LG Washing Machine: Excessive washing time caused by a leaking drainage valve
For agitator-type fully automatic washing machines, the water intake program can only be converted to the washing program after the water level reaches the designated position. When the drainage valve leaks severely, the leaking speed will exceed the water intake speed, preventing the water level from reaching the selected height and thus preventing the washing process from starting.
When the drainage valve leaks significantly, it greatly extends the water intake time until the water level is reached and washing begins. During the washing process, if the water level drops to a certain limit due to leakage, the washing stops and water intake resumes, resulting in a repetitive cycle of water intake, washing, water intake....
For electromechanical fully automatic washing machines, this can greatly extend the entire washing time. For example, if the original washing time was set for 15 minutes, and after 5 minutes of washing, the process stops due to a leaking drainage valve and starts water intake again, then washes for another 5 minutes after water intake, repeating this three times to complete the washing time, it would take approximately 30 minutes in total. And since a standard washing program requires three rounds of water intake (one for washing, two for rinsing), the washing time could double.
Data source: Beijing LG Washing Machine After-sales Service Phone Number http://blog.tianya.cn/blogger/blog_main.asp?BlogID=3446020.
For computerized fully automatic washing machines, more severe leakage can cause the machine to remain stuck between water intake and washing, unable to switch to the drainage program. If the water level drops due to leakage before the washing time is completed, reaching a level that resets the water level switch, the water intake valve starts water intake again. After water intake, the washing resumes, and the microprocessor restarts the washing time calculation, preventing the washing machine from moving on to the next program.
Additionally, when the drainage valve has minor leakage, the washing program may still proceed throughout the entire washing time because the water level hasn't dropped enough to reset the water level switch. However, during washing, the lower water level can reduce the cleaning efficiency and increase wear and tear.