How to Fix a Water Inlet Valve for a Washer With Filling Issues

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the tub. If your washer is struggling to fill up with water, the valve may be clogged. Conversely, if it is overfilling, the valve may be stuck open.

What is the Water Inlet Valve? Where is it Located?

The water inlet valve is the component that connects the hot and cold water hoses to the washer. It manages the flow of the water entering the washer. The valve contains a mesh screen that filters sand, minerals, and other debris so they do not get into the tub.

The inlet valve is typically located at the back of the appliance, as seen in the following 3D renderings.

General Location of the Inlet Valves in a Front Load Washer

General Location of the Inlet Valves in a Top Load Washer

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Water Inlet Valve

1. As with all repairs, begin by unplugging your washer. If you have a gas washer, shut off the gas supply and disconnect the gas lines.
2. Additionally, be sure to turn off your hot and cold water supplies.
3. Shift your washer away from the laundry room wall.
4. At the back of the washer, put a towel on the floor to catch any water that may release from the hoses.
5. Loosen the hot and cold water hoses using pliers.
6. Remove the top cover of the washer using a screwdriver.
7. Locate the water inlet valve and place a towel beneath the hose attached to it.
8. Remove the hose connected to the valve. It may be secured with a clamp.
9. Remove the wiring harnesses from the coils.
10. Loosen any screws securing the valve in place and remove it from its slot.
11. Inspect the valve for any cracks.

How to Test the Water Inlet Valve

1. Set your multimeter to read in ohms on the lowest setting (some devices call this mode RX1 or X1). If your multimeter has a setting that tests for continuity by making a sound, you may set it to that as well.
2. If you have an analog multimeter, calibrate the meter by pinching the probes together while adjusting the needle to read 0.
3. Pull any clips off the valve’s terminals.
4. Touch the probes to the wire terminals and check the reading – it should read between 500 and 1,500 ohms. Alternatively, listen for a sound.
5. Replace your water inlet valve if it reads otherwise or if the multimeter does not make a sound.

How to Install a New Water Inlet Valve

1. Fit the new valve into the slot the previous valve was removed from and secure it.
2. Reconnect any wiring.
3. Reattach the hose.
4. Replace the top cover.
5. Reconnect the water hoses to the valve and tighten them.
6. Push the washer back into position.

Next: Troubleshooting the Lid Switch

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