What to do if washer won't fill with water? It doesn't make the machine defective. You can dig out most of the causes yourself and make sure your washing machine works properly again.
Washing machine does not fill with water - How To Fix
The washing machine no longer draws water - what's behind it?
A common and straightforward cause is an accidentally turned off tap or an unplugged power plug. Most of the time, the machine is running again after the error has been rectified.
What to do if the washing machine runs out of water?
You can fix many causes yourself. In most cases you will need to disconnect the machine from the power supply beforehand.
However, do not be afraid to seek advice from an expert if you are stuck.
First step in troubleshooting: Knowing how it works
When your washing machine stops filling with water, it helps to understand how the machine works. Basically it is always the same principle:
- As long as the tap is turned on, the water flows into the machine according to the respective washing program.
- The water with the detergent flowing in is continuously pumped back into the washing drum during the washing process.
- The dissolved detergent is pumped out after the wash cycle and fresh water flows into the machine for the rinsing process.
- This water is also pumped back into the washing drum several times as required.
- After the clear water has been pumped out, the washing machine begins the spinning process.
Possible Causes and Fixes
If the washing machine does not draw water, it is not necessarily defective. You can use the following scenarios to investigate the cause and use our tips to ensure that the washing machine is working properly again.
Cause 1: The water inlet is turned off and / or the power plug is not plugged in
Even if this is a definite cause - it is very likely. So check whether the inlet hose is connected to the tap, whether it is turned on, and the power plug is plugged in. You may have already solved the problem.
Cause 2: The door is not closed properly
This is a relatively simple cause of the problem that you should also resolve immediately and quickly. A safety mechanism blocks the start of the washing program. The machine won't start if the door is not closed correctly. So you have to press the door again until it clicks into place. Hopefully, your washing machine starts drawing water after the problem is solved.
Cause 3: The tap is defective
A defective faucet can also be the reason why the washing machine no longer draws water. To check, dismantle the inlet hose from the tap and turn it on. If the water is not flowing, the problem is most likely not with the washing machine.
Tip: If necessary, you can also use a watering can to fill the washing machine with fresh water via the powder compartment.
Cause 4: The Aquastop is tight
Modern HE washing machines are featured with a so-called Aquastop valve. This is an automatic valve located on the side of the domestic water connection in the freshwater inlet hose. To determine whether the Aquastop is defective, you should first check whether the water tap is open.
Then remove the inlet hose from the tap and test whether the water supply works. If the Aquastop does not let water through, it is not always for the defective valve. It closes automatically if the inlet hose leaks. Actually, the aquastop is meant to stop flooding if the hose leakage occurs.
However, if there is no problem with the hose and the other end of the hose is tightly connected to the washing machine, the Aquastop is the culprit. Aquastop is very cheap, so changing it would not need a fortune.
By the way: If you have an older washing machine without an Aquastop hose, you should retrofit it. Some home insurance companies will refuse to pay if the washing machine or the dishwasher is not equipped with an aquastop.
Cause 5: overflow pan full
The overflow pan is located at the bottom of the washing machine. It holds the water that could damage the device. When the fill level in the overflow pan is too high, the washing program is stopped, and water no longer flows into the machine.
You can no longer open the washing machine door either. So the overflow pan is needed to be empty. To do so, get help from another person. Unplug the washing machine and tilt it forward about 30 degrees. Take necessary precautions when tilting the machine. The incline allows excess water to drain off.
Cause 6: The inlet filter / fluff filter is blocked
A clogged inlet filter is also one of the possible causes when the washing machine stops drawing water. Typically, the fine sieve filters small particles and dirt out of the incoming water. However, more extensive deposits may clog the sieve. The inlet filter is easy to check. To do this, turn off the inlet hose on the washing machine. Then the inlet sieve appears at the machine connection.
The lint filter is located at the bottom of the washing machine. It catches hair, lint, and other dirt particles and parts washed out from the cloths. If the sieve is jammed and water can no longer flow out, thus the water supply also stops. You can clean the fluff filter by opening the corresponding flap and letting the collected water drain off. Then you can remove the small parts that may cause the clogging.
Cause 7: Defective solenoid valve
Another cause of a slowed-down water supply on the washing machine is the solenoid valve. The water usually enters the washing machine via the solenoid valve. If this no longer opens entirely, water can get into the machine. You can try the following:
- Turn off the water tap completely
- Then start a washing program and
- quickly turn the tap on again in one go
Due to the greater water flow, the machine continues to run correctly.
Cause 8: Defective / blocked drain pump
Often coins, paper clips, or other small items are left in the trouser pockets. These things could end up in the drain pump and cause jamming. A blocked drain pump could make your quiet washing machine louder. A humming or whirring noise indicates a blocked drain pump. When the drain pump has been removed, if you find any small parts entangled inside the pump, consider removing them. Read the article about cleaning washing machine to learn more.
Cause 9: Defective / clogged air trap
If you have already ruled out all the previous causes, a defective or clogged air trap can be the reason why the washing machine no longer draws water. The air trap has the task of stopping the water supply when the level reaches a critical level.
However, if the air trap is defective or clogged, it will stop the water supply. You can find the air trap when you open the rear wall of the washing machine. You will find instructions on how to clean the air trap in the operating instructions for your machine.
Final Thought
If you do not come to a result in your search for the cause or you reach your technical limits, you should leave the further work to a professional. Especially when it comes to working on the inside of the machine or the complete replacement of individual parts, this is a task for the specialist.