How to open the drum of a top-loading washing machine yourself

The drum of a top-loading washing machine contains two metal doors. They are the ones that most often cause the drum to jam. This happens when the doors are opened during the wash cycle. Next, we’ll try to figure out how to open the drum of the machine yourself.

The main cause of the malfunction

The drum of washing equipment with vertical loading of laundry most often jams due to the fact that the flaps open during the washing process. The drum of such an automatic washing machine contains two metal doors. They must be closed before washing using a special latch.

Over time, this latch can become loose and wear out. As a result, during the washing process, the latch breaks, the metal flap opens, after which the machine drum jams.

Also, the doors sometimes open on working automatic washing machines. This occurs as a result of a mistake by the owner of the equipment. This can happen if you manually rotate the drum while the metal drum doors are open.

If you open the metal flaps and then turn the washing machine drum so that its flaps fall outside the barrier, then you will not be able to turn the washer drum back and open the flaps.

This can happen if the drum is filled with laundry and the flap accidentally gets stuck between the parts of the latch. As a result, the lock of the metal flaps will not be able to close, the metal flaps will open during the washing process and a malfunction will occur.

The problem with the latch may be due to a manufacturing defect. Therefore, when purchasing washing equipment with vertical loading of laundry, you should pay attention to the serviceability of the door latch.

What happens if the metal flaps of the machine drum sink?

It may seem like there is nothing serious here. However, this problem can cause serious damage to your washing equipment.

When the drum flaps are opened at high speeds, they will break everything they catch.

The following parts may fail:

tank walls. As a result, the washing machine begins to leak;
the metal doors of the drum are damaged;
The heating element breaks and bends.

In some cases, when the doors are opened during the spinning process, all three breakdowns described above occur. This will result in the need for very expensive repairs. You may even have to replace your washing equipment.

Repair without disassembling the washing machine

The drum door may open during the washing process or when spinning the laundry. At the same time, its edges break through the protective barrier, after which they rotate in a circle. As a result, the walls of the tank rupture, and the heating element also fails.

This will continue until the electronics forcefully completes the washing process, or the owner disconnects the machine from the power supply after hearing a strong grinding noise.

After this, you need to try to set the drum to its initial position.

There may be difficulties in performing this procedure. When the drum is rotated, the lid will open and catch on the walls of the machine’s tank.

Do not pull the drum too hard. If you rotate the drum carefully, the tank may remain intact. Otherwise, it will definitely be damaged.

In such a situation, it is best to disassemble the machine. After this, get to the metal flaps of the washer drum from the inside and close them. After this, the drum should be returned to its working position.

Disassembling a machine is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. However, in this case you are guaranteed to fix the problem.

If the drum flap jams, you must first try to close it without disassembling the washing equipment.

To do this you need to do the following:

Prepare a thin, elastic and strong steel wire so that it easily fits into the drum hole.
Bend one end of the wire into a hook with pliers.
Insert the end of the wire on which the hook was made into the hole.
You must try to hook the sash and close it. Then you can turn the drum.

The drums of some top-loading machines have a small hole. Then it will be difficult to complete this work. If the machine is not under warranty, you can slightly enlarge one of the holes and then perform the steps described above through it.

If you cannot hook the metal door with wire, you will need to disassemble the machine.

Device repair with disassembly

Many craftsmen are skeptical about the method of closing the drum flap described above. They believe that if the drum jams due to the flap, you should immediately disassemble the machine.

They are partly right, but for a person who does not have experience in disassembling washing equipment, such work may be too difficult.

Next, the general procedure for performing the work will be described, since there are a lot of washing machines with vertical loading of laundry.

You need to do the following:

Carefully inspect the drum. It is necessary to find out the position in which it is jammed. If the sash opens at the bottom and the machine drum jams in this state, then you need to get to the desired element through the bottom of the machine.
Disconnect the machine from the power supply and other communications (water supply, sewerage).
Place the washer on its side.
Remove the pallet. This work must be done carefully so as not to damage the wires.
Inspect the inside of the washing machine. Find the small balancing weight and unscrew it.
There will be a small hole behind the weight. You need to close the sash through it.
A jammed drum door can also be accessed by removing the side wall.

After removing the wall, you need to pull out the heating element. As a result, a hole is formed through which the shutters can be installed in their initial position.

When closing the flaps, difficulties may arise if they are bent when the drum jams. In such a situation, you can call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself.

So, after eliminating the malfunction of the washing machine drum, you do not need to immediately start the washing process.

You need to check the condition of the valves. They should not be deformed.You also need to check the heating element and tank for damage.