Thread Number: 45386
Increasing The Water Level On Speed Queen Front Load Washer 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 664761   3/9/2013 at 17:22 (4,058 days old) by powrbruh (Odenton, MD)        

I am thinking about purchasing another Speed Queen laundry set. I had a topload washer and matching dryer but I wanted an HE pair. I was wondering if one can increase the water level on the Speed Queen frontloads? I would like for my machine to use a little more water. Thanks in advance.




Post# 664820 , Reply# 1   3/9/2013 at 23:53 (4,057 days old) by jaxsunst ()        

Use for a while. I may get slapped, but I have Samsung FL. I was initially concerned about how little water was there. the clothes are wet, when it tumbles, there's about a quarter inch of water in the bottom of the tub. Everything comes out perfect. My only complaint. It's like an old Frigidaire, if you don't load it right, you get ropes.

Post# 664832 , Reply# 2   3/10/2013 at 03:12 (4,057 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Yes, you can adjust the water level on a SQ/Huebsch front loader.

The thread for it is below... There are two screws to adjust and they both must be adjusted the same amount.

Please keep in mind that adjusting the water level may require replacement of the pressure switch if you mess it up. Fortunately, a new pressure switch isn't too expensive. I wouldn't dare try to get a tampered pressure switch replaced under warranty, if only for the fact that it wouldn't be fair to make Alliance pay for your mistake. :-)

Also, make sure you run an empty load and "Supervise" the machine to determine if your adjustment made a difference and gets you the desired water level. Two full turns clockwise will get the water level up to the top of the inside drum, but still should keep it low enough that if you have to open the door, water won't spill out of the machine.

Front loaders work on the concept of splashing highly concentrated dissolved detergent water through the clothing, so please keep in mind that increasing the water level will decrease washing performance, but it will increase rinsing performance, depending on how far you adjust. I think the Alliance engineers knew this and got around this problem by adding in an "Extra Rinse" switch, which also does the same thing as a higher water level with less rinses. (These machines only do two rinses, three with extra rinse selected.)

The downside to SQ/Huebsch machines is that they do not have two pressure sensors, they really should have one for washing and one for rinsing.. Since they only have one, you have to pick a water level which gets you the best of both worlds.

I'm sure that anyone reading this from Alliance would not condone adjusting the water level as I'm sure their engineers have already adjusted it properly from the factory for the best washing performance.

IMO, You should just buy one of these machines and see how it performs with the stock water level adjustment and only adjust it if you find that the rinsing performance isn't to your liking. (ie. Lots of detergent smell still in the clothing.) However, ONLY do this with the realization of what can happen to washing performance. It is easy enough to revert the change if you need to.


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Post# 664833 , Reply# 3   3/10/2013 at 03:19 (4,057 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

I just thought I should mention, the SQ/Huebsch machines are the only front loading HE machines on the market which can use regular detergent without voiding your warranty. (You just use half of the amount to stop oversudsing.)

In their special QA testing machines, they put far worse things through them than regular detergent.

It is suggested that for best performance for this machine, HE detergent should be used. (I'm assuming this is with stock water levels only.)

Which lends to the question for the other forum members.. Would conventional detergent work better with a higher water level in a front loader than HE detergent?

Post# 664835 , Reply# 4   3/10/2013 at 04:06 (4,057 days old) by dj-gabriele ()        
conventional detergent work better with a higher water level

 I'm sure it would froth even more because of the increased water movement.

Post# 664841 , Reply# 5   3/10/2013 at 04:20 (4,057 days old) by washer111 ()        
HE vs. Regular Detergent

If you are using good detergent, and lots of water, you MIGHT be okay - but as I've witnessed with our Miele - too much detergent really makes fun (I gave a full scoop of HE Bio-Zet for the Pre-Wash phase on the Miele's monthly empty boil wash, and got a tub full of bubbles). 

 

Really, unless you can find a decent quality regular detergent, use high temperatures and set the dosage *just right,* don't expect the best rinsing results afterwards. I would stick to good 'ol HE detergent in this instance, just to be on the safe side. 
Post# 664849 , Reply# 6   3/10/2013 at 05:37 (4,057 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
I used to lower the water level on 1980's-early 90's front-loaders because it improved cleaning results. It also controlled over-sudsing problems in softened water. Use the machine as-is for a month and see what you think. If you're concerned about rinsing, just leave the Extra Rinse switch on full-time.

It took awhile to get used to not seeing any water in my 2010 Frigidaire, but I can't argue with excellent results. Now it doesn't bother me.

Post# 664869 , Reply# 7   3/10/2013 at 09:28 (4,057 days old) by teknikleespekng ()        
Happy with water level

 I agree with the suggestion to use the machine for a while before considering raising the water level. I have no issues with cleaning performance or rinsing. I dont plan on changing the levels. There's plenty of water in there as long as you dont overdo detergent.

Post# 665229 , Reply# 8   3/11/2013 at 20:08 (4,055 days old) by powrbruh (Odenton, MD)        
Thank You!!

 I just wanted to thank all of you for your helpful information and advice.

Post# 666856 , Reply# 9   3/18/2013 at 17:21 (4,049 days old) by powrbruh (Odenton, MD)        
I Used A Speed Queen Front Loader At The Laundromat

 I used one at the laundromat. It was the same one I can buy for my home except it was coin-operated. It didn't wash that long. Maybe about 8 mins. at the most. However, my clothes did come clean. I didn't see much water, but clothes were thoroughly wet. If I decide to purchase one, I will increase the water level. I must see some water for me to believe my clothes are getting cleaned. It's my OCD :)

Post# 666861 , Reply# 10   3/18/2013 at 17:39 (4,049 days old) by teknikleespekng ()        
Water levels

 When I do a load I can see some water/suds run down the bottom of the glass. At first I wondered how much water was in the drum. At home you can turn the knob to "Off" and the door will unlock in about 2 minutes. I put my hand inside and pushed the clothes and there is water to the lip of the drum. As you said, the clothes are thoroughly soaked and with the current water level, they are lifted and slapped appropriately to get the wash clean. I would worry that too much water would negate that procedure and not allow you to open the door if you happen to want to add an item (sometimes I forget to empty my son's hamper after I start a load or grab a towel/washcloth from the bathroom). I say if its clean and rinsed well, why fix what isnt broken?

Just my two cents.


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