Fisher and Paykel Washing Machine blocked diverter

Our trusty "made in New Zealand" Fisher and Paykel washing machine wouldn't drain today. A little bit of help from an internet video and now it works (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j1as-nyQGE). I went through all the diagnostic codes and it showed "pump blocked." But the pump was working, just pumping the water back into the washing machine. Nobody wanted to empty the load of washing out of the machine to turn it upside down, but it had to be done. I managed to get most of the water out first by bailing, then pumping the water into my bail, then using a wet vacuum cleaner. Only a little spilled on the floor when I tipped it over.

When I looked into the diversion valve, I saw a moving part, but thought it was part of the valve. When I couldn't find any blockage in the hoses or pump, I went back to the valve and took it apart. The mysterious moving part fell out. I wondered if I could get it back together. But as I stared at it, it began to look more like the end of a pen (like the boots that looked like an opossum eating something in the dim dawn light at Piha camp years ago!). It even had "BIC" set into the molding. So out it came, back together went the washing machine; I added some caulk where the floor meets the wall behind the machine, and the clothes are washing as we speak.