We were recently given an old washing machine that was picked up from the side of the road and re-conditioned. There is no manual or anything with it, and half of the labeling has been ripped off so I'm not even too sure on the brand name or anything.

The machine was running fine, I got at least 5 loads out of it, but now it isn't draining. It runs the full cycle, even completes it, but when I open the machine to retrieve my washing the water is still in the machine.

I know nothing about washing machines, and don't know where things are situated. But any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sal, December 2004

If it is a similar model to the Simpson Contessa I have then there should be three small knobs on the left of the cycle select knob.

The first (Left most) of the three knobs is for the water level, the second is for temperature, and the third is the normal, drip dry, and sud save options.

If this third knob is turned to the left it selects sud-save (Machine won't drain completely, or if it is switched to the right it will select drip dry and won't drain at all. This sounds like the problem. Make sure you have the third knob turned so it faces straight up to normal.

Hope this helps.

Robert Persello, January 2005