How to Fix a Washer That Fills with Water and Then Stops?

If you have a washer that fills with water but then stops, you know how frustrating it can be.

This issue can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from a faulty lid switch to a malfunctioning water inlet valve.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why a washer might fill with water but then stop and provide you with actionable tips to help you fix the issue.

Common reasons why washer fills with water then stops along with possible solution

Check the lid switch

Did you know that the lid switch on your washing machine plays a critical role in letting it advance through the cycle?

If the lid isn’t engaging with the switch properly, the machine will fill with water but may not move on to the next step.

To solve this issue, you can try removing and replacing the lid switch.

To some, this may sound like a difficult process, but in reality, it’s quite easy to accomplish.

You can do it on your own if you’re handy with tools, or you can call a professional for assistance.

Either way, fixing the lid switch is key to getting your washing machine back to doing what it does best: getting your clothes clean.

Inspect the water inlet valve

Did you know that the water inlet valve is a critical component that handles the inflow of water? Wild, right?

But here’s the kicker, If that valve is all messed up, your washer might fill up with water and refuse to do anything else.

So, if you suspect the water inlet valve is the culprit, make sure to unplug your washer and turn off the water supply before doing anything else.

After that, take a look at the hoses in the back of the washer and see if the valve looks worn out or damaged.

And if it is, don’t sweat it; you can replace the valve and breathe a sigh of relief.

Look at the water level control

The water level control is responsible for regulating the amount of water in the washer.

If the control is broken, it might not be able to tell how much water is in the washer.

This could also stop the washer from progressing through its cycle.

To check the water level control, access the control panel and locate the control.

Next, use a multimeter to check for continuity in the control.

If the control is broken, you can get a replacement from a home improvement store or online retailer and just replace it.

Check the drain pump

The drain pump is a key component in your washer and is responsible for getting rid of all that water during the spin cycle.

But if it’s all clogged up, the washer might fill up with water and then do nothing.

So, if you’re dealing with this sort of situation, your first step is to access the drain pump and check if there’s any debris or obstructions getting in the way.

And here’s the kicker, If you find that the pump is damaged, you might need to go ahead and replace it entirely.

Incorrect cycle selection

One of the things that you can look at is the cycle selection.

Some cycles, like the “soak” cycle, will fill up the washer but won’t move on until the time for that cycle is up.

So what you can do is stop or cancel the cycle, choose a different one, and see if that helps.

This could fix the problem and save you some time and money if the issue is related to the wrong cycle selection.

Stuck object

If you’re finding that your washing machine just won’t agitate no matter what, it could be because there’s some pesky object stuck in either the pump or the space between the tub and the housing.

You might be able to fix the problem by checking for obstructions in these areas. It’s not rocket science, I promise.

One crucial thing to remember, though, is that before you go poking around in there, make sure to turn off the power first. Safety first, people!

Now, if you’ve given it a good inspection and you still can’t find or get to the offending object, it might be time to call in the big guns, aka a service professional who can help you out.

Get your washer serviced

If you have tried the above steps and your washing machine is still not working, it may be time to seek professional help.

A qualified technician can figure out what’s wrong and fix it, making sure that your washer works well and efficiently.

Trying to fix the problem yourself can be dangerous and cause further damage to the machine. Contact a professional for a thorough inspection and repair.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a washer that fills with water but then stops can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from a faulty lid switch to a malfunctioning drain pump.

By following the tips provided in this article, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue and get your washer back up and running in no time.

Lastly, always get your washer serviced regularly to ensure it runs efficiently and extends the lifespan of your machine.

Hemant Sarkar is a seasoned techie with a diploma in computer science and an impressive track record of over 15 years in dealing with speakers, kitchen appliances, and various home appliance-related issues. He is widely recognized for his exceptional expertise in repairing dryers and washing machines from all major brands. In addition to his appliance repair prowess, Hemant maintains engaging blogs on topics related to music and speakers. For any inquiries or assistance regarding appliances or tech-related matters, you can reach out to him at: hemant (at) theportablelaundry.com.