Washer Fills Slowly or Will Not Fill at All

The home water pressure might be too low. The water inlet valve requires at least 20 psi to function properly. Check the water pressure to the valve to determine if it is sufficient.

The temperature selector switch allows power to be sent to the water inlet valve to release hot or cold water. If the temperature selector switch is faulty, the valve may only allow only one temperature of water to fill the tub. You can use a multimeter to test the switch for electrical continuity. If the switch tests negative for continuity, the part will need to be replaced.

Confirm that both the hot and cold water supply valves are open. If the valves are closed the washer won't fill to start the wash cycle.

If the water is siphoning from the tub the outlet (end) of the drain hose is likely lower than the water level in the tub. The drain hose should terminate between 30” to 36” above the floor, depending on the model, in a standpipe or laundry tub. If the drain hose is sealed at the top of the standpipe or excess hose is pushed too far down into the pipe, siphoning can occur.

The washing machine pressure switch has a tube attached to the side or the bottom of the tub. As water enters the tub, air pressure increases in the tube which will cause the pressure switch to interrupt voltage to the water inlet valve stopping the water flow once sufficient water has filled the tub. If the pressure switch is defective, it may prematurely shut off the voltage to the inlet valve resulting in the washer filling too little or not at all. After referring to the appliance's wiring diagram to identify the switch's terminals, you can use a multimeter to test the pressure switch for appropriate electrical continuity. Blowing into the attached tube should interrupt or restore continuity. If it does not, you'll know the part is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Since a washing machine's main control board provides voltage to nearly all of the washer's electrical components, a faulty board may not be sending power to the inlet valve to open it and allow water to fill the tub. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the inlet valve after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the fill cycle, it's likely the control board is defective and will need to be replaced.

All water valves have filter screens to prevent particles from clogging it up, or worse yet preventing the valve from closing. For added protection and easier access, some fill hoses may have screens added to the hose washers/gaskets where the fill hose connects to the homes hot or cold shut-off valve. The screens in the water valve and hoses should be checked and cleaned if necessary. Unplug the machine. Turn off the water supply valves. Get a bucket to catch the remaining water in the hoses. Unthread the hoses from your machine and check to see if there is a clog in the filter. A simple cleaning may do the trick to get your washer working again.

Make sure you are using the correct cycle settings for the type of clothes and options you need. For example, if the washer is set to an economy cycle, it will only use cold water. Refer to the owner's manual for reference

The door lock secures the washer door during operation. Once the door is closed, the washer can begin operating. If the door is not latched shut, the door switch will prevent the washer from operating. If the lock is defective, the washer may not fill. The lock can fail either mechanically or electrically. Inspect the lock for damage. If the lock is damaged or does not latch properly, replace it. To determine if the lock has failed electrically, consult your washer’s wiring diagram and use a multimeter to test each of the lock switches, if applicable, for continuity.