How to check your washing machine or washer dryer filter for blockage

Before checking your washing machine or washer dryer filter for blockage, always makes sure the machine is isolated from power to avoid risk of harm.

1. Locate the filter cap, on most washing machines this is located at the bottom on the front kf the machine to the left or right behind a flap. If yours is not obvious please consult the user manual for your machine or seek professional help.

2. Once located place a large beach towel or tray (a baking tray usually works) under the filter to catch water.

3. The filter is a screw mechanism and rotates anti clockwise to undo. Slowly turn it anti clockwise. Be prepared for water to leak out as it is below the water level of the drum.

4. Once you are happy that all water has been expelled from the filter then you can keep turning it and pull it with slight force to remove it. If you are in a hard water area it can get limescaled up so it may need a wiggle to remove.

5. Any debris found in the filter needs to be removed but also check the filter housing itself for anymore debris.

6. Reinsert the filter to its housing (some filters have locating tabs that need to line up for it to be reinserted, now do it up by turning it clockwise, be sure not to cross thread it otherwise it will leak.

WARNING : when trying to remove the filter if it becomes stiff or will not easily pull out please seek professional help as there is possible a large blockage which will require disassembly of the pump.

If you are continuing to have issues with your Washing Machine/Washer Dryer, then please be sure to contact Imperial Appliances Repairs to organise an appointment with our qualified engineers. Some repairs need to be carried out by a trained professional, so if you are about to attempt a repair yourself, please be extremely careful and only do so if you are qualified.