Washer Not Filling With Water? It’s One Of These 8 Issues

Is your washer not filling with water? Leaving you high and dry when it comes to laundry day? I know how frustrating that can be – after all, a washer that doesn’t fill up is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. 

But don’t worry. In this article I’ve compiled a list of the eight most common issues that could be behind your washer’s rebellious behavior.

In short, your washer might not be filling water due to the following:

1. Clogged inlet filters
2. Faulty water inlet valve
3. Kinked or damaged hoses
4. Blocked water supply
5. Malfunctioning pressure switch
6. Problematic timer
7. Control board issues
8. Internal hose blockages

Are you ready to dive into the watery world of washer troubleshooting and get your laundry back on track? 

Keep reading for our step-by-step guide to identifying and fixing these issues, even if you’re an appliance novice. Then, let’s roll up our sleeves and get your washer filled up again.

What You’ll Need

• A pair of pliers
• A multimeter
• A screwdriver
• A bucket
• A cloth or towel
• Replacement parts
• Flashlight

Washer Not Filling With Water? : Troubleshooting Steps

#1: Check the Water Supply:

Before diving into potential washer issues, let’s ensure the water supply is properly functioning. First, turn off the water supply valves behind your washer, near the wall. 

They’ll look like small, round knobs or levers, with one for hot water (red) and one for cold water (blue). Next, remove the hoses from the valves and point them into the washer tub.

Turn on the water supply valves and check if water flows out of the hoses. If no water comes out, you may have a plumbing issue that needs to be addressed.

If water flows without any issue, reconnect the hoses and proceed to the next step to investigate potential washer-related problems.

#2: Examine the Inlet Filter Screens:

Next are the inlet filter screens, preventing debris from entering your washer. You can find these screens inside the water inlet valve, where the hoses connect to your washer. 

To access them, turn off the water supply valves and disconnect the hoses from the back of the washer using a plyer. 

Once disconnected, use a flashlight to peek inside the inlet valve and locate the small, circular screens. Older ones are metal screens, while newer ones are plastic. Remove them gently with needle-nose pliers, and clean them under the faucet.

#3: Inspect the Supply Hoses:

Now, let’s take a look at the supply hoses. These hoses connect your washer to the water supply valves and can sometimes become kinked or damaged, preventing water from flowing. 

While the hoses are disconnected from the washer, check them for kinks, cracks, or leaks. If you find any issues, replace the hoses with new ones.

#4: Test the Water Inlet Valve:

The valve controls water flow into your washer. To test its functionality, you’ll need a multimeter. 

First, locate the valve (typically found near where the hoses connect to the washer) and remove the wiring harness by pulling it gently.

To properly test the valve, you must be in service mode or at the point where the water valve is activated in the wash cycle. With the multimeter set to measure AC voltage, check if the valve gets 120V AC. 

If the valve is receiving power but still not working, replace it with a new one. Remember to exercise caution when working with electrical components and, if in doubt, consult a professional.

#5: Investigate the Pressure Switch:

The pressure switch, or the water level switch, tells your washer when to stop filling with water. It is inside the control panel, behind the wash cycle selector knob. 

So first, unplug your washer and remove the screws securing the control panel to access it. Then, gently lift the panel to reveal the pressure switch, which looks like a small, round component with a hose and wires attached.

You cannot determine whether the pressure switch is working through visual inspection alone. Instead, you’ll need to access your washer’s test mode or diagnostic mode to see if the pressure switch is registering water level changes. 

Consult your washer’s model-specific instructions online to enter test mode. If the pressure switch fails to detect water level changes, replace it with a new one. Ensure you reconnect the hose and wires before reassembling the control panel.

 #6: Assess the Timer

The timer is another crucial component that could be the culprit when your washer isn’t filling with water. It is within the control panel, near the pressure switch. To test the timer, you’ll need to use your multimeter.

However, testing the timer can be quite involved and may require more advanced knowledge of your washer’s electrical system. You’ll need to consult your washer’s model-specific instructions online to locate the specific terminals on the timer that corresponds to the water valve output voltage.

Once you’ve identified the correct terminals, disconnect the wiring harness from the timer and use your multimeter to test the timer’s electrical connections. If the timer fails the test, replace it. Remember to reconnect the wiring harness and reassemble the control panel after completing your tests.

Please note that this procedure might be complicated for inexperienced individuals, and you should call a professional technician if you need clarification on any step in the process.

#7: Inspect the Control Board:

The control board is like the washer’s brain, managing various functions. If the control board is faulty, it could cause your washer not to fill with water. Unfortunately, control boards can be challenging to diagnose and fix, it’s best to consult a professional or your washer’s user manual for guidance.

#8: Look for Internal Hose Blockages:

Lastly, check for any blockages in the internal hoses connecting the various components of your washer. 

These blockages can prevent water from flowing freely. 

To inspect the hoses, you’ll need to remove the washer’s outer casing, following the instructions in your washer’s model manual. 

Next, look for any hose kinks, clogs, or damage and fix any issues.

Conclusion:

By following these eight steps, you should be able to pinpoint and fix the issue causing your washer not to fill with water. Finally, you’ve tackled a common appliance problem like a pro and will be rewarded with clean clothes and laundry-day happiness. Pat yourself on the back, and enjoy the sweet smell of success. And if you need more help with your home appliances, check out our other articles below.