If your washing machine keeps filling with water when turned off, then you should attend to it as soon as you identify it. This is because continuous water leaking would not only waste the water but also spill water on the floor that might result in accidents or electrical hazards. This brings you all the necessary information regarding which components could be defective and how to troubleshoot them. Unplug your washing machine from power before you examine any component. Use protective equipment and necessary precautions to avoid possible personal harm and hazards.
Possible Causes of Water Filling
Contents
The two possible causes of water dripping into washing machine are a defective water inlet valve and a malfunctioning water pressure switch. Here is how to detect and fix this problem.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
This is the most common reason why your washing machine keeps filling with water when turned off. The water inlet valve is what controls the water flow into the washer. If this valve is defective, it will not turn the water flow on and off as required. Instead, it would either keep turned on or off. You can identify in which position your water inlet valve might have broken as follows.
- In a closed position – water will not flow into the drum at all
- In an open position – water will flow continuously, filling and overflowing the drum
Therefore, if you find water inside the drum even after the wash cycle is over, it might be due to a faulty water inlet valve. A possible cause for the failure of the water inlet valve is the jammed inlet valve solenoid with calcium deposits. Hence, the valve solenoid would be stuck in the On position.
A simple mechanism operates the water inlet valve. The valve is opened by an electromagnet that activates when it gets electricity. When the voltage is removed, the valve returns to its previous location. This ensures that water doesn’t pass into the drum after the washer is switched off and disconnected from power.
You can test the valve to check whether it is defective or not. Turn the washing machine on, and turn it off as it gets filled. If the washing machine keeps filling with water when turned off, the water inlet valve is defective. It would be best if you replaced the valve, but until then, keep the water supply to the washer turned off to prevent the drum from flooding.
Sometimes, water can get in through the valve even when the machine is turned off. Here is how to check this possibility.
- Start by turning off the power to your washing machine.
- Remove the top cover to reach inlet valves.
- You can either remove wire connectors from the valves or leave them attached. Do not remove water hoses to the valves on the back of the washing machine.
- Disconnect the filler hoses from the valve, one at a time.
- Check whether there is any water coming out, and if not, check the next one accordingly.
You can also check the electrical conductivity of the water inlet valve solenoids using a multimeter as follows.
- Disconnect your washing machine from the power supply.
- You can locate your water inlet valve behind the hose connections. You would need to remove the rear access panel to reach it.
- Then remove this water inlet valve and inspect the valve for any visible signs of damage or wear.
- Check the screens inside for possible accumulation and clogging. Clean it thoroughly if any debris is present. Be careful not to damage the screens, and if the screens are already damaged, you will need to replace the whole valve.
- Get the multimeter and set it on the Rx1 function.
- Then touch the multimeter probes to the terminals inside the valve.
- Get the reading and check it with your user manual, as this reading will vary between models. Find out what should be the reading that your model should have.
- If the results don’t match the indications on the manual, the valve might be defective. If so, you would have to replace the water inlet valve.
Here is how you should replace the water inlet valve.
- Unplug the machine from power and turn off the hot and cold water supplies. Disconnect the hoses from the inlet valve of the washer.
- Pull the machine away from the wall so you have enough room to access the back.
- Lift the top off the machine using a putty knife. Ensure to support the main top to avoid going back too far.
- Remove the screw near the fill valve using a screwdriver. Then slightly lift the valve and push it up through the opening on the back.
- Remove the hose clip that secures the outlet hose and remove the hose clamp using pliers.
- Then lift the valve out of the opening. Disconnect the wires from the terminals on the solenoids. Remember where the wires connect as you need them when reassembling the parts.
- Remove the valve by twisting off the hose.
- Install the new valve and reassemble the washing machine by reversing the disassembly steps.
Problems With Water Level Switch, Pressure Switch, Or Air Dome Tube
Various other problems related to these components can also result in your washing machine keeps filling with water when turned off. When the water is being filled into the drum, the water level is measured by an air dome tube fixed in the tub. When the water gets filled, it increases the pressure, which is detected by the compression of the pressure switch. After filling enough water in the tub, the air inside the tube is directed to the diaphragm of the water level switch. Then the water level switch turns off the inlet valve. This is how the water flows into the washing machine is controlled.
If this tube has a blockage or leak, the air pressure would not be strong enough to push the diaphragm. Also, if there is a defect in the water level switch, it would not turn off the water inlet valve at the correct time. Hence, the washer fills with water when off, and this is where troubleshooting is necessary to fix the problem.
- Start by disconnecting the washer by unplugging it from power.
- Locate the air dome tube between the tub and the water level selection dial behind your control panel.
- Remove the hose and immerse it in water. Pinch and close one end while blowing into the other side.
- See whether any air bubbles are coming out that indicate something blocking the tube.
- Check the tube by either feel along its length or by shining a flashlight into one end to see whether the light comes through.
- Look for cracks or worn-out areas in the tube. If there is no visible damage and the tube appears fine, check the water level switch.
If the switch appears to be clogged or shows signs of defects, then check it for continuity using a multimeter. Here is how you need to check the pressure switch.
- For this, let the water fill to the proper level and then unplug the washing machine.
- Locate the pressure switch and examine its terminals that control the water inlet valve. Check this with your washer model’s wiring schematic and find what the readings should be.
- Then remove the wires from the switch and test them when the tub is filled with water at the correct level.
- The water level switch would be located under the tub near the sump in electronically controlled washing machines.
So check both the air dome and level switch for possible damages and failures. These are the main two causes that could be the reason why your washing machine won’t stop filling with water even when it’s turned off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washing machine filling with water when not on?
Clogging in the water valve of the washing machine due to contamination from the cold water supply might be the reason for this. Locate the filter in the valve which catches this debris and clean it thoroughly.
Why is there no water going into my washing machine?
This might be due to the water inlet valve being stuck in the closed position. Locate it and see if this is the case.
How much does it cost to replace a washing machine water inlet valve?
The average washing machine inlet valve replacement cost is around $75 to $125.
Can you clean a water inlet valve?
You can clean the water inlet valve of your washing machine. It is good to clean it and remove any accumulations every year or so.
Conclusion
These are the main possibilities that could be why a washing machine won’t stop filling with water. You would be able to troubleshoot your washer as indicated above. If you can’t fix this problem, you need professional help to fix your washing machine. If the issue seems complex and not worth repairing, you might have to go for a new appliance. Make sure to avoid these Worst Washing Machines when purchasing a new one.
