Many GE washers come with agitators. So, it’s no surprise that they are popular. They are often regarded as one of the best types of washing machines due to their many features that allow for ease when doing the laundry.
Sometimes, the agitators in them may develop malfunctions that require them to be removed and replaced. It’s important to know how this function should be carried out.
How Do Agitators Work?
Have you ever been curious about how your washing machine cleans its contents?
An agitator is a kind of spindle that whirls the clothes in the washer compartment. Many washers possess this component to help in cleaning the laundry with ease.
They eliminate dirt off clothing by impacting the clothing directly. They resemble lengthy fins that swirl in the washer to allow for efficient water flow and effective stain and dirt removal.
There are two types of agitators: bolted and unbolted.
Is there a similarity between an impeller and an agitator?
The impeller and the agitator are not synonymous terms. They’re different components of many washers that do nearly the same function. But, there are quite a few differences between them, though.
Washing machines with agitators use much more water and have a quick wash cycle, but those with impellers use less water, have lengthier wash cycles, and have plenty of space for laundry.
Another difference is that washers with agitators launder clothing by directly impacting them, whereas ones with impellers spin the clothing against each other.
Taking Out The Agitator in a GE Washer
You may want to remove the agitator from your GE washer for a variety of reasons.
It’s most likely due to a fault, or your agitator isn’t rotating properly, or it’s broken and needs to be replaced. In any event, you should be able to remove them.
Regardless, it’s a really simple task.
Taking out a bolted agitator
Some GE washers come with agitators that are attached to the washing machine’s interior. These steps will remove it from the GE washer.
- Switch off the power to your washing machine
The first step to removing the agitator from the washing machine is to disconnect the washer from the main power source.
Disconnecting it would minimize the risk of serious injuries arising from the electrical and mechanical components of the GE washing machine.
- Remove the dispenser and detergent units from the washer
After unplugging your washer, it’s time to go into the washing machine.
Many GE washers with agitators are top-loading washing units, so you can get access to the different units in the washing machine from the top of the washer.
Open the washing machine cover and looking inside, uncouple the fabric softener dispenser and detergent drawer and remove them to enable easy access to the agitator that’s situated below the compartments.
- Take off the agitator cap
Inside the washing machines, the agitator would have a lid that looks like a cap.
To get access to the agitator, you would need to take off the lid from it.
You can either do this by hand removing the screws or by using a suitable screwdriver.
Although it’s a pretty much easy thing to do, it would be wise if you carry this task with caution as you don’t want to break the agitator cap or damage the agitator beneath it.
- You can now remove the agitator
Because the agitator is located beneath the cap, it is easy to observe the agitator firmly bolted to the washing machine after removing the cap.
Remove the agitator from its clasps at this point. You’ll need a proper screwdriver to loosen the bolts that secure it because it’s locked in.
You can securely remove it from the GE washer once this is completed.
Extracting a Non-bolted agitator
If your GE washer has an agitator that’s not firmly screwed in place, it’s also easy to remove it. All you have to do is follow these steps.
- Disconnect your washing machine’s electrical supply
The first step is to unplug your GE washer from the electrical outlet.
It’s risky to remove the agitator while the washer is still running since it can cause electrical and mechanical damage.
It may appear to be a good idea because the agitator can be removed quickly. However, I would not advocate it owing to the risk of major harm.
- Open your washing machine
After disconnecting the washing machine from its power source, locate your washing machine cover whatever the make of the GE washing machine, and open it to get access to the different compartments that lie within.
Compartments such as the detergent unit and the fabric softener dispenser units can be easily seen from the top of the washer.
- Remove the dispenser and detergent units from the washer
To access the agitator situated beneath these compartments, you should remove the detergent and fabric softener compartments. You can do this by uncoupling them.
- Directly remove the agitator from the washer
Now, it’s time to remove the agitator. To do this you should pull the agitator directly from its support within the washer.
The agitator is supported inside with a shaft. So you should take extra caution when pulling it out so you do not break the shaft. You should always take time to lubricate the shaft to prevent much friction from building up on it.
And you’ve removed the agitator.
What Do I Do When The Agitator Is Stuck?
There’s no need to panic if you try to remove the agitator from its position within the GE washer and it becomes difficult or stuck.
All you have to do now is follow the steps below.
You can also look up more information in the washer’s manual or contact a washer specialist.
If you discover the agitator is stuck, the first thing you should do is fill the compartment with heated water. This is to ensure that any chemicals, dirt, or contaminants that have accumulated on the agitator over time are safely removed.
Next, fasten a rope around the agitator and secure it to a small wooden beam to act as a hoist.
Ensure that while you do this, the agitator should be unscrewed.