I have just bought a second-hand Bendix and after connecting it up to the taps and cleaning out the waste filter (and carefully replacing it very tightly) I started the machine. As it was filling, it was flooding from underneath. I know it isn't the taps and I'm pretty certain it's from the waste filter. I'm not familiar with front loader washers and I be grateful for some thoughts on whether I can fix it myself. What can I do?

Anna, August 2007

As I suspected, it was all my fault! It turns out that the waste filter needs to slide in on runners, on tracks, and, you guessed it, I didn't do that so the seal wasn't right and I copped the flood. It's all working fine now and, bonus, I've managed to end up with a perfectly bargain Bendix, and a clean laundry floor, so it's not all bad!

Anna, August 2007