Washing Machine Inlet Water Not Coming

Introduction

Is your washing machine refusing to fill with water? A washing machine refusing to take in water is a common but frustrating problem. It can disrupt your laundry routine and leave you with a pile of dirty clothes. This guide will help you troubleshoot the issue step-by-step, even if you’re not a technical expert. Getting your washing machine working again quickly is important to avoid delaying your laundry and potential buildup of mildew in the machine.

Common Causes of washing machine inlet water not coming

Several issues can prevent water from entering your washing machine:

• Water Supply is Off: The simplest, and often overlooked, reason. Make sure the water valves supplying the machine are fully open.
• Kinked or Blocked Inlet Hoses: Hoses can get bent or clogged, restricting water flow.
• Clogged Inlet Valve Screens: Small screens filter debris. These can become clogged with sediment over time.
• Faulty Inlet Valve: The valve that controls water flow into the machine might be defective.
• Low Water Pressure: Insufficient water pressure can prevent the machine from filling properly.
• Timer/Control Panel Issues: In some cases, a faulty control panel can prevent the inlet valve from opening.
• Door Switch Problems: Some machines won’t fill unless the door is securely closed, triggered by a switch.
• Drain Hose Issues: If the drain hose is too low, siphoning can occur, preventing the machine from filling.

Symptoms Checklist

Use this checklist to pinpoint the problem:

• No water entering the machine at all.
• Water trickling in very slowly.
• The washing machine making buzzing or humming noises when it should be filling.
• Error codes displayed on the washing machine’s control panel.
• Water filling, but then immediately draining.
• Water pressure in other faucets in the house is also low.

How to Fix washing machine inlet water not coming Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check the Water Supply: Ensure both hot and cold water supply valves connected to the washing machine hoses are fully open.
2. Inspect the Inlet Hoses: Look for kinks, bends, or pinches in the hoses. Straighten them out.
3. Check for Leaks: Look for any leaks around the hose connections or the hoses themselves. Tighten connections or replace the hose if necessary.
4. Clean the Inlet Valve Screens: Turn off the water supply. Disconnect the hoses from the washing machine. Locate the small screens inside the inlet valve openings. Use pliers to carefully remove them and clean them under running water with an old toothbrush to remove sediment. Reinstall the screens and reconnect the hoses.
5. Test Water Pressure: Connect a hose to the faucet where the washing machine hose usually connects, and check the water pressure by opening the faucet fully. If the pressure is low, contact your water company or a plumber.
6. Check the Drain Hose: Make sure the drain hose is properly positioned. It should not be inserted too far down the drainpipe, and the top of the hose should be higher than the water level inside the washing machine tub to prevent siphoning.
7. Reset the Washing Machine: Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet for 1-2 minutes. Plug it back in and try running a cycle. This can sometimes reset the control panel and resolve minor glitches.
8. Listen for the Inlet Valve: Start a wash cycle and listen closely for a buzzing or clicking sound from the inlet valve(s) at the back of the machine. If you don’t hear anything, the valve might not be getting power.
9. Check the Door Switch/Lid Switch: Make sure the washing machine door or lid is closing properly. If the switch is faulty, the machine might not fill with water. Some machines have a visible switch, others are internal.
10. Run a Test Cycle: After completing the above steps, run a small load with the washing machine to see if the problem is resolved.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Sometimes, you can resolve the issue without needing to replace any parts:

• Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean the inlet valve screens (as described above) to prevent sediment buildup.
• Hose Maintenance: Inspect hoses regularly for kinks, leaks, or damage. Replace them if necessary.
• Avoid Overloading: Overloading the washing machine can strain the motor and potentially affect water intake.
• Correct Drain Hose Positioning: Make sure the drain hose is properly positioned to prevent siphoning.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the washing machine still won’t fill, the inlet valve might be faulty and need replacement. A new inlet valve typically costs between $20 and $100 USD, depending on the washing machine model. Another part that could require replacement, although less frequent, is the water level sensor. Replacement cost varies as well depending on brand and availability. Only consider this as a last resort.

Safety Warning

• Always unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before attempting any repairs.
• Turn off the water supply to the washing machine before disconnecting any hoses.
• Be careful when working with water to avoid electric shock.
• Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Tools You May Need

• Pliers
• Old toothbrush
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Bucket or towels to catch water

FAQ

Q: Why is my washing machine humming but not filling with water?A: The humming sound usually indicates that the inlet valve is receiving power but is unable to open properly, possibly due to a clog or a faulty valve. Try cleaning the inlet valve screens first.

Q: How do I know if my inlet valve is bad?A: If you’ve cleaned the inlet valve screens, checked for proper water pressure, and still no water is entering the machine, the inlet valve is likely faulty. You can also use a multimeter to test the valve’s continuity, but this requires some technical knowledge.

Q: Can low water pressure cause my washing machine to not fill properly?A: Yes, low water pressure can significantly affect the washing machine’s ability to fill. Ensure your house has adequate water pressure.

Q: What if the washing machine fills, but the water immediately drains out?A: This is usually due to a siphoning issue with the drain hose. Ensure the drain hose is positioned correctly, with the top of the hose higher than the water level in the tub.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a washing machine that isn’t filling with water can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often identify and resolve the problem yourself. Take your time, be thorough, and remember to prioritize safety. If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and still haven’t found a solution, it might be time to call a qualified appliance repair technician. However, you’ve now taken the first important steps to saving yourself time and money.