If your washing machine is not filling with water, more often than not, the cause would be faulty inlet valves, restricted water flow or low water pressure.
We know exactly how big of a nightmare a faulty washing machine can be. In this article, we will try to help you understand the signs your washing machine may not be filling with water as well as offer solutions. Always remember, if you need free advice over the phone at any point, give us a call.
Signs Your Washing Machine Is Not Filling With Water
If your washing machine is not filling with water, you will usually notice one of the following signs.
1 > The machine gives you an error code.
2 > The machine does not start the cycle. It repeatedly attempts to fill with water and therefore, cannot progress.
3 > If the cycle does progress, the clothes could be just partially wet or entirely dry.
A really good tip given by one of our engineers, Georgi, is to start the washing machine and then open the detergent tray around half way.
If your machine is able to fill with water properly, you will be able to see and hear the water coming to the tray and going down towards the drum.
If you do not see or hear the water when doing this test, it narrows down the cause of the problem. This would mean the inlet valves may be faulty, the inlet hose may be kinked or the detergent tray water path is obstructed.
Simple Causes & Solutions
Now that we know what it looks like when your washing machine does not fill with water, let’s go over most possible causes and solutions. As always, remember to unplug the appliance from the wall before carrying out any work.
1 > The inlet hose is kinked or damaged. The inlet hose is located at the rear of your appliance and when kinked or damaged, water will not be able to enter the appliance. You can check this by yourself at home by pulling out the appliance and inspecting the hoses at the rear. If your appliance is integrated, we recommend calling a professional.
2 > Low water pressure. If your property is suddenly experiencing low water pressure in other parts of the house, it will also prevent your washing machine from working properly. If required, you will need to call your water supplier.
3 > Blocked inlet mesh filter. Most washing machines have a small mesh filter which connects the inlet hose to the inlet valves. This filter can become blocked with time. You can often check this by yourself at home. Simply unscrew the inlet hose at the top and inspect for any blockages. Note that water will likely leak as you unscrew the hose. When you install the inlet hose back in, Georgi says to only use wrist strength without any tools. Using tools to screw the inlet hose back in can cause damage and lead to leaks.
4 > Frozen pipes. During winter months, depending on how and where your machine is installed, the pipes may freeze overnight.
5 > Electrical fault. In some cases, the inlet valves and other relevant components may be perfectly operational but the control board itself may be faulty and not able to start the water filling process. We recommend calling a professional if you suspect that your washing machine has an electrical fault.
When To Seek Professional Assistance
For this type of problem, there is not much you can do yourself as a homeowner if you don’t have prior experience in the field.
If unsure, we recommend calling a professional so that they can carry out the needed repair quickly and efficiently.
If you are someone who does have prior experience in the industry, you can as previously mentioned check the inlet valves, inlet hose, detergent dispenser and mesh filter.
Is it safe to use a washing machine which does not fill with water?
Regardless of the fault, we always recommend switching off the appliance until you decide what to do next. Generally speaking, depending on the fault, continuing to use the appliance can make the problem worse and more expensive to repair.
Is it worth repairing a washing machine which does not fill with water?
Usually, yes, it would be worth repairing! Consider the age of your appliance, how many previous repairs it has already had as well as the pricing structure of your chosen provider. If you need some help deciding, feel free to call us, we are always happy to help for free over the phone.
Can low water pressure cause my washing machine not to fill properly?
Yes. Low water pressure can cause problems with your washing machine. If you are experiencing low water pressure, contact your water supplier. They should be able to help better than anyone.
Conclusion
If your washing machine is not filling with water, more often than not, the problem is caused by a faulty inlet hose, faulty inlet valves or an internal blockage.
If you’re looking for washing machine repairs within the London area, why not reach out to us. We can fix all types of problems quickly and efficiently.
We also offer free advice over the phone, feel free to call us if required!