There are a lot of reasons why your washing machine is not filling with water as it should. The underlying causes include mechanical issues and factors that are not in your control. Not only is it annoying, it can also force you into an unplanned trip to the laundromat.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons why your washing machine is not filling with water and how to troubleshoot this problem.
Why your washing machine is not filling with water
The reason why your washing machine is not working as it should is not always serious or indicate a mechanical issue with your unit. It may be through simple usage issues or certain uncontrollable circumstances that are causing the problem. Here are such reasons:
Low water pressure in your area
Fully automatic washing machines need a strong water pressure to work. If the water pressure is too low, it will show an error code and the operation will stop.
There is nothing much you can do with this but to wait for the water pressure to be restored back to normal. If you can, you should purchase a model with a low water pressure function. This function allows your washing machine to continue filling with water even if the water pressure is weak. Granted, it will be a really slow process, but at least you can operate your washer.
Check if the inlet hose is kinked
The inlet hose is at the back of the washer and its job is to supply your unit with water. If this hose gets kinked, it can reduce and even totally block the flow of water to the washing machine.
To fix this, just inspect the hose for kinks and obstructions, then straighten it if you found one. Your washing machine will be back to normal after that.
Malfunctioning water inlet valve
Attached to the inlet hose is the water inlet valve. This valve allows water to enter to your washing machine. The valve is controlled by an electronic switch. This switch may go bad over time and the valve may get stuck in a closed position which will prevent water from coming in your washing machine.
If the water inlet valve has failed, you should call a technician to fix it or have it replaced. You can buy replacement parts online and replace it yourself.
Malfunctioning lid switch
Fully automatic washing machines have a hidden switch at the back of the hinge of the lid that gets activated when the lid is closed properly. When not engaged (i.e. if your lid was not closed properly), it will prevent the agitator or the tub from spinning. For some models, the lid switch also controls the water inlet valve, hence it can also prevent water from filling your tub.
If you have something blocking the lid from closing all the way, the lid switch will not be activated. To fix this, remove what ever is obstructing the lid from closing, and continue as usual.
It could also be because the lid switch itself is malfunctioning. If you suspect this to be the case, you should call in a technician to have a look at it. Most likely, you’ll need to replace the lid switch to fix the problem.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are a lot of reasons why your washing machine is not filling with water. Always keep your washing machine in tip-top shape by following best practices while doing the laundry. You should also have your washing machine checked by a technician for preventive maintenance.
Miguel Mores worked for 5 years as a member of the product management team for a home appliance company in the Philippines. He started 101appliance to answer the most common customer questions that he has encountered during his time in the industry. He now works in the digital marketing field and manages a small online bookstore on the side.
