A washing machine that continuously draws water can be inconvenient and waste money. There’s probably a problem if you see that your appliance continuously fills with water without stopping. You can handle this problem more skillfully if you are aware of the potential causes.
Numerous things can lead to this issue, such as a malfunctioning water inlet valve, problems with the pressure switch, or even straightforward obstructions. Ignoring it could result in inefficient washing, increased water costs, or even machine damage.
This post will discuss the typical reasons why a washing machine might keep filling up with water and offer some doable solutions to the problem.
Typical causes of malfunction
The washing machine’s system continuously gathering water in the tank is a "alarming symptom" that should prompt you to take action. You must first address the issue of what might possibly lead to such a problem. You must first identify a broad range of issues, and then through methodical actions, you must gradually reduce this range. Thus, common reasons for malfunctions:
- new washing machine is not connected correctly;
- washing machine tank is leaking;
- water level sensor (pressure switch) is out of order;
- inlet valve is broken;
- problem with electronic control unit.
Kindly take note! It’s not a guarantee that a newly purchased washing machine with such issues was connected improperly. There could be a manufacturing flaw and some malfunctioning parts or electrical issues with the device.
Description of causes of malfunctions and ways to eliminate them
The most likely cause of a newly purchased washing machine’s continuous water filling is an improperly connected drain hose. It begs the questions, "Why specifically the drain hose, and what’s its relationship to it?" It actually has the closest connection to this issue.
A "siphon effect" could happen if the washing machine’s drainage system is not set up properly. It may cause all of the sewage’s dirty water to flow back into the tank or cause the tank’s water to gravitationally flow into the sewer continuously. In the latter scenario, all of the water will instantly exit through the drain hose, regardless of how much the machine pumps into the washing tank. The end result is excessive water consumption, a heating element that runs nonstop, and subpar washing (assuming washing occurs at all). In this situation, what should I do?
The siphon effect can be eliminated in two ways. The sewer pipe should be raised to a minimum of half a meter above the floor in order to properly connect the washing machine to the sewer. Second, you can equip the drain hose or pipe with an anti-siphon valve.
Kindly take note! The hose should be connected to the sewer pipe correctly, as connecting via a check valve necessitates not only extra expenses but also time for routine maintenance and cleaning.
The washing machine may need to continuously pump water in due to a leaky tank. It’s difficult to overlook this factor, unless, of course, your machine has the "aqua-stop" safety feature installed. If you miss this opportunity, flooding will result from the system repeatedly telling you to fill the tank to the necessary level, causing water from a leaky tank to spill onto the floor beneath the machine.
This does not pose a threat to leak-proof washing machines because the protection mechanism will activate and stop the water’s flow while also cutting off the supply. We see that this kind of issue can be resolved by either replacing the tank or fixing it; soldering a leaky tank isn’t always an option. Everything is dependent upon the material used in its construction.
A broken water level sensor could be the cause of the machine’s continuous water filling. This sensor does a very significant job: it measures the water level in the tank and communicates that information to the machine’s electronic system. The system will always believe that there is not enough water in the tank and that it needs to be filled if the sensor is broken. Although trying to repair a broken sensor is an option, it is advisable to replace it entirely. Typically, the pressure switch breaks as follows:
- membrane – the rubber loses its tightness and needs to be replaced with a new one;
- sensor contacts – you need to clean them well, or better yet, replace the contacts;
- sensor tube – if the water level sensor tube is cracked, you will have to change the entire device, filling the cracks with sealant does not make much sense.
You must reach the pressure switch in order to replace it. See the article on inspecting a washing machine’s pressure switch for additional information.
Crucial! Even for pricey washing machine models, a replacement pressure switch is relatively inexpensive. Therefore, it may be worth it to purchase and install a new device instead of attempting to repair the old one, as there is a greater likelihood of success.
The inlet valve could be another cause of the "washing machine"’scontinuouswater filling. Should that be the case, water will continuously enter the washing machine tank regardless of whether the machine is turned on or off. As a result, water usage will rise dramatically, using even more water than in the event that the pressure switch, tank, or "siphon effect" were the source of the malfunction. The inlet valve cannot be fixed; a new one must be purchased and installed.
What to do if the washing machine’s control unit is the cause of the water constantly filling the tank. Professionals provide clear guidance on this topic; get in touch with them. Independent examination, maintenance, and testing of the control unit may result in its malfunction. In this situation, costly repairs are unavoidable, so avoid amateur endeavors if you are not a skilled electronics technician.
It’s probably an indication of a malfunction if your washing machine is continuously absorbing water without stopping. A stuck drain pump, a problem with the pressure switch, or a malfunctioning water inlet valve are the most common causes of this problem. By being aware of these possible reasons, you can identify the issue early on and take swift action to stop water waste and further harm to your machine.
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| Faulty water inlet valve | Replace the valve |
| Clogged pressure switch | Clean or replace the pressure switch |
| Malfunctioning control board | Consult a technician for repair |
| Damaged water level sensor | Replace the sensor |
| Hose blockage | Check and clear the hose |
Whenever your washing machine is continuously drawing in water, there’s probably a problem. A blocked pressure switch hose, a stuck inlet valve, or a malfunctioning water level sensor are common problems. By addressing these issues, more serious problems like flooding or expensive water bills can be avoided.
In order to fix the issue, examine the components that may be malfunctioning. Sometimes all that’s needed is a quick cleaning or component replacement. To prevent further harm to your washing machine, it is best to contact a professional if you are unsure or the problem continues.
You can guarantee your washing machine operates smoothly and efficiently and ultimately save time and money by acting promptly and monitoring these possible problems.
