normal cycles. Has anyone tried this before? I am interested in the results that you had - good or bad.

I found a link that shows how to do this modification. As long as you mark the position of the adjusting screw it is completely reversible. Two turns clockwise is supposed to do it...

Andrew S.

Mike's Duet

mikes-duet.blogspot.com

 

[laundromat]

It worked for me on my GE (made by Electrolux)and the KitchenAid Ensemble set i had.Can't do it on the LG

 

[funguy10]

I don't know. The machine, being a front-loader does not need much wter and soap to clean. The cleaning action, I think, is done by the laundry being smacked against the tub mostly.

 

[mrboilwash]

I have once increased the water level of an AEG dishwasher, because it sucked in air while washing, making a hell of a noise.
The preassure swich had 2 screws, one for the water volume and the other one for "sensivity" ( to determine the amount of water that needs to be absorbed by the dishes to activate a possible second fill). That was the tricky part.
Wasn`t an easy job because I had no idea which way to turn the srews, just went the try and error routine.
If you mark the start position and make notes of every turn, there shouldn`t go too much wrong.

 

[dnastrau]

I'll try it since it is totally reversible

Based on the instructions given from that link in my original post I am going to try it. I'll report back with results.

 

[dnastrau]

Modification made

I experimented with the water level adjustment today and 1.5 turns clockwise from the factory setting seems to be good. During a normal test wash load the water comes up just above the lower lip of the door seal just touching the bottom of the glass when the drum is at rest. During the rinse the level is a bit higher than that covering about 2/3 of the bottom (horizontal)part of the door. It does not cover any of the vertical part of the door glass.

Beforehand the water level in the drum could not be seen at all, and the new level does not seem to be high enough to interfere with the mechanical action of the clothes slapping against the drum or each other. I know that this mechanical action is how front loaders clean in lieu of having an agitator.

I tried the 2 turns clockwise from factory setting as used by the person in the link that I posted; I felt that it was just too much water. When I tried it the water level was about 2 inches up on the vertical part of the door glass. The delicate cycle raised it even higher. It looked a bit scary to me so I ended up backing the setting off to 1.5 turns. A leaky door gasket or a water logged tub bearing was not something that I wanted to cause.

Andrew S.

 

[simpsomatic]

More Water

I need to raise the water level in a new Frigidaire Infinity. Everything comes out smelling of mold. At the moment I have remedied the situation by adding water through the detergent draw until it reaches the rubber seal at the bottom of the glass. Hauling the jugs of water is getting a little tiring, where is the water level adjustment in this machine? I can't wait to get at it.....

 

[simpsomatic]

More water

I have a Frigidaire Affinity. Fills with barely enough water to wet the clothes. They also come out stinking of mold, especially the towels. At the moment I have remedied the situation by adding water through the detergent dispenser. Lugging the jugs of water is getting tiresome. How can I raise the water level? Where is the adjustment in this machine if it has one? Help.....

 

[ronhic]

Kill the mould

Guys...

Try doing a maintenance wash

Longest and hottest cycle with a cup of bleach directly into the drawer as the machine is filling.

...additionally, you may not need to use as much detergent or conditioner. Try reducing the detergent by at least 1/4 to 1/3 and the conditioner by 2/3....watering it down so it disperses.

or, try a reduced detergent and 1/4 cup of cheap white vinegar instead of conditioner. It really does work...it will also help prevent any smell in the machine and is worth trying.

 

[spiceman1957]

Re: More Water

I have a Kenmore HE and find I have the same problem as well especially on the Normal cycle. If I have a small loads of shirts, etc, I use the delicate which allows the load to be wash in plenty of water. I never knew you could do this with these machines. I am not mechanical minded by any means so I was thinking if I called a tech to come to my home to do this. I know this is silly, but is there any law on the books that states you can't do this?

 

[rayjay]

LG water adjustment

I have an LG washer, I am wondering if there is a way to do this on my machine?

Thanks in advance for any help or insight that anyone might have.

Ray