Washing machines have significantly changed the way most people do their laundry. It can help you clean a lot of clothes in less time than doing it manually.
High-efficiency washing machines feature a water level sensor that determines the amount of water required to wash a certain load. Though such machines are designed to conserve energy, the amount of water is often inadequate to deliver great washing results. If you have such a machine, you need to learn how to bypass the water level sensor. You can do this by adding more weight, using the bulky sheet settings, or adjusting the pressure switch. Find out more!
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How the water level sensor of a washing machine works
Washing machines have been evolving over the years. The most common models that are marketed today are high-efficiency washing machines. These high-tech washers are eco-friendly machines that minimize energy consumption. One of the features that such washing machines come with is a water level sensor. The special sensors in such machines are meant to regulate the water level during different cycles.
The water level sensor can detect your laundry’s weight using pressure switches found in the control panel. Pressure switches in this panel then control the level of water within the machine. Though such washing machines work well, they supply less water for washing clothes and rinsing.
If you use a high-efficiency washing machine to clean your clothes, some of the clothes may be poorly washed. Soiled or stained clothes may not be washed at all. You may find soap scum or residue on some of your clothes. Some may smell as if they were never washed, while some pieces may feel dry even after they have gone through the washer.
This can force you to repeatedly clean the clothes. Cleaning the clothes more than once contradicts the water efficiency design of this machine. Washing machine users have been looking for ways to bypass the water level sensor of washing machines. Doing this can help you increase the level of water within the tub.
These steps can help you bypass the water level sensor of a washing machine
Bypassing the water level sensor can help the machine have adequate water to clean all your clothes properly. You can achieve this through the following.
Adding more weight
You can easily trick the water level sensor by adding more weight to the machine. Since the sensor has to weigh the load to assess the amount of water needed for cleaning and rinsing, adding extra weight can easily trick this system. Consider adding some thin clean towels with the rest of the clothes. Alternatively, you can dump some cups of water on the clothes when loaded. The extra weight can force the machine to release extra water to clean all the clothes properly.
Make use of the bulky sheet option
If, for instance, you want to clean stained clothes using a washing machine, you can first pretreat the fabric before throwing the clothes into the machine. You can then use simple settings on the machine to clean them. A high-efficiency washing machine features a deep fill setting which allows higher water levels.
If you feel that this amount of water is still not enough to wash the clothes, you should consider using the bulky sheets setting on the machine. Though this option was designed for washing sheets, using it can help you trick the water level sensor into considering the load as bulky. Once you use this option, the machine will deliver high water levels to wash the stained clothes properly.
Adjust the pressure switch
For you to adjust the switch, you need first to open the control panel. The pressure switch is located near the water level switch. Before you adjust the pressure switch, check the drain hose against the water level in the tub. You need a screwdriver for you to tighten the screw. Adjusting the pressure switch pushes the spring-loaded disc inward.
Here is a summary of how to bypass the water level sensor
Step |
Purpose |
Add more weight |
Using old towels can help you create more bulk in the machine.
Pouring water over the clothes can also make them heavier. |
Use the bulky sheet option. |
This can trick the sensor so that it considers the load as bulky. |
Adjust the pressure switch |
Doing this can increase the amount of water in the washtub. |
Conclusion
Modern washing machines make cleaning laundry a breeze. They come with special sensors that control the amount of water needed for washing. Since the water level sensor sometimes leads to insufficient water during cleaning, you can bypass it through the tricks we discussed above.
FAQs
Can installing a water hose help?
Yes. Doing this can also help you bypass the water level sensor in a washing machine. To achieve this, you need plastic hose caps, a splitter, and a water hose.
Why do washing machines contain a water level sensor?
This can detect the weight of your clothes and then determine how much water is needed to clean them.