Amana Washer Not Filling Up With Water

Introduction

Having your Amana washer refuse to fill with water can be incredibly frustrating. Laundry piles up quickly, and the inconvenience can disrupt your whole week. This issue commonly occurs when you start a new wash cycle and nothing happens after pressing the start button, or you might hear the machine running but no water is entering. Getting your washer back in working order promptly prevents mold growth, further appliance damage, and the ever-growing laundry mountain. Let’s troubleshoot!

Common Causes of Amana Washer Not Filling Up With Water

Several factors can prevent your Amana washer from filling. Here’s a breakdown:

• Water Supply Valves Turned Off: This is the most common oversight! Ensure both hot and cold water valves connected to the washer hoses are fully open.
• Kinked or Blocked Water Hoses: A kink in the hose restricts water flow. Similarly, sediment or debris can clog the hoses.
• Clogged Inlet Valve Screens: These small screens are located where the water hoses connect to the back of the washer. They filter out debris.
• Faulty Water Inlet Valve: This valve controls the flow of water into the washer. If it’s defective, it might not open even when the machine signals it to.
• Lid Switch Malfunction: The washer is designed not to operate if the lid isn’t closed properly. A faulty lid switch can prevent the fill cycle from starting.
• Pressure Switch Problem: The pressure switch detects the water level in the tub. A faulty switch might incorrectly signal that the tub is already full.
• Timer/Control Panel Issues: In rare cases, a problem with the timer or electronic control panel can prevent the signal from being sent to the inlet valve.
• Low Water Pressure: If the water pressure to your house is low, the washer may not be able to fill properly.

Symptoms Checklist

Here are some indicators that will help you narrow down the cause:

• Washer makes no sound when it should be filling.
• Washer makes a humming sound but no water enters.
• Washer fills very slowly.
• Washer starts and then stops immediately.
• Washer fills partially and then stops.
• Error code displayed on the control panel related to water filling. (Check your owner’s manual for error code descriptions.)

How to Fix Amana Washer Not Filling Up With Water Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot your washer:

1. Check Water Supply Valves: Ensure both the hot and cold water valves behind the washer are fully open. Turn them counterclockwise.
2. Inspect Water Hoses: Check for kinks, bends, or any visible damage to the hoses. Straighten any kinks.
3. Clean Inlet Valve Screens:
   1. Turn off the water supply valves.
   2. Disconnect the water hoses from the back of the washer.
   3. Use pliers to carefully remove the small screens from the inlet valve openings.
   4. Clean the screens under running water with a soft brush.
   5. Reinstall the screens and reconnect the water hoses.
4. Test Water Pressure: Disconnect a hose from the washer and place the end in a bucket. Briefly turn on the corresponding water valve. You should have a strong, steady stream of water. If the pressure is weak, investigate your home’s plumbing.
5. Check the Lid Switch: Make sure the lid closes properly and engages the lid switch. Sometimes the switch mechanism can become loose or dirty. Manually push the switch down (with the washer unplugged!) to see if it moves freely.
6. Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer from the power outlet for 1-2 minutes. Then, plug it back in and try running a test cycle. This can sometimes reset the electronic controls.
7. Check for Error Codes: Consult your washer’s owner’s manual to understand any error codes displayed on the control panel. These codes can pinpoint the problem area.
8. Inspect the Water Inlet Valve (Visual Inspection Only): Locate the water inlet valve (usually at the back of the machine). Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks.
9. Listen to the Inlet Valve: When you start a wash cycle, listen carefully to the inlet valve. You should hear a click or hum indicating that it’s trying to open. If you hear nothing, it could be a sign of a faulty valve.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before considering replacements, try these free methods:

• Reset the Washer: As mentioned earlier, unplugging the washer can sometimes reset the control panel.
• Deep Cleaning: Clean the entire washing machine, including the detergent dispenser, bleach dispenser, and fabric softener dispenser. Clogged dispensers can sometimes indirectly affect the water fill process.
• Run a Cleaning Cycle: If your washer has a dedicated cleaning cycle, run it with a washer cleaner product to remove any buildup or residue.
• Recalibration (If Applicable): Some washers have a recalibration mode to reset the water level sensors. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Amana washer still isn’t filling, you might need to replace a part. The most common culprit is the water inlet valve. A replacement water inlet valve typically costs between $30 and $75. The lid switch is another possibility, costing between $20 and $50. In rare cases, the electronic control panel might be the issue, which can be a more expensive repair, ranging from $100 to $300. Consider contacting a qualified appliance repair technician for diagnosis and repair before replacing any parts.

Safety Warning

• Always unplug the washer from the electrical outlet before performing any repairs.
• Be careful when working with water and electricity. Avoid creating a hazardous situation.
• If you are not comfortable working with electrical appliances, call a qualified appliance repair technician.
• Clean up any spilled water immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Tools You May Need

• Pliers
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket
• Soft brush
• Towels

FAQ

• Q: My washer fills very slowly. What could be the cause?

  A: This is most likely due to low water pressure, partially closed water supply valves, or clogged inlet valve screens.

• Q: The washer hums but doesn’t fill. What does that mean?

  A: This could indicate a problem with the water inlet valve. It might be receiving power but unable to open.

• Q: How do I know if my lid switch is bad?

  A: Visually inspect the switch for damage. If the washer doesn’t start even when the lid is firmly closed, the switch might be faulty.

• Q: Is it worth repairing an old washer, or should I just buy a new one?

  A: Consider the age and overall condition of the washer. If the repair cost is significant and the machine is old, a new washer might be a better long-term investment.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting an Amana washer that won’t fill with water can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself. Remember to start with the simplest solutions first, like checking the water supply valves and hoses. If you’re uncomfortable with any of these steps, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance repair technician. Good luck!

Youtube Video: