Just found a post on Reddit about a Whirlpool washer EXPLODING

[combo52]

Front load washers self-destructing post number 19

Hi Robert, that’s amazing but when you look at the condition of that wash basket in that black compact front loader, I think that machine probably self-destructed because it was tired of the abuse. That thing has the most disgusting buildup of sludge that I think I’ve ever seen.

Small cheap compact machines that spin it over 1400. RPMs are probably more likely to just simply self distract when the tub seems etc. fail.

I’ve yet to see a full size US front loader do this although I’m sure it’s theoretically possible, I’m sure a Speed Queen front loader would never do this if you saw the way they’re built Plus they have stainless steel outer tubs that would contain most of the destruction.

John L

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi John, oh yes it happens and even to Whirlpool FLs. And unlike the Unimatic you describe (and yes I'm still waiting to see that video ) these machines didn't have 60 years of rust and corrosion before it happened...

 

[me]

There was a bout of instances in the UK of Indesit & Hotpoint machines rapidly self disassembling themselves, reported about on BBC's Watchdog, some years ago, which lead to a product recall of some models. The drum was apparently unwrapping itself at the seam on spin, I'd guess they'd found a cheaper way to join it. Can't remember if anyone was injured, but a fair few fitted kitchens were decimated.

Old thread about it here https://automaticwasher.org/threads/indesit-on-watchdog-again.43226/

Archived BBC article https://web.archive.org/web/2013010...mes/b006mg74/features/indesit-washing-machine

More recently there's been incidents of the door glass "exploding" https://www.which.co.uk/news/articl...chines-uncovered-by-which-440091-a3Bk71i8UrIz

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Out of balance switches are simple devices and cheap yet a lot of manufactures refuse to install them. Never understood that (coming from 40 years of Maytag use).

Yes, I would like to think an out of balance switch would hold the washer still enough that it would merely smolder, instead of explode...



-- Dave

 

[phillymatt53]

Yes, I would like to think an out of balance switch would hold the washer still enough that it would merely smolder, instead of explode...



-- Dave

In all the years, my old TL Maytag never shook crazy.
Even on substantially off-balance loads you could barely feel vibration of the cabinet.

 

[agiflow]

Gee, I don't seem to have come across many if any at all.Front loaders that have been

The old venerable belt drive has a hanging suspension but with the 500 to 515 RPM spin. Not much to worry the metal outer tub and the heavily built cabinet if it goes kablooey.

 

[combo52]

I was working for a customer yesterday who has a three year-old pair of LG front load washer and dryer in their basement. The guy was very disappointed with the washer. He said he did a load in it when it was just out of warranty. He came downstairs and got cuts on his feet because he was in bare feet, but the glass door had exploded across the floor of the basement.

They did get LG to replace the door, but nobody had any explanation for why the glass broke.

Kind of makes the whirlpool plastic doors look a little bit better I think.

John L

 

[phillymatt53]

I was working for a customer yesterday who has a three year-old pair of LG front load washer and dryer in their basement. The guy was very disappointed with the washer. He said he did a load in it when it was just out of warranty. He came downstairs and got cuts on his feet because he was in bare feet, but the glass door had exploded across the floor of the basement.

They did get LG to replace the door, but nobody had any explanation for why the glass broke.

Kind of makes the whirlpool plastic doors look a little bit better I think.

John L

I would think that a Smart Idea would be to design those things with a thick Lucite or Plexi window.

 

[johnb300m]

I was working for a customer yesterday who has a three year-old pair of LG front load washer and dryer in their basement. The guy was very disappointed with the washer. He said he did a load in it when it was just out of warranty. He came downstairs and got cuts on his feet because he was in bare feet, but the glass door had exploded across the floor of the basement.

They did get LG to replace the door, but nobody had any explanation for why the glass broke.

Kind of makes the whirlpool plastic doors look a little bit better I think.

John L

I would imagine there was a severe out of balance event where the basket struck the glass very hard, and then aborted before the rest of the washer exploded.

These exploding washers do seem bad, and shocking, but I also think it's important to take into consideration, that each brand is pumping out at least a million of these units a year, from all their different plants.
And what we're seeing are a handful of pictures and videos out of many millions.
I get it, to those individual owners, it's horriffic and dangerous. And because it's so rare, the companies should absolutely take total care of the customers in those cases.
That's the real tragedy I see. The companies scoff off the issue, even when it's found to not be user error.