Why Front load washing machine is not filling with water?

A front-load washing machine may not fill the water efficiently due to many reasons. Some of the common factors are a Clogged Filter Screen, Choked Water Inlet valves, Faulty pumps, and poor Water Pressure. You can get the issue resolved by diagnosing the Inlet valve, correcting the water pressure levels and cleaning the filter in most cases.

In some cases, you may need to replace the pump if it is problematic.

Let’s discuss the issue in detail along with the possible solutions.

In this post, you will learn:

  • Why front load washing machine is not filling with water?
  • Causes & Solution
  • Common Questions
  • And More…

Let’s get going.

Why is the front load washing machine not filling with water?

There can be many reasons why a front washer is not filling the water. It can be anything from a problematic valve to a loose door.

Here are some common factors that stop the washer from filling the washtub on time.

The Door

The door of your front load washer is not closed properly OR the door is not locked due to a faulty Lid switch.

Solution: The front-load washer will not allow water to fill into the washtub unless the door is closed and locked properly.

Check if there is an object stuck to the door such as tiny garments, pins, buttons, etc., and get them removed.

Washers have a manual and electronic door locking mechanism, hence you may have to inspect and fix them accordingly.

You can always refer to the user manual in order to find out the door lock mechanism and the fixing techniques according to your washer type.

The water supply

The water supply may be turned off from the source.

Solution: Turn on the water supply to its full capacity.

Water Pressure

The Water Pressure could be too low to fill the washtub.

Solution: Check the water pressure towards the washer, if it is too low then better get it fixed because it will not fill the washtub and may also abort the cycle.

You can also install the water pump in order to maintain the pressure.

Water Shortage

There must be a water shortage in your household.

Solution: In some households, dedicated water tanks are installed to specifically supply water to the laundry.

Check if the water tank has ample water available for your laundry and if not then get it refilled and run the wash cycle

Water pump

The water pressure pump is responsible to supply hot and cold water to your washer. A malfunctioning water pump or any other electrical fault may interrupt the water supply.

Solution: A faulty water pressure pump or electrical fault will require expertise in order to accurately diagnose the root cause and fix them accordingly.

Water Inlet valves

Water inlet Valves are like the gatekeepers and will allow the water to fill only after receiving commands through the sensors.

A worn-out valve does not do any good for the sensors.

Solution: Inspect the water inlet valves for any wear-outs and simply replace them in such a scenario.

Water Inlet Hoses

These water inlet hoses are the mediators between the main supplies and your washer.

Possibilities of a kinked or twisted hose may cause an interruption in the water supply.

Solution: Inspect the hoses and straighten them if twisted, or simply replace them if they are in worn-out condition.

Water Inlet Valve filter

To safeguard your washer there are filters installed in the water inlet valves.

These filters are installed to grab debris and other particles that try to enter your washtub. Over time, with extensive usage, the valve filter may wear out OR get clogged.

Solution: If the filter is worn out or heavily clogged then replacing is a better option. In case of a clogged filter, you may simply remove them from the inlet valves using your fingers, and clean them using a toothbrush by applying a cleaning solution.

Also Read: How to use Affresh to clean a washing machine?

Water Level Sensor/Switch

There is a possibility that the water level switch may have turned faulty.

Solution: Check for any error codes displayed by your washer that indicate or point to a water level sensor error.

In situations where the water level switches and sensors do not work, you may try to reset your washer or simply restart the washer and start the cycle again.

Note: Some washers do have a reset button.

Also Read: How to Bypass the water level sensor in a washing machine?

Frozen water supply

Cold regions or extremely cold weather may be another cause interrupting the water supply. If your washer is not secured in a warmer place then there are chances of frozen water supplies.

Solution: Try to secure your washer in a warmer environment during such conditions.

If the supplies have frozen then simply remove the inlet hoses and let them settle, also you may manually fill the washtub with a bucket of warm or hot water and leave it idle for about 5 minutes before you run a wash cycle.

Also Read: How to winterize a washing machine?

Final Thoughts

The wash cycle starts at the very moment when the water starts to fill the washtub, hence inspecting the water inlet components on a regular basis will always give you a good start.

Cleaning the water inlet hoses at regular intervals is a good practice as it not only keeps the washer’s drainage system happy but also prolongs the lifespan of your washing machine.

Lastly, always ensure that there is adequate water pressure so that your washer doesn’t have a hard time filling the washtub.

Also Read: How to troubleshoot a portable washing machine?

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us check out some common related questions that are asked frequently.

Can you manually fill the water in a washer?

Yes, you can easily fill water in a top load washer manually. However, it becomes difficult to fill the water manually in a front loader due to its door position. Even Though you can manually fill the water in your top loader, you may not be able to sense the amount of water required during a specific wash cycle.

How can I fix the water sensor on my washing machine?

Water sensors measure the required amount of water during a specific wash cycle or program and also control the water level. You may try restarting the washer and see if that fixes the issue. If the problem still exists, manually drain the washer and try a reset to see if that works.

Manish Singh is an expert in electrical engineering with a Diploma in the field. With over 12 years of experience, he specializes in repairing music systems, washing machines, dryers, and other laundry-related appliances. His in-depth knowledge in electrical repairs and decent knowledge about garment care makes him a trusted authority in the field of appliance repair and laundry related topics. If you have any questions or need assistance with your appliances, you can reach out to Manish through email: manish.singh (at) portablelaundry.com