Whirlpool Washer: Chain fell between tubs.

Hauptman · #1 Sep 7, 2006, 03:38 PM

Hi. Had what I hope is a quick question. I have a small metal jewelry chain like for a necklace that accidently got put in the pocket of a pair of jeans which were later washed.

Just yesterday I discovered the attachment end of the chain just sticking out of one of the holes in the bottom of the washtub.

I carefully removed it but it seems the chain was broken... in half I hope... but perhaps in smaller sections.

My question is... assuming it was too heavy to not get pumped out with the water from the wash and that it's still laying inside the two tubs... is there any fairly easy way to get it out?

I'd be happy to provide more details such as make, model, etc. on the washer if needed. It's a fairly basic model with commercial size load, small and extra large load settings on a small dial on the left and the bigger dial for all other functions on the right. It's about 3-4 years old if I remember correctly and is in great shape and having no problems.

I'd just love to be able to get the chain out... hopefully without having to disassemble the entire machine. I've worked on washers and driers before... mostly belt replacement and things of that nature.

Anyhow keeping my fingers crossed and hoping someone can help me out on this one.

Thanks!

Hauptman

kevin71966 · Oct 10, 2006, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hauptman

Hi. Had what I hope is a quick question. I have a small metal jewelry chain like for a necklace that accidently got put in the pocket of a pair of jeans which were later washed.

Just yesterday I discovered the attachment end of the chain just sticking out of one of the holes in the bottom of the washtub.

I carefully removed it but it seems the chain was broken... in half I hope... but perhaps in smaller sections.

My question is... assuming it was too heavy to not get pumped out with the water from the wash and that it's still laying inside the two tubs... is there any fairly easy way to get it out?

I'd be happy to provide more details such as make, model, etc. on the washer if needed. It's a fairly basic model with commercial size load, small and extra large load settings on a small dial on the left and the bigger dial for all other functions on the right. It's about 3-4 years old if I remember correctly and is in great shape and having no problems.

I'd just love to be able to get the chain out... hopefully without having to disassemble the entire machine. I've worked on washers and driers before... mostly belt replacement and things of that nature.

Anyhow keeping my fingers crossed and hoping someone can help me out on this one.

Thanks!

Hauptman

hey, something I know the answer to!

it's not too big a deal to get to it, will take about 15-30 min.

remove the front panel of machine, prob 2 screws at the very bottom almost hidden
usually the panel drops DOWN to remove

lift and support the top panel-may need a helper-too much trouble to remove

remove agitator-one nut in the top under a plastic cap-pull agitator out

there are usually 4 bolts in the bottom holding the outer tub in-it may be stuck with soap buildup-give it a few gentle whacks-easy to break plastic tub-I did(dont use anything metal)

there's your chain, it cant go anywhere because of the drain screens
good time to clean those screens with hot water and a brush

clean spindle while you're at it-prob has a lot of soap scum

put it all back together

it's not as bad as it sounds-take your time and dont get frustrated

yamitza23 · Feb 2, 2009, 05:24 PM

I have the same situation, only that is a gold chain worth more than my roper refurbished washer...LOL! Can you please let me know if this worked for you? I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much.