Jlwm1202 Washing Machine
Hi Guys and Gals
I got my new machine yesterday (JL1202) after reading good things about it on this site. So far I'm impressed.
Anyway, I have a couple of questions about the machine and I wonder if anyone can answer them?
Before the first wash the instruction manual says to pour 2l of water in to the detergent draw to 'activate the eco valve'. What is this so called 'eco valve'?
Those familiar with the machine will know you have various wash options including economy 60, 40 etc. If I select economy 60 the wash time is longer than that of a normal 60 wash. According to the instruction manual the economy 60 wash takes longer than the normal 60 wash but uses less electricity. How is this possible?
Nothing of major importance but I'm just curious
All the best.
corksta
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.
JLWM1202 query about eco valve and longer economy wash times
- The problem
- New John Lewis JLWM1202 washing machine owner asked what the manual meant by pouring 2 litres of water into the detergent drawer to 'activate the eco valve', and why an Economy 60 programme takes longer than a normal 60 wash while using less electricity.
- Likely cause
- No fault was reported. The accepted explanation was that the eco valve is in the sump hose and prevents detergent being lost into the hose before the first wash. The longer Economy 60 cycle was explained as using less energy for water heating and compensating with a longer wash/soak time so the detergent can work effectively.
- What fixed it
- For first use, follow the manual instruction to add 2 litres of water into the detergent drawer to ensure there is water in the sump hose and the eco valve arrangement is activated before the first wash. The longer Economy 60 programme is normal behaviour rather than a defect.
- Checks to try
- Manual instructed pouring 2 litres of water into the detergent drawer before first wash
- Accepted reply explained the eco valve is inside the sump hose leading from the tub to the pump
- Accepted reply explained Economy 60 takes longer because lower-temperature washing can require more time while using less electricity for heating
2 Answers
The eco valve will be inside the sump hose, which leads from the bottom of the tub to the water pump. Many years ago, it was realised that when water first entered a washing machine (taking some of the washing machine detergent with it) some of it went straight into the sump hose and was effectively trapped there - wasted. The solution was to energize the cold water valve for several seconds first in order to fill the sump hose up before flushing the detergent into the machine. Most washing machines now have a plastic ball or valve at the top of the sump hose that allows water into the sump hose, but when the sump hose has filled, this valve floats up and seals off the tub. Once done it's safe to flush the detergent into the washing machine as none can go into the sump hose. The "activation" procedure will be to just ensure there is water inside the sump hose prior to the very first wash.
Washing at lower temperatures may require longer to achieve the same results. It's trading saving energy used by heating water - for more time washing or soaking, which allows the detergent to work more effectively, especially biological detergent.
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Thanks very much for the reply. Very informative and detailed. I will be able to sleep easy tonight
Thanks again
corksta
Your Answer
Sign in to share your expertise and post an answer.
Related Questions
Hotpoint F7 E2 Fault
0 answers • 0 replies
My Bosch washing machine is stuck on 33 minutes remaining
0 answers • 1 reply
Bosch washing machine door lock accidentally triggered with the door open – how I reset it
0 answers • 2 replies
Cant identify the correct replacement carbon brushea
0 answers • 2 replies
LG washing machine making intermittent noise — video link included
1 answer • 4 replies