Jlwm1202 Washing Machine

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.