Easy Way to Remove Agitator From Washer

QUESTION: I would like to replace some worn parts in my washing machine, but the agitator is just about impossible to remove. I don’t want to force and possibly break anything, so do you know a way to get out the agitator?

ANSWER: To remove a tightly-fitted agitator or one that has become firmly glued in place by soap residue, first unplug the washer and remove the agitator cap. Then, if there is room between the bottom edge of the agitator and the tub bottom, work a completely deflated bicycle tire in underneath the agitator. Distribute the tube as uniformly around the agitator as possible. Leave the valve stem sticking out and attach a hand pump or mini-air compressor to it.

Gradually pump up the tube. It shouldn’t take much pressure because the agitator’s surface area is large. The agitator will let go with a pop. This method won’t harm the agitator since the force is not concentrated and is fairly evenly distributed around its circumference. Of course, this method can also be used to separate other stuck parts on appliances if applied carefully. Certainly, it is far less apt to damage parts than attempting to pry them apart.

How to Rid Area of Stagnant Water Smell

Q: For the past six to eight months there has been an odor of stagnant water from our washing machine. Could the fault lie in the filter?

A: Since your clothes apparently smell fresh and clean and you only notice the odor around the washer, we think there’s something wrong with the drain, not the filtering system.

Check to see if your drain line is properly fitted with a trap in the wall, under the floor or wherever it leaves the house. Also, check for a broken or leaking drain line under the floor or in the wall. You should also look for any leaks or drips from the drain lines under the machine.

A simple way to trap a drain line and to block foul-smelling sewer and water gases is to replace your current machine hose with a longer one. Let the drain hose loop down almost to the floor in back of the machine, then up and out to the drain pipe or tub. This deep looping bend puts a natural trap in the drain line, which holds a “plug” of water and prevents stagnant gases from venting back into the room.

For further information on any home problem, write to Popular Mechanics, Readers Service Bureau, 224 West 57th Street, New York, N.Y. 10019.