When you put the retaining ring back on ensure the open/spring section is at 3 o'clock NOT at the bottom.
The manufacturer puts them at 6 o'clock deliberately knowing water will drip on the springs and rust them through in 12-16 months creating a nice revenue stream
for their repair section that often demands £100 up front before they will even call. Hotpoint are real scammers.
fred, August 2009