New washer installation and use

[browncow]

I've got a new washer on the way this week (yay).

It's not a fancy front loader, nor a classic new old machine, just a modest Whirlpool DD that should suffice for now.

I just had a few questions for the washerati, since it's been a long time since I've bought a washer.

1) I know that the standard bundled hoses won't be long enough to reach the washer location, and are probably mediocre quality anyway. Any recommendations on what to buy? Braided? Floodchek? It's for a garage location, not a MUD, so a burst hose wouldn't be a catastrophe. Right now, the plain rubber hoses with the elbow fitting look best to me.

2) My old washer had a removable lint filter to be emptied after each load. I don't see one on the new DD, nor does the (crappy) manual mention one. Is this feature a relic of the past?

3) The corkscrew agitator seems to have a reputation for being a bit rough. People have mentioned replacing it with the simpler straight vane agitator from the base models. Is this to address the roughness issue?

4) I'm of the "if you want something done right, DIY" school, so my plan now is just to have them drop the washer off, remove the box and check for shipping damage. I can hook it up and level it myself. Good or bad idea?

5) For the initial wash, dive right in with a normal load, or is there a preferred method of christening a new washer?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[rp2813]

Lint Filters

I think most machines these days have "self cleaning" lint filters. My Duet has no visible filter and makes no mention of one in the literature that I can recall. The Amana TL it replaced had no visible filter either. I have a wire mesh "sock" on the end of the drain hose which empties into a laundry sink, and it is definitely catching/accumulating lint from the Duet just like it did from the Amana.

I needed longer supply hoses for the Duet because due to the washer door not being reversible, I had to switch positions of the washer and dryer. Rubber hoses have never been a problem or failed me, but the clerk at Lowe's showed me the braided ones and I decided to go for them. I guess you'd need to ask me 10 years from now if I'd recommend them because the rubber hoses that were on my old Amana washer were problem-free for about that long. Braided could just be a gimmick so if there's a big price difference I don't see any problem with your use of rubber hoses.

I was glad the delivery guy knew what he was doing when he hooked up my Duet. I'd say use your own judgement. You'll be able to figure out if the delivery guy is capable after exchanging just a few words with him, I'm sure.

 

[partscounterman]

Don't forget to pull the yellow shipping strap out the back to release the suspension, or the first spin dry will be one you NEVER forget!

 

[volvoguy87]

New washer procedure.

A lint filter you must clean is indeed a relic of the past. Sadly I have yet to see a "self cleaning" lint filter that is worth much of anything.

Braided hoses may prevent a catastrophe in the future. If you plan on replacing your hoses every decade or so, rubber hoses shouldn't be a problem. I have never used floodchek hoses, but if they can self-seal or somehow stop the flow of water if they break, that may come in handy. Hoses are easy to change anyway, so you can change later if you wish.

Unless you know what you are doing, I would say have them install the new machine out of convenience. Watch them like a hawk during the install and as soon as they leave you can make any necessary "adjustments." Also, having them do the install may lend credit to any sort of warranty issues in the future.

You could do a rinse and spin without any clothing in the washer to make sure everything works. After that wash as you see fit. Whenever I have a maiden load, I do a load of whites with powdered original Tide and powdered Biz. If your machine has the option of a hot or warm rinse you can always try a load with Fels Naptha and some bleach. I'll bet the designers at Whirlpool never thought of that combination ever going into your machine!

Good luck,
Dave

 

[browncow]

So, it took two attempts, but my new washer is in place and churning away right now.

I let the deliverymen set up the first machine, which was wise; not like I had the option anyway as they insisted to protect themselves. As with many things today, speed seemed to be of more important to them than anything else. They unloaded and quickly tore through the various steps, which seemed OK, until the washer was in place and hooked up. Then the scratches front and center on the cabinet presented themselves.

"That'll buff right out, or you can touch it up." Me: no, if I wanted scratch and dent, I would have bought one. Call store, wait for manager, told to refuse delivery, and by the time the phone was hung up, it had already been packed back up, and the truck was leaving rubber marks on the street.

The second machine arrived today, and I warned them I'd need to check it out before they got too crazy. Thankfully, this one is fine, except for minor dent in the rear edge. I let them do their thing, which didn't include leveling, and then set it up properly myself after they left.

I guess Whirlpool must not handle these things with the greatest of care, since the dent is in an area protected by the packaging. They also must leave them outside at some point before boxing, because there were also some leaves and remnants of some buds on the top lid and in the tub. The scratches on the first machine look like they occurred before the paint dried. I just hope that level of QC doesn't extend to the functional parts of the machine.

I've done a couple loads thus far; it seems to function fine. The only odd thing is a noise is at the end of the cycle when the tub is stopped; the brake gives a squawk like when something heavy like a semi creeps as it release its brakes. I'm hoping it's just a matter of break-in and not something defective.

 

[frigilux]

Glad your WP is in place and working, despite the brake squawk. Oh, and 'how now'.