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Topic: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets (Read 894 times) previous topic - next topic

Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

I think we're all used to removing the aerators from our faucets to clean "sand" out of the little screens.  But what about the washer/dryers?  They have a little filter basket right after the hot water line connection.  The manual recommends yearly inspection and cleaning.  I had FT check this filter last week for the first time after the new W/D was installed last year.  Yes, it was full and needed to be cleaned.  Cost?  Two and a half hours of labor-$250!  This is unacceptable.  I've tried installing a filter that Roger Berke sold which looks like the filter used at the water pump inlet.  It didn't do anything.  The FT techs installed a regular hose gasket with a screen at the inlet to the washer hose, but I think it also is too coarse.  Yes, I can keep doing this task myself, but it is a pain removing the cabinet doors, removing the wood strip that holds the W/D in place and maneuvering the W/D out of its space, disconnecting the hose, moping up the water, cleaning the filter basket, then doing everything in reverse plus managing to get the dyer vent back in place.  There has to be a better way. Isn't there a sediment filter that can stand the temp of hot water directly from the A/H that I could install just before the W/D hot water hose? 
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #1 –
Cuno Makes a Stainless steel filter housing but it takes the standard 10" cart. and it is probably larger than you want. Is the sediment from built up dissolved solids or from particulit matter or both. If it is from the hot water only it is likely dissolved solids. If it is from dissolved solids a simple filter won't help. you could soften the water or use an R.O. If you use an RO you should re mineralize to stabilize the water so it is not agresive and won't damage things like your Aqua-hot. Simple right!
1999 U320
Mount Dora Fl

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #2 –
My solution is a Laundromat.  Extra storage where the washer/dryer would take up room!
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #3 –

got rid of the w/d and put in drawers for storage. An hour and a half at a local Laundromat soaking in the local color and scuttlebutt every other week keeps us from being frustrated by the onboard w/d problems
Larry
1996 U295 36'
Build # 4805
Actually we sold it but just like to lurk

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #4 –
Took out the w/d and put in a commercial size electric oven, as my wife loves to have a real oven and was not happy to bake in the microwave. She is of the old school about baking.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #5 –
I do not think we have cleaned that screen yet. Never thought of it either.  Oh well, another project to have done or do.
BTW we love the W/D and would not be without.  I think we would rather go out for dinner too so nobody has to work.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #6 –
Dave,

No.  All my incoming water goes through a sediment filter.  Sand is only in the hot water lines.  It's created in the A-H or other hot water tank.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #7 –
Yes.  What I'm calling sand is actually a precipitate.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Dave M –
OK, Install a precipitate filter on the Aqua Hot line ?  everything is solvable. 

Precipitate would be coming from hard water, so how about what we do (no issues with aerator clogs since we've owned the coach):

1)  Do a vinegar "hot soak" and flush of the fresh water system

2)  Use a portable water softener in areas with hard water to prevent future/repeated scale build up


Particulate matter in Aqua-Hot System
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #9 –
Couldn't we add a screen where the washer lines come off of the manifold block?  That would be easy to service. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: Sand Removal from washer/dryer inlets

Reply #10 –
Michelle,

Note that that is my earlier thread you cited.  I did a vinegar soak a month ago.  I wonder if this loosened "sand" in the system but didn't dissolve it.
 
Rick,

Such a screen would work if we could find one.  The filter basket the W/D uses won't fit in a normal hose connection.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R