If you find your washing machine isn’t filling with water, don’t panic. This is a common problem with a few possible causes and solutions.
Check the Water Supply
The first thing to check is whether water is actually flowing into the washer.
To check this:
- Make sure the hot and cold water taps supplying the machine are turned on fully. Double check the valve for each one.
- Check if the water inlet hoses have any kinks or blockages. Straighten out any kinks. Disconnect and inspect the hoses for trapped debris if necessary.
- Examine the water inlet filters inside the hoses. Clean out any dirt or particles if needed.
Inspect the Water Level Sensor
Modern washing machines have a water level sensor that monitors the fill level inside the tub. If this becomes faulty, it will prevent the machine from filling properly.
To test this sensor:
- Locate the sensor at the bottom of the outer tub and clean it thoroughly.
- Check if the wires are properly connected. Make sure there is no damage.
- Use a multimeter to test if the sensor is working accurately. Replace it if faulty.
Check the Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the machine. If this component develops a fault, the washer won’t fill.
To troubleshoot the inlet valve:
- Use a multimeter to check if the valve is getting power. If not, trace and repair any wiring issues.
- Inspect the solenoid part that controls water flow into the valve. Remove debris or replace if defective.
- Make sure the water line connectors are fitted properly. Refasten any loose connections.
- If necessary, replace the entire inlet valve assembly. This is usually straightforward.
Replace the Water Level Control Board
The main control board regulates the water level sensor and inlet valve. If either of these components checks out okay, a bad control board could be preventing the machine from filling.
To replace the control board:
- Unplug the washer and disconnect all wiring from the board. Document where each wire goes.
- Take a photo of the existing board for reference and remove it.
- Install the new replacement board and reconnect all the wiring as documented.
- Power on the machine and retest the fill function.
With some systematic troubleshooting and testing, you should be able to determine why your washer isn’t filling and rectify the problem. Most issues can be fixed yourself relatively quickly and cheaply.
When to Call a Repair Professional
If you have worked through all the above steps and the washer still won’t fill, it’s best to call an appliance repair technician. Describe in detail the issue plus all the troubleshooting steps you took. This will help the technician diagnose and repair the fault.
While do-it-yourself repairs make sense for minor issues, complex electrical or mechanical problems require expert skills. Don’t attempt disassembly or repairs beyond your capability.
I hope these tips help you figure out why your washing machine is not filling with water. Let me know if you have any other questions!
References
[1] How to Replace Washing Machine Inlet Valve – The Spruce [2] Washing Machine Troubleshooting Guide – Family Handyman [3] Washing Machine Not Filling With Water – Repair Clinic
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.