A washing machine that will not stop filling can be a huge headache. Not only will there be the potential flooding damage but also the inconvenience caused as the laundry begins to pile up. Fortunately, the most frequent causes of the problem are relatively easy to diagnose, and the parts responsible are often replaced. If the cause is a blocked pressure hose, just blowing through it can fix the issue. Continue reading to fix your overfilling washer.
Before Repairing the Washer
If the washer is filled with water, run a spin cycle to empty the tub before repairing the washer. You should also disconnect the washer from the energy source and turn off the hot and cool water supply lines. It is also a good idea to make a towel to wipe up any water that may spill.
Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve controls the flow of hot and cool water in to the washer. The water inlet valve has solenoids, which open and close to permit the water to flow in to the washer. A washer that will not stop filling is often due to the valve sticking and staying open.
There exists a simple test to find out if the water inlet valve reaches fault.
Turn the washer on and let it begin to fill.
As it is filling, disconnect the power to the washer.
If the washer will not stop filling, then the water inlet valve has failed to close, meaning it is defective and will need to be replaced.
The water inlet valve can be examined for just about any obvious damage and checked for debris which may be blocking the screens inside the water inlet valve. If you see any debris, removing it may solve the problem. The water inlet valve can even be tested with a multimeter on Rx1. However, you will have to check your owner`s manual for the right reading for the washer, as this may change from washer to washer.
Water Level Switch
The washer`s water level switch is really a pressure-activated switch that determines once the tub needs to stop filling with water. The switch has two sets of contacts. One contact sends power to the water inlet valve, which causes the tub to fill. After the tub has filled, the other contact sends power to the motor, and the wash cycle begins. If the washer does not stop filling, it may be because the contacts have fused together.
The switch could be tested with a multimeter to determine if it's still in a position to carry an electric current or if it must be replaced.
On top-loader washers, the switch is usually located behind the water level control knob in the control panel. On front-loader washers, the switch is usually located just under the top panel, mounted to the washer cabinet. Some top-loader washers don't have a water level switch, so check your washer`s manual to learn if your washer has one.
In case you have a top-loader, first take away the water level control knob.
Access the water level switch by either removing the very best panel on a front-loader washer or by unscrewing the control panel screws at the back of the control panel and then lifting it up.
Remove the pressure hose from the switch.
Take away the wiring harness and take the turn off the washer.
Attach one multimeter probe to the energy terminal and the other to the water inlet valve terminal on the water level switch.
Be sure the switch has continuity, which it should.
Gently blow into the hose fitting on the switch, which should lead it to lose continuity. If it does not lose continuity, the contacts have fused together, and it will ought to be replaced.
Water Level Switch Pressure Hose
Another common cause of an overfilling washer may be the pressure hose attached to the water level switch. The hose connects the pressure switch to the outer tub, usually going into an air dome on the outer tub. As the tub fills, more air pressure is established, which eventually causes the power to the water inlet valve to shut off after the tub has filled.
The reason your washer will not stop filling could be because the hose has either clogged, fallen off, or gotten a hole inside it. When there is a hole in the hose, it will decrease the pressure and cause the water level switch never to shut off power to the water inlet valve.
Be sure the hose has not fallen off and continues to be connected.
Disconnect the hose to check if it's clogged.
Blow through the hose. For those who have trouble blowing through the hose, it is likely blocked, and you should have the ability to keep blowing through it to clear it out.
Check repair washing machine to make sure it is not clogged, and clear it out if it is.
Check the hose for holes. If you find a hole, it is advisable to replace the hose.
Reattach the hose, making sure it is not kinked.
Water Pressure
Among the less common reasons your washer could be overfilling is that there surely is not enough water pressure for the water inlet valve to work correctly. If there is not enough water pressure, the water inlet valve will not close completely, which can cause the washer to overfill.
The volume of water pressure your washer requires will depend on the style of the washer you have. Therefore, you should check your washer`s manual for the right water pressure. If you don't have ways to check and adjust the water pressure, you will have to call a plumber. However, you can examine if the filters on the water inlet valve are blocked, which might be reducing the water pressure.
Main Control Board
Lastly, assuming you have checked the aforementioned causes, but it continues to be overflowing, there could be a fault with the main control board. The control board times and initiates the cycles and monitors the functions of the washer. If the control board is faulty, it could not be communicating with the water inlet valve or the water level switch, which may cause the washer to overfill. The control board could be checked for signs of damage, like burn marks or disconnected wires. To properly check the control board, you should call a tuned professional.