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.
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.
WhitegoodsHelp AI
Safety first — read before actioning advice
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 are full of 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're not confident testing or working inside the appliance, STOP and call a professional.
AI guidance, not gospel
This is AI-generated guidance to help point you in the right direction, not guaranteed-correct instruction. It may be incomplete or wrong, so always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer for electrical, gas or water work.
This is general guidance only. See our full Terms of Use.
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