How to Fix Washer That Won't Stop Filling With Water

The Water Inlet Valve on your washing machine is used to fill the tub with cold, warm or hot water for the wash and rinse cycles. The valve is operated by electric solenoids that are controlled by the timer or electronic control board and the water level control/water level selector switch or pressure switch. If your washer continues to fill during a cycle, the water inlet valve could be at fault. To verify that the valve is at fault, unplug the washer when the symptom occurs. If the washer continues to fill, then the water inlet valve is defective. If the washer stops filling, then the problem is related to the electrical circuit that controls the valve.

How to test the water inlet valve in a washing machine with a multi-meter:

1. Similar to other tests, ensure that you have disconnected the power source from your appliance before beginning, as you will be handling electrical components.
2. Locate and remove your water inlet valve. It is most often found directly behind the hose connections; you will need to remove the rear panel in order to access it.
3. Visually inspect the valve for any signs of wear or damage. The valve has screens inside it, inspect these screens for any debris, do this carefully as these screens cannot be replaced and if they get damaged you will need to replace the entire valve.
4. With a multi-meter on Rx1, touch the probes to the valve’s terminals. The reading you should receive varies from model to model, refer to your owner’s manual to determine what reading your test should produce.
5. If your valve is damaged or if your test results do not match the recommended results, you will need a replacement water inlet valve.

The water level switch is a pressure activated switch that is used to determine the correct water level in the tub. This part is normally located behind the control panel and will have a hose or air dome tube that connects it to the tub. On washers that use an electronic control, this switch may be located at the sump area below the tub. As the water fills in the tub it will compress the air in the tube and push against a diaphragm inside the switch. The switch will control the water inlet valve and turn the valve off at the correct water level. If the tube has a leak or is plugged, not enough pressure may be created to activate the switch and the washer may overfill. If the switch is defective it may also cause the machine to overfill.

How to test the water level switch in a washing machine:

1. Because you will be handling electrical components, ensure that you have disconnected your washer from the power source before beginning.
2. Open your washer’s cabinet in order to locate and remove the water level switch and the air dome tube. Once removed, plug one end of the air dome tube, submerge it in water, and blow into the other end. An undamaged hose will not have any bubbles coming out of it.
3. Inspect the hose and the valve for any signs of cracking, wear, or damage.
4. If any issues are found when performing the checks above, you may need a replacement water level switch.