How To Fix Your Washer When It Won’t Stop Filling With Water

Does your washing machine overflow and won’t stop filling with water? Watch our video for tips on troubleshooting an overflowing washer and how to check the drain hose to fix the problem.

No one wants a flooding appliance in their home — and thankfully, there are a few super simple things you can check when you’re having this issue with your washer.

Important Tips if Your Washer Won’t Stop Filling With Water

1. Unplug the machine, shut off the water supply, and call for service

There are a couple of reasons your top-load washer might be filling with water. In one instance, water flows out from underneath the washing machine. In this case, you should unplug the machine, shut off the water supply, and call for service.

2. Check to see if the standpipe is more than 39 inches from the floor

If water isn’t spilling onto the floor, but it keeps running inside the tub, check the drain. The standpipe must be a minimum height of 39 inches (or 99 centimeters) from the floor.

3. Determine if the drain hose is positioned too far down in the drainpipe

When the drain hose has been positioned too far down in the drainpipe, a siphoning condition occurs. Water is running down the drain at the same time that it’s filling the washer. To alleviate this, reinstall the drain hose using the drain hose hook. And be sure to use the tie-down to prevent the hose from backing out of the drain. You can also get this siphoning effect when the drain hose has been duct-taped to the drainpipe without an air gap. It’s best to avoid this entirely.

Remember to consult your owner’s manual first for information on how to properly care for your specific appliance. In many cases, these easy tips will solve the problem.

Still having issues? It’s time to call in the professionals.