Repairing the water inlet valve in a washing machine

Water inlet valve problems are among the most frequent problems with washing machines. This tiny part is crucial to managing the water flow into your machine at various stages of the washing cycle. When it breaks down, it can throw off your whole laundry schedule by letting too little or too much water into the machine.

Fortunately, many homeowners are able to replace or repair the water inlet valve on their own. With a little help, you can get your washing machine back up and running smoothly without having to pay for an expensive service call.

We’ll guide you through the process of locating the issue, assembling the required equipment, and fixing the water inlet valve in this post. You’ll find workable solutions to fix your machine, whether it’s leaking, not filling with water, or filling too slowly.

Getting ready to repair the valve

Numerous indicators indicate that a washing machine’s inlet valve needs to be fixed. As previously stated, there is a puddle beneath the body that developed as soon as the cycle began, filling the tank when the machine is turned off and leaving the machine without a water supply when it is operating.

Using a multimeter, you can confirm that the washing machine’s inlet valve is broken.

Make sure to take these simple safety precautions before you start troubleshooting the malfunction: After turning off the washer, shut off the valve. Prepare a low basin and some dry rags; these will be useful for catching any water spills.

Move the machine away from the wall and use the garbage filter to remove any leftover liquid from the system after unplugging it from the network. It is situated in the right corner behind the service door or decorative panel at the base of the laundry room. Replace the pelvis beneath the machine gun’s casing, remove the "garbage" cork, and fill the container with water. Rinse the filter element and replace it after that.

The washing machine’s water supply valve is right beneath the top cover. Twist the two bolts holding the panel in place to remove it. Next, the body part itself needs to be extracted. What is needed for the diagnosis and repair is:

• Cross and slotted screwdrivers;
• pliers;
• pliers with sharp tips;
• Multimeter.

The inlet valve is very easy to remove. It must have the wiring removed and the fixing screws unscrewed. We will explain to you the component parts of the element and the working principle of it.

How this element works?

An automatic machine’s curtain device functions similarly to a traditional crane. Only when the control module sends out a signal does it open and close by hand. Water flows through the powder receptacle and into the washing machine tank because the coil is activated when voltage is applied to the inlet valve, pulling the rod in. What’s inside the water inlet valve is:

• housing;
• magnetic coil (there may be several, depending on the type of device);
• rod;
• metal spring;
• membrane;
• mesh filter;
• inserts in the fittings;
• sealing gasket;
• fasteners.

Voltage is sent to the electric coil by the control module once the user initiates the washing program. It pulls the rod after detecting the impulses. As a result, water from the pipes under high pressure starts to flow into the washing machine and the polyurethane membrane opens. The machine’s "brain" cuts the current when the pressure switch indicates that the tank is filled to the necessary level. After the spring settles back into position, the inlet valve shuts.

When your washing machine isn’t filling properly, fixing the water inlet valve is a simple and common solution that can help restore proper water flow. This valve, which regulates the flow of water into the washer, may clog or wear out over time, resulting in problems like an overflow or no water at all entering the machine. You can avoid paying a repair technician to diagnose and replace the faulty valve yourself if you have some basic tools and some know-how.

What happened to the inlet valve?

The valve may stop working normally for a number of reasons. You’ll need to figure out what happened to the device in order to fix the element and get the machine operating again. We’ll go over the main categories of malfunctions that can happen.

1. Clogging of the filter. Immediately after the inlet hose, at the entrance to the valve, there is a mesh that traps various impurities present in tap water. Over time, it becomes clogged and begins to pass liquid poorly. The mesh can be removed without disassembling the machine. It is enough to grab its protrusion with pliers and pull it towards you. After washing, the filter is put back.
2. Contamination of the membrane. The elastic rubber also moves up and down with each movement of the rod. If it becomes dirty, it begins to fit loosely against the valve “seat” and let water through. To inspect the seal, you will have to disassemble the inlet device. If there is rust on the surface, it must be cleaned off, if there are cracks, replace the gasket.
3. Problems with the spring. After a while, the mechanism may break, the rod will stop moving up and down freely. Therefore, if the metal spiral is broken or deformed, you will have to change it.
4. Cracks in the device body. Usually, the valve has a plastic "shell" that can be damaged. If this happens, some water will flow out of the inlet element, getting onto the electrical components of the machine. Because of this, the washing machine can get an electric shock, which is fraught with a short circuit. In such a situation, it is necessary to change the part as soon as possible.

The plastic valve body in machines kept in cold rooms frequently cracks. The water freezes at below-freezing temperatures and forces the part’s "shell" apart. Furthermore, following such a "freeze," the liquid will no longer be able to be held by the elastic membrane. Consequently, you must replace the inlet device if the country washing machine leaks after the winter.

You should give the water supply valve a thorough inspection once it has been taken out of the housing. Replace the element right away if you discover that the electromagnetic coils are distorted; in this instance, repairing the element is not worthwhile. We’ll walk you through diagnosing the component.

Testing the valve

The electromagnetic coil has a major impact on how well the inlet valve operates. This coil makes sure that water is poured into the system by "activating" the rod. There are two methods to verify it. Using a multimeter is the first and simplest method. The tester must be set to measure resistance, and its probes must be connected to the coil contacts. A value between 2000 and 4000 Ohm will be shown on the device screen if the water supply valve is operating correctly.

If your automatic machine has a double or triple type inlet valve, you will need to use a multimeter to ring each coil independently.

Putting the coil at 220 V is the second method. A magnetic field will form in it and pull the rod upward if everything is in order (you’ll hear the distinctive clicks). Every piece of equipment will reposition itself once the power is switched off. Using a multimeter is preferable because this method necessitates extreme caution.

With the correct tools and a little perseverance, many homeowners can perform the repair of a washing machine’s water inlet valve on their own. Your washer won’t fill correctly if this tiny but crucial component malfunctions, controlling the water flow into the machine. Fortunately, you don’t need to hire an expert to diagnose the issue and replace the valve if you have some basic knowledge.

The inlet valve is probably to blame if your washing machine is having problems with water intake, such as slow filling, no water at all, or water that runs continuously. The first step is to inspect the valve for damage or blockages. If needed, replacing the valve is not too difficult. Just keep in mind that before you begin, turn off the water and electricity supplies.

The efficient operation of your washing machine is contingent upon a functional water inlet valve. You can prolong the life of your appliance and save money by doing the repair yourself. It’s one of those common fixes that, while initially intimidating, can actually be fairly manageable with the right assistance.

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