Hotpoint Bhwd129
Hello. Hotpoint BHWD129 c.3 years old. For a while when set on dryer have gone to remove clothes and the machine is half full of water. Pumps out and dryer usually works properly. Happens roughly once a fortnight for the last few months. Today put a wash on and came home to a disco (!) on the panel with every light flashing. Wouldn't pump out so drained it manually. Cannot get the lid off the pre-chamber. Used pliers, wrenches and brute force! Won't pump out or spin but have put on a quick cycle. It stopped halfway through so had to empty again. Second cycle running now but am expecting the disco back any second. Any advice would be gratefully received - especially how to get the lid off the pre-chamber. Thanks in advance.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Hotpoint BHWD129 intermittent draining fault causing flashing lights, no spin and drying issues
- The problem
- A Hotpoint BHWD129 washer-dryer, about 3 years old, was intermittently left half full of water after drying. The machine would usually pump out afterwards, but the problem became worse: all panel lights started flashing, it would not pump out or spin, and wash cycles stopped part way through. The owner also could not remove the pre-chamber/pump access cap.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported diagnosis is a draining fault. The discussion points to either a blockage in the drain path, especially the sump-to-pump hose, or an intermittent/failing drain pump. A drain hose or standpipe blockage was also suggested. Exact failed part was not confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Recommended action was to isolate the appliance from the mains, then check the drain hose for kinks or obstruction and check the sink spigot/standpipe. Because the filter/pre-chamber cap could be seized and forcing it might crack the housing, the advice was not to force it and instead inspect the pump hoses and pump from underneath or the rear. If the machine hums on drain, that supports a blockage or jammed pump impeller; if silent, pump, wiring or control issues are possible. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
- Checks to try
- Drain hose for kinks or crushing
- Standpipe or sink spigot for blockage
- Sump-to-pump hose for debris/blockage
- Whether the pump hums on drain or is silent
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before checking anything internal. Do not force a seized pump/filter housing, as it may crack. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
It does sound like a draining fault, and the earlier “dryer finishes with water left in it” points that way too. On washer-dryers, if the machine can’t reliably empty, you can get random flashing lights, no spin, and drying problems because the water level never drops properly.
Before checking anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains.
1. Check the drain hose first Make sure it isn’t kinked, squashed behind the cabinet, or pushed too far down the standpipe. Also check the sink spigot/standpipe for a blockage. A partial blockage can cause an intermittent fault like yours.
2. About the “pre-chamber” cap If you mean the pump filter access, some Hotpoint/Indesit-built models don’t have a normal user-removable filter, or the cap can seize badly. Don’t force it too much as the housing can crack. If it won’t undo by hand, the safer route is access from underneath or the rear to inspect the pump hoses and pump directly.
3. Check for a blockage in the sump-to-pump hose Coins, hair grips, bra wires, lint and fabric debris often collect there. That would fit with “sometimes drains, sometimes doesn’t”.
4. Listen to the pump When set to drain, can you hear the pump humming? - Humming but no water out = likely blockage or jammed pump impeller - Silent = possible failed pump, wiring, or control issue
5. If it now won’t pump or spin consistently The drain pump itself is a strong suspect. Intermittent failure often becomes permanent.
If you’re not comfortable removing panels or checking live components, I’d recommend a qualified appliance engineer. Any mains electrical testing should be left to a professional.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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