How to Fix a Washing Machine Not Filling with Water

Overview

A washing machine that won't fill with water cannot start a cycle. This guide covers diagnosing and fixing fill issues.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. First, locate the two water supply valves behind your washing machine, one for cold water and one for hot if applicable. Ensure both valves are fully turned anticlockwise to the 'on' position; if they are not, turn them until they are open and check if the machine now fills.
2. Next, turn off the water supply to the machine at the wall valves and carefully unscrew the fill hose from the back of the washing machine. Inside the hose connection, you'll find a small mesh filter; remove it with pliers and clean any debris under running water before reattaching.
3. Carefully pull the washing machine out from the wall and inspect the entire length of the water inlet hoses for any visible kinks or tight bends. Straighten any crimped hoses to ensure water can flow freely, then push the machine back and try a wash cycle.
4. **Safety First:** Before proceeding, unplug your washing machine from the mains electricity supply. Using a multimeter set to ohms (Ω), test the resistance across the terminals of the water inlet valve; a reading outside the manufacturer's specified range (typically 20-50 ohms) indicates a faulty valve.
5. If your multimeter test confirms the inlet valve is faulty, you will need to replace it. Order a new valve specifically designed for your washing machine model, then carefully disconnect the old valve's wiring and hoses before installing the new component and reconnecting everything securely.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions