So your washing machine doesn’t fill with water? The washer is an older top-loading model. The last wash load you did the washer filled with water about halfway. The washer filled all the way up the previous time you washed clothes. What type of issue can cause your washer to all of a sudden not fill all the way up? Do you want to know what parts of the washer I can check to try to fix this myself.
Repair Methods For Washer That Does Not Fill All The Way
If your washing machine doesn’t fill with water, there are certain parts on the washer you need to check and troubleshoot. This issue can be fixed relatively easily. After checking all the areas we have listed below, you should be able to understand the problem and fix a washer that will not fill all the way with water.
Troubleshoot Washing Machine Doesn’t Fill with Water
The parts or components that cause a washer to not fill with water all the way are:
1. Washer Water Filters – Clogged
2. Washing Machine Water Hoses – Bent or Clogged
3. Washer Water Level Pressure Switch – Blocked or Electrically Faulty
4. Washing Machine Water Inlet Valve – Set Improperly or Electrically Faulty
5. Water To Washer Is Low Flow – Not Enough Pressure or Plumbing Issue
6. Other Uncommon Washer Water Fill Issues – Wiring Issues or Partial Panel Failure
The repair methods below that describe how to fix a washer that doesn’t fill with water all the way will also work for a washer that will not fill with water, a washer that fills with too much water, or a washer that fills only halfway with water. Use the repair help below for a washing machine that has any type of water fill issue.
CLEAN OR REPLACE THE WATER FILTERS (WATER INLET SCREENS)
Clogged water filters or inlet screens can cause your washer to not completely fill with water. These small water filters are located in between the water hoses and the water inlet valve on the back of the washer. Remove the power cord from the washer to the outlet. Slide the washer out from the wall. Turn off the hot and cold water on the wall. Get a small bucket to catch any dripping water. Unscrew the hoses from the back of the washer.
You will find a small water filter screen in each end of the hose. Clean these filters and the surrounding area. If the filters are damaged or caked with hard water, replace them. Once cleaned or replaced, reinstall the water hoses, connect power, and run a test wash. If this is not the problem, check the water hoses…
Washer Water Filters – Check If Clogged
CHECK WATER HOSES FOR BENDS OR CLOGS
Slide the washer out from the wall to gain access. Access the water hoses going from the wall to the washer. Check the water faucet handle and be sure the water valve is turned fully open. If so, check the hoses for sharp bends. If you find the water hoses to be bent, straighten them out. If a water hose has a permanent bend, it will need to be replaced. Remember if you remove the water hoses to inspect them, turn the water on the wall OFF first.
If the water hoses are not bent, remove them to be sure they are not clogged with hard water. Clean the hoses by running hot water through them to see if there is a blockage. Once the hoses are clear and free of kinks or bends, reinstall the hoses and try a test wash to see if the water fully fills the washer. If this is not the problem, check the water level switch…
Washer Water Faucet – Be Sure Valve Is Fully OPEN
Washer Water Hose(s) – Check For Bends
INSPECT WATER LEVEL SWITCH FOR CLOGS OR ELECTRIC FAULT
A faulty water level switch can cause the washer to not fill or not fill all the way. You will have to inspect it to be sure it is in working order. First, remove power to the washing machine by unplugging it. Open the washer panel to see inside the washer. Look for the part that has a small clear plastic tube coming out of it. This part is the water level switch. Remove the switch and check for any type of clog.
Be sure the clear tube is not clogged. This switch malfunctions by either being clogged or electrically faulty. You will need to check the switch with a multimeter to be sure it is not faulty. If found to be faulty, replace it with a new switch and run a test wash to see if the issue is resolved. If this is not the problem, check the water inlet valve…
Washer Water Level Switch – Check For Clogs/Use Meter
CHECK WASHER WATER INLET VALVE FOR ELECTRICAL FAULTS
The water inlet valve lets water into the washer. This valve is controlled by 2 solenoids. One solenoid for hot water and one solenoid for cold water. Some newer valves have a water volume switch to control the amount of water and some controls are on the washers control panel. Check to be sure these are set properly.
If set properly and the washer still does not fill all the way, you need to check this valve for faults. Check each solenoid valve with a meter to be sure they are in working order. If the valve is defective or faulty, replace it with a new one and run a test wash to see if the issue is resolved. If this is not the problem, check the water pressure…
Washer Water Inlet Valve – Inspect For Blockage/Use Meter
HOME WATER PRESSURE OR WATER FLOW PROBLEM
If all the above issues are all checked and in working order, the issue may be with your home or apartment water pressure. This is most likely a plumbing issue. There are tools to help you measure your homes incoming water pressure. You will need to have this checked out to see if the incoming water is the problem and not the washing machine itself. Some washing machines need a certain minimum water pressure for the washer to operate properly. Check your washer manual for the minimum water pressure needed for your washer to work properly.
Having trouble with your washer? Find your washing service machine manuals. A washing machine manual will show you where the parts are located and what the part numbers are if you need to replace parts.
There should also be a wiring schematic on one of the panels on the inside of the washer. This will assist you if you need to find a wiring fault or need to know where wires go after removing a part for testing purposes.
These repair methods will work when your washing machine doesn’t fill with water for all top load washers made by Asko, Beko, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Speed Queen, Miele, SMEG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Haier, Kenmore, Hotpoint, Emerson, Maytag, Bosch, & Frigidaire. All washers have the same basic parts in them. No matter what brand of washer you have, these repair methods are universal and will work with all top-loading washers.
If these DIY fixes don’t work, contact us for reliable washing machine repair today!
