Maytag LA108 Siphoning Noise

[danemodsandy]

YIKES!

My Maytag LA108 washer is making a suctioning noise at the standpipe that is driving me nuts. The standpipe is the 36" height recommended by Maytag- and no, I do not have the drain hose taped into the standpipe. The washer itself does not appear to be siphoning. But the noise is really, really annoying, and if there's a cure for it, I'd be grateful to know what it is.

Thanks in advance!

 

[pulsator]

The reason you're hearing this noise is that when the machine is agitating, the pump is moving in reverse trying to suck water bcak into the machine via the drain hose. When the machines spins, the motor reverses and the pump then goes forward forcing the water in the machine out through the drain hose into the standpipe. I personally like this noise so I've never tried to make it stop, but I imagine if you tie a sock or small rag around the top of the standpipe it will at least make the noise quite a bit quieter.

 

[danemodsandy]

Hey, Pulsator!

Glad to see you're still a washer fan.

Are you telling me that this noise is just because of the way Maytags are designed? If that's the case- and if it's not hurting anything- I guess I can learn to live with it.

 

[pulsator]

lol, of course I'm still a washer fan! Yes, this is just how Maytags were desgined!

 

[danemodsandy]

Thanks, Pulsator!

By the way, are you Head Engineer at Whirlpool yet?

I'm betting that's how you'll end up!

 

[gansky1]

You can install a siphon break kit in the drain hose. It has a small rubber valve that allows the machine to pull in air through the hose, rather than through the drain. They are really useful for when you need to drain the washer into a floor-drain, but will quiet the hose in the standpipe as well. There are lots of them on ebay.

 

[maytagbear]

However...

If I didn't hear that air rushing--first with my A208, and now with my Dependable Care, I wouldn't think I had a Maytag Automatic!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[danemodsandy]

Greg:

Thanks! I may just give that a try. I'm a writer, and the laundry is right beside the office. Quiet helps.

 

[mixfinder]

Whoosh

I found it helped to place the soap into the washbasket first. As it fills, some of the soap gets in the pump and mutes it's sound. Packing a little fill around the drain to mute the noise helps as well. Also setting it to drain and let a cup of water go out and then turn it back to wash will "prime" the pump and ease it's discomfort.
Kelly

 

[danemodsandy]

Kelly:

No WONDER you never saw Granny Clampett use her Maytags on "The Beverly Hillbillies"! It was quieter just to get out the washpot and the lye soap, LOL.

Seriously, thanks for the tip.