Why the washing machine fills with water but does not wash

Your washing machine is loaded, the cycle is set, and you’re waiting impatiently for the clean clothes that should be ready in no time. Instead, you observe an odd occurrence: the drum starts to fill with water, but nothing happens. Your laundry is soaking inside the machine while it just sits there and does nothing.

It can be annoying to deal with this problem, especially if you’re left wondering what went wrong. A washing machine may fill with water but not begin the washing cycle for a number of reasons. Knowing these potential reasons will assist you in determining how to restore your machine to its original state.

This post will examine some of the typical causes of this issue and provide helpful hints for troubleshooting and solutions. Finding the right thing to check for is the first step in fixing any problem, no matter how small or whether it requires expert attention.

Why the washing machine fills with water and does not wash, reasons

You then filled the drum with laundry, added the washing powder, chose the proper setting, and hit "Start." After your washing machine successfully fills with water, the cycle ends. The laundry doesn’t wash, the machine doesn’t turn on, and the drum doesn’t rotate. What possible relationship does this have? There might be a few causes.

The electric motor is broken (that"s why the drum cannot start to rotate)

In most cases, this means that the engine is still running but that the brushes need to be changed. Although this kind of breakdown is regarded as medium severity, you should still hire professionals to handle the replacement rather than trying to do it yourself.

When a machine’s starting capacitor runs out of capacity, it can cause the machine to fill with water but not wash. This is especially common with brushless (asynchronous) engines.

The drive belt has come off (however, some models do not have it)

The washing machine may have filled with water but is unable to begin washing if the belt has come loose from the engine. It will just be necessary to open the door and manually turn the drum as a check.

The belt has probably come loose if the drum spins freely and without any resistance. It is still in place if you experience some resistance—that is, if the engine rotates when the belt is engaged.

Diagnosing the malfunction is not that difficult:

  • front loading washing machine – the belt is located behind the back cover of the device;
  • vertical machine – the part is hidden under the end cover of the case.

The heating element has burned out (the water does not heat up, and the machine does not start automatically)

The heating element in the washing machine activates when water fills up, heating the water. The sensor that initiates the motor is activated when the water reaches the necessary temperature. The sensor won’t activate if the water doesn’t warm up.

In this instance, a message on the screen should indicate that there are issues with the heating element. You must remove the washing machine’s back cover in order to inspect the heater. This component may occasionally be found on the front; in this instance, the front panel must be opened.

The heating element is typically mounted in the tank’s lower section, and several wires that connect to it must be unplugged. You must unscrew the central nut in order to remove the heating element. It is necessary to push the protruding bolt inside. Next, you must use a flat screwdriver to pry the heating element housing, then shake the tank to remove it.

The heater must first be cleaned of any accumulated scale. There is a good chance that there is a breakdown if dark patches are found on the heating element during inspection. This means that a new heater needs to be installed.

A tester can be used to check it if there are no spots. You must change the resistance measuring device for this purpose. A properly functioning heating element will have resistance between 20 and 40 ohms, and occasionally 60 ohms. A heater problem is indicated if the resistance is less than 20 Ohms.

The control board has burned out, broken, failed

In this instance, the control module can only be tested on a dedicated stand in the workshop. All you can do is attempt to ascertain immediately what precisely caused the board to heat up visually.

However, consider ten times before attempting the soldering yourself, even if you see black marks on the parts or on the tracks.

Soldering circuit boards requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and devices. If you start working with electronics using your "grandfather’s soldering iron," get ready to buy a new board right away.

Drum blocking

Checking the drum is the first step because it might be mechanically blocked. Rotation is impeded by foreign objects lodged between the drum and the tank. Once you take out this "barrier," work will be able to continue.

Incorrect loading

Checking the size of the load in the washing machine should be your first step. An overfilled drum and insufficient clothing can cause similar issues in the washing machine.

The quantity of clothing should be such that, as the washer spins, items are dispersed equally around the drum, guaranteeing equilibrium. The washing machine will stop to prevent damage if the control module detects an imbalance in the drum.

Simply choose the spin cycle and modify the load size. If the drum rotates, an imbalance is the cause of the issue.

Clogged filter

The filter is easy to clean on your own. In order to accomplish this, first unscrew the drain hose from the siphon or sewer hole, then take any dirty water container and place the freed end of the hose into it. The machine should empty most of the water it has collected into it.

It is necessary to carefully unscrew and remove the filter plug entirely. It needs to be completely cleaned of all the dirt that accumulated while washing. Next, close the panel and secure it again.

Following this procedure, the machine ought to begin operating. The issue is different if this doesn’t occur.

Problems with water drainage

It can happen that the washing machine is unable to spin, fill with water, and pump it out. This may occur while the engine is running as a result of malfunctioning switch covers. In the washing machine, this switch is next to the door frame. It needs to be changed if it is defective.

The washing machine tank is leaking, the hose is burst, the connections are loose

If the pump housing is damaged, the connections are loose, or the tank is leaking, the washing machine will not hold water. In this instance, there will be a puddle on the ground, but the leak will need to be located by a service center technician. Several of these damages could exist at various locations throughout the circulatory system.

Clogged sewer

Those who reside in older homes with constrained sewer pipes are familiar with the issue. A vacuum that "pulls" water out of the washing machine appears when they are filled on the lower floors above.

Bearing failure

When using a washing machine, friction on the machine is decreased as the clothes rotate inside a drum that is supported by a bearing. Bearings are therefore a crucial component of the machine. However, because they are wet all the time, they can break easily.

The bearings are the source of any loud noise the washing machine produces while it is operating. Typically, this occurs ten years or so into the washing machine automaton’s service life.

Be aware that the noise may also point to issues with the drive belt, shock absorbers, pump engine, or pump. Please be aware that the bearing issue will arise during the machine’s pressing cycle.

There are a few common problems that can cause your washing machine to fill with water but not to begin washing, such as a broken belt, a faulty lid switch, or a malfunctioning timer. These issues stop the machine from going through the wash cycle or the drum from turning. Finding the precise cause will help you determine whether to call a professional or try a temporary solution, saving you time.

The washing machine does not hold water – whether to call the master?

In this instance, the masters must call! Your washing machine is probably in good operating order and has been for a while, even if the issue is related to unrelated factors. It is essential to inspect the state of the hoses, valves, and pump.

If the diagnosis indicates that a press stratum or valve is the source of the water drain, these components need to be replaced with new ones. They cannot be taken apart and put back together. With a malfunction like this, you won’t be able to save money on fixing the machine because of how much water and electricity it will use because of the continuous collection and lengthening of the wash cycle.

The washing machine does not hold water – consequences

How risky is it to have the washing machine continuously drain water while doing the laundry?

  • This is a huge water consumption, which negates all the savings from washing with an automatic machine.
  • With constant addition of water from the water supply, there is a risk of overflowing the tank and water leaking onto the floor.
  • The drain pump often turns on – because of this, it quickly wears out and becomes unusable.
  • The quality of washing decreases, since all the powder dissolved in the water goes into the sewer.
Possible Causes Solutions
Blocked filter Check and clean the filter to ensure water can flow freely.
Faulty door lock Ensure the door is properly closed and the lock is functioning.
Broken belt Inspect and replace the belt if it"s worn or snapped.
Malfunctioning motor Contact a technician to check and repair the motor if needed.
Clogged hose Examine and unclog the hose to restore water flow.

It usually indicates a problem when your washing machine fills with water but does not wash. The first step in fixing any problem, be it something as simple as a clogged filter or something more serious like a broken motor, is figuring out what’s causing it.

Make sure the power supply is steady, the settings are accurate, and the door is firmly closed before moving on to more complex checks. Next, proceed with the inspection of components such as the drive belt, pump, and filter. If you’re handy with do-it-yourself fixes, following these instructions should be sufficient to restart your machine.

It is best to bring in a professional if you are unsure about troubleshooting or if the problem continues. Seeking professional assistance at an early stage helps stop minor issues from becoming expensive repairs.

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Alexey Volkov

Specialist in service and repair of washing machines. My work has taught me to understand all the intricacies of the device of this equipment. On this site I share my knowledge about how to properly care for a washing machine to extend its service life, and what to do if problems arise. My goal is to help you avoid common mistakes and save money on repairs.

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