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3 Tips to Fix Your Washer When It Won’t Stop Filling With Water
Facing a washing machine that just won't quit filling with water can be more than a little annoying—it's a full-on laundry day dilemma. But don't worry, there's light at the end of the tunnel. With a few straightforward troubleshooting steps, you might just find the fix yourself. Whether it's adjusting the drain hose or making sure everything's lined up just right, these practical tips will guide you through getting your washer back in line.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- If your top-load washer is leaking water from underneath, unplug it, shut off the water supply, and seek professional service.
- Ensure the standpipe is at least 39 inches from the floor to prevent water from continuously running into the tub.
- Avoid siphoning by properly positioning the drain hose in the drainpipe and using a drain hose hook to secure it, or call in professionals if problems persist.
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.
Follow These Tips if Your Washer Won’t Stop Filling With Water
1. Immediate Action
Okay, so your washer's decided to go rogue and won't stop filling with water. Before you do anything else, take a deep breath and make sure you're handling the situation safely and smartly. If water is flowing out of the washer, there are a few quick actions to take that'll help prevent your laundry room from turning into a swimming pool (and keep you safe). These steps are your emergency toolkit for when your washer is on the fritz.
- Unplug the machine: First things first, cut off the power. Water and electricity are a bad mix, so unplug the washer to avoid any shock hazards.
- Shut off the water supply: Next up, you need to stop the water from making the problem worse. Find the hot and cold water valves behind your washer and turn them off. This will cut off the water supply and give you some breathing room.
- Seek professional service: If you're seeing water leaking from the bottom of the washer, that's a sign to call in the pros. It might be tempting to poke around and try to fix it yourself, but sometimes, the best action is to let those with the tools and know-how take over.
Jumping into these actions quickly can save the day by preventing more water from damaging your home and keeping you out of harm's way. If things look serious, getting a professional to check out your washer ASAP can get you back to laundry as usual, without any extra headaches.
2. Check the Standpipe
You may now be wondering why your washer turned into an endless fountain. One sneaky culprit could be the standpipe—that vertical pipe your washer drain hose hooks into. If it's not set up correctly, it could be the reason your laundry day turned into flood day. Checking the standpipe to see if it's behind your washer's overly enthusiastic filling is easy to do.
- Measure the standpipe height: The standpipe needs to stand tall—at least 39 inches above the floor, to be exact. This height ensures that water flows properly into the sewer system instead of deciding to take a detour back into your washer.
- Adjust if necessary: If your standpipe isn't standing tall, it's time for a change. You might need to extend or replace it to reach the required height.
Making sure your standpipe is up to code can be a simple yet effective fix for a washer that thinks it's a lake. This check is a great example of how a little DIY can go a long way in keeping your home safe from water mishaps.
3. Drain Hose Position
Picture this: You're filling up a balloon with water, but there's a hole at the bottom letting water out just as fast as you're filling it. That's pretty much what's happening with your washer if the drain hose isn't positioned correctly. It's a scenario called siphoning, where water is being drawn back down the drain. Not exactly the most efficient way to do laundry, right? Thankfully, adjusting the drain hose is an easy fix.
- Inspect the drain hose position: The hose should gracefully enter the drainpipe, not dive into it. If it's too far down, it's time to pull it back a bit.
- Use a drain hose hook: This nifty tool isn't just for show. It helps keep your hose at the perfect height to prevent any unwanted water escape acts.
- Avoid sealing the hose to the drainpipe: We're looking for a relationship between the hose and drainpipe that's close but not too clingy. Ensure there's an air gap to prevent creating a vacuum that sucks the water down.
Getting the position of the drain hose just right is key to ensuring your washer fills up properly without losing water to a siphoning hiccup. These steps are straightforward and can make a big difference in how your washer operates.
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.
Addressing a washer that won’t stop filling with water can range from simple fixes to needing professional assistance. By following the troubleshooting steps provided, you can potentially save yourself time and money. However, if you’ve tried these tips and your washer still isn’t working properly, it may be time to call in the experts.
If your washer is still giving you trouble, don’t let the problem escalate. Schedule a repair with Sears Home Services today, and let our team of professionals restore your appliance’s functionality and your peace of mind.
Schedule your washer repair now!
With years of experience, our technicians possess the skills to repair your washer, regardless of the issue.
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Repair Washer Resources
Learn how a pressure transducer works to detect water level in a washing machine.
Learn how a top-load washing machine works and how to use and maintain the washer.
Learn how a mixing valve works to control water temperature in a washer.
Learn why your washer drum is loose and banging around and get professional advice on fixing it. Contact Sears Home Services for a reliable repair service.
Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.
Common Repair Washer Symptoms
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't stop filling are a clogged water valve, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't spin or drain are a seized gearcase, a broken motor, or a failed door switch.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't turn off are a malfunctioning electronic control board, broken motor or a jammed door lock assembly.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer vibrates are a damaged suspension rod, malfunctioning electronic control board or a dead fan.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is experiencing the rinse cycle not working are a broken lid switch, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.