Leaky Miele 1918

[sudsmaster]

I went to the Miele 1918a in the workshop this afternoon, in order to wash a throw rug with a deteriorating rubber backing. I scrapped and beat off as much of the rubber backing as I could, loaded it into the Miele, started a quick cold cycle.

After minute of cold fill I decided it would be a good idea to check the lint filter at the bottom front of the machine. With some difficulty I unscrewed that and then something interesting started to happen. The little drain tube connected to the filter door started to pour out cold water. WTF?

I got a pan to collect the water, go the filter all the way out, it looked OK ( I guess, not sure how much filtering it could ever do). Meanwhile I had to empty the pan. Screwed the filter back in (with difficulty, had to use pliers to grab it). And started the machine up again. Sure enough, water came pouring out of the drain tube again. Even with the filter door closed, it kept coming.

So I'm wondering, of course, why is it draining like that? Even with the door closed? Is there some sort of valve in there that keeps it from draining when the door is closed? If so, where is it? Right now I cannot use the machine because of this leaking.

I have a manual for it somewhere but it might be quicker to get some expert advice here.

Thanks in advance.

 

[sudsmaster]

Update

OK, found the 1900x user manual. As well as the tech manual.

I also got out some silicone compound lubricant (GS Electronics). I put a small amount of this on the plastic threads of the filter insert. Cleaned the water and what little debris was in the filter holding cavity. This time the filter screwed in much easier than before, without requiring near as much force. Yay.

Closed door, did a water fill, still leaking from the drain hose. Checked the filter insert. I was about to turn it in about 1/4 turn more. After that, no more leaking. Yay.

So... the Miele 1918a seems to be back in business. Which is good since I like to use it for whites.

Running a brief cold wash on the throw rug. Just checked, no more leaking. After that, I'll be putting the rug in a dryer to try to shake off as much rubber backing debris as possible. The dryer filter should collect any debris without clogging the drains.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention WHY I chose to use the Miele to do a quick wash on this little (2'x 4') rug. It's because the Maytag Neptune in the main house has a somewhat awkward lint filter. Basically none whatsoever. It has what Maytag euphemistically calls a "self cleaning lint filter". The problem with that, is after it cleans itself, it dumps the lint down the drain. And the problem with that is the weird drain system in the main house tends to trap such rubber debris in a particular spot, eventually calling a drain clog for which I've had to crawl under the house to clean out. F*ck that sh*t. Given the routing of the main house laundry closet plumbing, not much I can do about that. At least the Miele(s) in the workshop drain into a utility sink which has a lint screen tower to prevent such clogging. Long story there. Ask me.

Someday I should have a wash in here, LOL.

 

[sudsmaster]

Well, I had to go back out to the workshop and restart the Miele. forcing it to drain and spin. Once I got all that done I took the drain filter apart and saw a new problem - enough latex rubber backing material had clogged the filter so the machine stopped draining. Oops.

OK, I can see nobody cares about this Miele vs. throw rug problem, but just let me explain my recent revelation. Since Miele is a relatively expensive washer, and throw rugs are relatively cheap, it might make more sense just to purchase new throw rugs and not subject the Miele and the plumbing to shredded latest rubber bits.

I do have an old GE Filter Flow washer that *might* be able to handle the latex bits, collecting them in the filter pan that sits on top or the agitator. But I expect there will still be latex chunks in the tub that might not be so compliant.

I might wind up researching chemicals to dissolve the latex backing but leave the synthetic weave of the rugs intact. Yes, I have more such rugs. The key may be to find a chemical that separates the latex from the rugs, but doesn't solubilize it so it coats the synthetic fibers.

We'll just have to see.

Stay tuned.

 

[foraloysius]

Those rubber backings are a nightmare when they start falling apart. Best is to get rid of the rugs and buy ones without rubber backin. A separate rubber anti slip under layer will help keeping them in place. You can then wash the rugs as often as you want. The rubber layers can be hand washed now and then. Never put rubber in a dryer!

 

[gizmo]

I agree with Louis. Those rubber backed mats are the work of the devil. Never wash them is a washing machine.

 

[ozzie908]

Its one of those instances a lot of us have encountered

I too have Miele washer and also blasted rubber backed mats that are no longer in use in the house after said blockage of the filter on the washer after cleaning it out I got new mats...

OP I believe on certain models of Miele washers as you undo the filter it reveals a hole that will allow you to drain the sump in to a pan. you could do it up at any time to stop the flow to enable you to empty the pan. I found that out the hard way and flooded the floor as could not do it up again due to an obstruction stopping the filter it turned out to be a paper clip !!

Austin

 

[jamiel]

yeah, only take those types to the laundromat.

 

[sudsmaster]

I like the laundromat suggestion.

However it could result in getting kicked out of same.

 

[launderess]

Many laundromats have signs posted warning:

No Rugs

No Bath Mats

Of course people do disregard such warnings and bung them in anyway. But if there is any sort of damage to textile, they're on their own. OTOH if machine is messed up somehow they risk being given the stink eye at best, or banned in future at worst.

This being said one reason really, really, really hate going to laundromats is tendency for persons to take things they cannot (or will not ) do at home.

Everything from loads of filthy diapers to pet bedding.

 

[rp2813]

Rich, that type of rug is one of the main reasons I found myself the '87 Maytag 712.  I didn't want to ruin our Frigidaire Affinity with the rubber debris.  There's no easy filter access on those machines either.

 

Same goes for the Neptune FL machine that's been my daily driver for the past 3.5 years.  No rubber backed rugs go into it ever.  The 712 does all of the laundry I don't want to abuse the Neptune with, and I always use slow agitation with fast spin for rugs.  The fitted sheet I stuff the comforter in when the cat sleeps on the bed (which is only when my buddy spends the night) also goes into the 712.  I fill it up to just below the second lowest slot in the agitator and that's high enough for the lint filter to capture wads of cat fur.

 

Even though I don't put the above items through the Neptune, I've been in the habit of using one of those metal or plastic mesh lint catcher "socks" on the end of the drain hose of any washer I've owned that had a self-cleaning filter.  I learned this way back when my mom's '74 Kenmore with self-cleaning filter clogged up the sewer line out by the street.  Lint was distributed all around the lid to the clean-out in the lawn.  She started using those sock type catchers on the drain hose and never had another problem.  They're well worth the few bucks for a package containing two of them.

 

[launderess]

Not sure about newer models of Miele washers, but my W1070 has a little drain tube with a stopper. You unplug stopper, lower hose into a pan or basin and water from sump drains. When it stops, plug up hose, put back, then can open filter without worry. Well not totally as usually some trace amount of water will flow down.

This hose is also used for instances where one has to drain machine manually. Say a power cut, pump has died.... Though you'll need a pretty large basin, and certainly will need to stop, dump water, start again, and maybe repeat. My Miele uses about five gallons (more or less) for washing in Normal Cottons/Linens, and about twice as much for rinses. That is a lot of water to drain out.