Washing Machine Not Filling With Water? Here’s What to Do

Why does your top-load washing machine not fill up? Watch our video to discover if the problem is your washing machine water valves, a kink in the water hose or some type of clog.

Washer Won’t Fill? Try These Troubleshooting Tips

Your top-load washing machine obviously needs water to do its job. So when it’s not filling up with water, you know something’s up. Before you call for a washer repair, there are some things you can check very easily that may solve the problem. Our video walks you through the troubleshooting process and shows you step-by-step how to unclog your water inlet screens. But be careful: Do this incorrectly and you could flood your home.

Remember to consult your owner’s manual first for information on how to properly care for your specific appliance.

1. Check that the lid is completely closed.

Washing machines have a safety switch that prevents the washer from operating if the lid is open. If you’re washer isn’t filling with water, make sure the lid is completely closed.

If it is closed, check to see if the strike on the lid is broken, preventing it from making contact with the lid switch. If the strike is broken, it should be replaced.

2. Make sure the hot and cold water supplies are on.

It may seem obvious, but it’s possible the water supply faucet handles aren’t on. Ensure both the hot and cold water faucets are in the “on” position. You may want to move them to “off” and then to “on” again.

3. See if the fill hoses are kinked.

Check the hoses that lead from water supply to the back of the machine and make sure they’re not kinked. If you do find a kink, reposition the hose to remove the kink, and make sure the hoses remain in a position that prevents kinking again.

4. Check if the water inlet screens are clogged.

Sometimes the screens on the water inlet valve become clogged with mineral buildup. Remove the water fill hoses from the inlet valve and use a soft cloth to clean the screens. Don’t remove the screens — this could possibly cause flooding. If the screens are clogged and you can’t get them clean, the water valve should be replaced.

After checking the screens, reinstall the hoses and turn the water back on. Make sure there aren’t any leaks.

Signs You Need to Call an Expert for Washing Machine Repair

If your washing machine fails to fill with water after basic troubleshooting, there might be underlying issues that warrant repair. One possible culprit could be a faulty water inlet valve. Over time, these valves can become clogged with debris, preventing the free flow of water. A malfunctioning valve requires replacement.

A faulty pressure switch could also cause the washer not fill. The pressure switch monitors the water level in the machine and sends signals to start or stop the filling process. A malfunctioning pressure switch might incorrectly signal that the desired water level has been reached, causing the machine to not fill properly.

Another potential source of the issue could be a malfunctioning control board or timer. If these components fail to communicate the appropriate signals, the washing cycle may not fill or may start to fill but with not enough water to perform a wash cycle.

A blockage or obstruction within the machine’s internal hoses or filters could restrict water flow. Sediment buildup or foreign objects might impede the passage of water, necessitating a thorough cleaning or replacement of affected components. In such cases, seeking professional repair services can help diagnose and rectify the underlying problems, ensuring your washing machine resumes its normal functionality.

Let the Washing Machine Experts at Sears Home Services Repair Your Washer

Sears Home Services stands ready to provide trusted expertise to address even the most complex washing machine issues. With a team of skilled technicians experienced in diagnosing and repairing a wide range of appliance problems, we’ll have your washer working again fast. Schedule a service appointment with a washer repair expert today.