Restricted to doing laundry during the day...what to do??

11 years ago

Bought a new Kenmore Elite FL washer and dryer...top of the line...front loader steam this and that. Well, have had it for two days...does a great job, but noisy and that is an understatement. I turn it on and it causes my pipes in my house to make horribly loud noises. I have no idea why. That lasts for a few minutes until it fills up. Of course, the spin cycle sounds like a plane taking off. DH says now no laundry can be done at night...I am a night owl and do laundry on a regular basis at night, I work during the day. Anybody have any idea what is going on. I am tempted to return them. Can I even return them? I don't even know. I need a 24/7 washer/dryer, not a daytime only pair. Help, have been in the process of a kitchen, bath, laundry room renovation project and this is gonna put me over the edge.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Cavimum
11 years ago
The noisy pipes sound like something called 'water hammer' (which can be remedied) but beats me as to why it didn't happen with your previous washing machine in the same house.
dadoes
11 years ago
These new frontloaders cycle the water on/off several times during the fill process. If the household water system is subject to water hammer, then it'll happen each time the water valves cycle.

The OP's previous washer may have been an old-style toploader that didn't cycle the valves repeatedly during fill. Some machines also have what's called "soft close" valves, which help avoid water hammer.

Water hammer arresters can be installed to ease the problem. Check with a plumber, or research online if you or hubby can DIY plumbing projects.
Related Discussions
Water restrictions - what are you doing about it???
Q
Comments (35)
I don't know if people have finished with this thread, since the last post was FEb, but here in Atlanta, we are in a drought and interest is growing in graywater and other measures. We recently visited "The Hike Inn", a backcountry inn, 5 miles from Amicalola State Park, where they have composting everything including toilets. They had water barrels and their solution to protect against mosquitos was fine screens on the top opening. I very much want to install a system for gray water in our house. We live on a spring fed lake, very clean and swimmable. There are no motor boats, just canoes, etc. I don't want any runoff from the graywater to affect the health of the lake. So this is my first question that I am researching. i am interested in learning about a/c water runoff to use in a graywater system as well. It seems like there would be less concerns about bacteria from the a/c system. I understand that graywater s hould be disinfected, but I was concerned about the use of chlorine as a healthy material to use in the yard, particularly near the water. I have mostly woods and a woodland garden that needs less water than sun gardens or grass. Still, I want to keep the tree roots moist with soaker hoses. Also, I do have a flat area on our property where I want to grow grass for a play area for my kids and their friends, so I would like to use either graywater for this or perhaps get some pump system to use the lake water. I have heard that other residents on this lake use a pump to irrigate wtih lake water. I am not sure that graywater can be used for grass anyway, although I am not sure the reason for this.... If anyone has any information related to graywater systems and lake pumps, I would appreciate the feedback.. I am going to contact a plumber (or would I use a landscape/irrigation person), but first I want to do my homework and be up on the topic. Thanks for any assistance. Kayla
...See More
What to do during a Nor'Easter.....
Q
Comments (13)
The potatoes sounded good so I googled them and found this recipe first thing on all recipes. Bada Bing Bada Banged Potatoes recipe image Rated: rating Submitted By: CJ McD Photo By: LaurenM Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 50 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour Servings: 20 "New potatoes are par-boiled, tossed with Parmesan cheese and lots of dried herbs, and then baked until browned and crispy. " Ingredients: 5 pounds small new potatoes 3/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup melted butter 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon dried basil 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Directions: 1. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). 2. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan of water. Cover; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; gently cook potatoes until tender but still firm, about 20 minutes. Drain. 3. Place potatoes on a greased, rimmed baking sheet. Smash the warm potatoes with the heel of your hand or a small pan to flatten slightly and break the skin. 4. Mix together the olive oil, butter, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; add the potatoes and toss well. Return coated potatoes to baking sheet, leaving 1/2 inch space between each potato. 5. Roast potatoes in the preheated oven until lightly browned and slightly crispy; about 30 minutes. Place hot potatoes on a large platter; sprinkle with parsley and the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. 4.5 stars and 56 reviews
...See More
Odd Question: Do you use lighting during the day?
Q
Comments (36)
Unless it's really dark/cloudy outside, we don't really need lights on during the day except in the cooking part of our kitchen. While it does get some light from windows on the north and west wall during the day, and probably doesn't need lights on when in there, we usually do turn on at least one light when we are in there during the day. Unfortunately, the south wall has most of our cabinetry plus our stove and fridge, and it directly faces our neighbor's house/kitchen window, so we don't have any windows on that wall which would bring a ton of light. If we ever get around to remodeling it, I want to add at least one window on that wall - even just one would add a lot of light. Today it's cloudy but still kind of bright outside, but the kitchen light is on - mainly b/c my kids never turn it off! If i'm home alone, I only turn it on if I'm actually in there. No other lights on in the house at the moment though. Our family room has 10 windows on three walls and the other "wall" is a huge opening to our eating area of the kitchen, so that room gets a ton of natural lighting. Aside from the kitchen, the only other "dark" room in the house is my boys' bedroom but even still, it has a south facing window so gets enough light during the day, plus they are rarely in there during the day anyway - at school! I have one light in our living room on a timer in the winter - the window faces the front street side, right near the front door. We don't really use that room much at night, but I think it makes the house look more welcoming from the outside, plus it means no one coming home alone (esp my kids) enters into a completely dark house.
...See More
During a house renovation what do you use to keep dust off everything?
Q
Comments (9)
A few points. A competent general contractor will have sub contractors do things to minimize the dust and debris. They will all say it it difficult to eliminate 100% of it, but the better ones come close. Some general things that come to mind immediately, based on your brief description are 1) seal off individual rooms, using plastic sheating and tape, 2.) do all cutting outside, 3.) clean up at the end of each and every day, -- I'll emphasize meticulously clean up everything, at the end of any day no debris or demolition materials left inside, and any debris, cuttings or sawdust created outside in a driveway or parking lot are cleaned up daily (not the next morning). If they are not doing 2.) then quickly find another CG. Nos 1 & 3 are standard, and the degree to which they do this is a measure of their workmanship. If you have any type of forced air heating or cooling then get a full duct cleaning after all the work is complete. And of course change air filters after the cleaning.
...See More
fahrenheit_451
11 years ago
Help, have been in the process of a kitchen, bath, laundry room renovation project...

Great time to have your plumber upgrade your plumbing, if this is not already being done as part of your renovation. In addition to the water arrestors, as mentioned above, you should also check to see if you have a water pressure regulator. If not, install one; if you do, determine whether it needs replacing.
Cavimum
11 years ago
I'll second the suggestion of having a water pressure regulator installed. Have your incoming water pressure checked. If it is high, the regulator can help prevent leaks and such down the road. It made a difference in our house.
jakvis
11 years ago
Try slowing your waterfill a bit by closing your water taps about 3/4 of the way shut. In many cases this will reduce water hammer in the house pipes.
Years ago a laundry manufacturer had us putting in flow washers in valves to cure the same problem. The flow washers just reduce the waterflow enough to stop a hard shut off. You can do the same with your water taps.
BerlinGirl
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks all for the suggestions. I talked to my remodel guy and he said he "knew" about water hammer, but had NO suggestions. Is there anybody who specializes? Jakvis...I tried closing my water taps...didn't help.
dadoes
11 years ago
Hire a licensed plumber to take care of the problem. Hammer arrestors can be installed, and a plumber will know how to do that.

OR ... you can try DIYing the fix with a couple of these retrofit units which can be found at Home Depot, Lowe's, and other such sources. Connect one each to the hot and cold faucets, then connect the washer inlet hoses to the arrestors.
ofionnachta
11 years ago
"DH says now no laundry can be done at night...I am a night owl and do laundry on a regular basis at night, I work during the day."

My gawd, girl, tell DH if he wants clean clothes and for you to have your job, you are washing them at night. Then buy him a pair of earplugs.
bandycats
11 years ago
dadoes has the trick.. those are about $11 @ Menards, about $14 @ Home Depot.. they are made by a few different companies.. AND they put your hoses @ a 90 degree angle to your washer valve if you have straight connects.. (SWEET) and they will stop the noise the INSTANT you install them.. if you can unscrew and screw one end of the hose you're set for life !!!

Restricted to doing laundry during the day...what to do??

Comments (9)

Cavimum

dadoes

Related Discussions

fahrenheit_451

Cavimum

jakvis

BerlinGirl
Original Author

dadoes

ofionnachta

bandycats

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Restricted to doing laundry during the day...what to do??

Comments (9)

Related Discussions

BerlinGirlOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

BerlinGirl
Original Author