Broken Washing Machine John Lewis

[Jennykenny]

My five year old JL washing machine/dryer flooded all over the kitchen floor this afternoon with a flashing indication EFO which when I looked it up in the manual says, call an engineer.
Is there any other way round this. I hate the thought of paying out a lot of money for something that can possibly be fixed relatively simply.
Puzzled as to how a perfectly good machine, with relatively little wear, should break down with no warning.
Any thoughts.
Thanks.

[gingejbee]

It hasn't broken down, though....that's when it won't go at all. It's possibly a blocked filter or something else simple...

[Togo]

Have you checked if the outflow pipe is blocked or kinked or if the filter (usually located front bottom behind a little flap) is blocked. If the filter is clogged it will flood as the machine spins or pumps out. Have a bowl and old towels handy when you take the filter out.

[Togo]

If its the filter you will find that lost sock.

[Hopkirk]

You might find a hair grip in the filter area, stopping the extraction pump.

[Hopkirk]

Is there any chance that it had too much foam?

Did you use a different or wrong detergent, or put too much in?

[Jennykenny]

Same amount of washing stuff as usual, ie one of those funny bubble things, last one in the box, so nothing new there.
Haven't used a hairgrip for over 55 years.
Could be missing a sock? ?
Will have a go at the filter tomorrow and let you know.
Thanks all.

[Hopkirk]

I remember now, I found a very small polyester lens cloth bunging mine up.

[sunny-dave]

If you're washing at low (30°C or even 40°C) temperatures, then the 'funny lttle bubble things' don't always dissolve completely and have a nasty habit of blocking filters and outlet pipes.

[Jennykenny]

Have checked the filter thing - lots of water gushed out - but it was clean, (I had cleaned it out about six months ago).
Am going to have to get an engineer.
Thanks for all your suggestions.

[Jennykenny]

Interesting what you said Sunnydave, yes I do wash at low temperatures, and also noticed that whenever I use the washing machine there is a nasty smell from the kitchen sink. I've poured loads of bleach down it but the smell persists, but only when I use the washing machine.
I think there is a definite problem.

[Hopkirk]

Does your washing machine discharge into its own drain, or is it attached to the side of your sink waste pipe?

I had one once that discharged into the sink waste, and got that horrible smell when it emptied. I dismantled the connection
and found it almost blocked by the most disgusting smelling grey monster.

If you do the same, get yourself prepared with bowls and old towels. Be prepared for the most unbelievably foul smells.

[Jennykenny]

Thank you Hopkirk.
Will have a go today and try and wrestle the monster out of its slot, and see what's behind it.

[Hopkirk]

Any news?

[Togo]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Electronics/Question1458142.html

JK I have attached a previous thread that may be of interest to you.