What does LF mean on the Maytag washer? (How to fix it)

The LF error code in the Maytag washer stands for “Long Fill.” It simply, means your washing machine is taking longer than usual to fill the washtub with water. Technically, this error is triggered when the washer does not detect water after 13 minutes.

There can be several reasons for this error code to appear and the most common reason is a clogged or restricted water inlet valve.

Another possibility could be a problem with the washing machine’s pressure switch.

If your Maytag washer displays the LF, F8 E1, or LO FL, you should inspect the water supply, water inlet valve, and pressure switch for problems.

How to fix the LF error on Maytag washing machines?

Whenever there is an issue with water filling into the washtub you will notice a few common error codes displayed on your Maytag washers such as F8 E1, LO FL, or LF.

Let’s take a quick look into the possible causes and their solutions to fix the LF error code on Maytag washing machines.

Water inlet valves

A clogged water inlet valve is the most common cause of water filling slowly or not filling in a washing machine.

It is typically located at the water hose bib and controls the amount of water that enters the washing machine.

A clogged inlet valve may not be able to fill the washtub with water properly.

There are a few things that could cause your inlet valve to become clogged, such as sediment buildup, mineral deposits, and other debris or a foreign object being lodged in the valve over time.

This can also cause the valve to stick in the closed position, preventing any water from entering the machine; likewise, it can cause the valve to stick in the open position, allowing too much water to enter the machine and causing it to overflow.

To prevent this from happening you can clean the inlet valve, here’s how:

• To clean the inlet valve start by unplugging your washing machine and turning off the water supply.
• Next, is to use a plier to remove the hose from the inlet valve by unscrewing the retaining nut.
• Once the hose is removed, you should be able to see the screen that covers the inlet valve.
• Now, inspect the valve screen for any debris or buildup and clean it off with a soft brush.
• Finally, rinse it with clean water, reattach the hose, and screw on the retaining nut snugly.

Turn on the water supply and check for flow and leaks and if all works fine plug in your washing machine and run a test cycle to ensure the error code has disappeared.

Kinked inlet hose

Check water hoses for kinks right from their attachment point to the washer and the main water supply point.

If you notice any kinks get it straightened or if there’s a sign of wear out then simply get it replaced because these might be the cause of slow water filling.

If your washing machine’s water inlet hose is leaking due to wear out, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.

You can follow these steps to replace the water inlet hose in your washing machine:

• Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet and turn off the water supply to the washing machine.
• Place a bucket or a large towel underneath the water inlet hose to catch any water that may drip out when you disconnect the hose.
• With the help of a wrench loosen the nut that secures the water inlet hose to the washing machine.
• Carefully remove the old water inlet hose and attach the new water inlet hose to the washing machine, making sure that it’s tightened securely using the wrench. Be sure not to overtighten the nut, as this could damage the threads.
• Finally, turn on the water supply to the washing machine and check for leaks at all connection points, and if there aren’t, plug in the washing machine and resume normal operation.

This should fix the LF error on the Maytag washer if the actual cause is related to the water inlet hose.

Water supply

If the water pressure is low or if the water is coming out slowly in your laundry room, this can lead to slow-filling issues, leading to error codes being displayed.

To fix this first check to see if any other faucets in your home are having the same issue and if all of your faucets are affected, the problem is likely with your main water supply.

Another possibility is that a valve in your home’s plumbing is partially closed, which can prevent water from flowing.

You can check this by locating the valves that are usually installed under a sink or in a basement and making sure they are open fully.

Similarly, you can check if there is anything blocking the flow of water to your home.

This could be a clog in your pipes or simply there’s a blockage in your main water line and if this is the case, you’ll need to remove it before proceeding.

Finally, once you’ve checked for and removed any potential blockages, the next step is to increase the water pressure if required.

This can be done by adjusting the pressure valve on your water meter, however, you will want to contact your local water utility company.

If you’re still having issues with a slow water supply after taking these steps, it’s best to contact a professional plumber for further assistance.

The professional may advise installing a water pressure pump, especially for your laundry room or the washing machine’s water supply.

Pressure switch

A pressure switch in a washing machine is a device that senses the amount of water pressure and signals the machine to stop filling when the correct amount of water has been reached.

This prevents the washer from overfilling and flooding your home.

The switch is usually located near the bottom of the washer, and if your washer does not have a pressure switch, it may have a float switch instead.

If this particular pressure switch becomes faulty it may not detect even if the pressure is adequate and confuse you with such error codes.

In the event that the switch is not able to detect or measure the water pressure in your washing machine, you will need to get it replaced.

If you have some know-how in electronics troubleshooting, you can get it replaced yourself with the help of the user manual for your washing machine model.

However, for any confusion, it is always best to consult an appliance repair professional or to contact the Maytag helpline number for washing machines.

Leaking washer

Leakage from washer parts can lead to siphoning, i.e., water filling from one end, which is the inlet hose, and leaking through the other end, which could be the washtub or the drain hose.

This will make the washer think it is filling slowly and will display related error codes on the display panel.

However, there are other possible causes of washing machine leaks, such as faulty seals or gaskets.

Over time, these parts can wear out or become damaged, allowing water to slowly escape from the washing machine.

A cracked washing machine tub or hose, or an improperly installed water supply line can lead to leaks.

It becomes very important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your washing machine in the long run.

Simply, call a professional service repairman if you notice even minor leaks in your washing machine.

Faulty sensor

Even faulty sensors can send incorrect signals, there are chances that everything in your washer is working as expected but the sensors are not sending the right message to the control unit.

Now, this is a very difficult thing to diagnose, as the logic says we should be looking for leakages or other underlying causes that may trigger this error.

Problematic Control Board

The control board and timer are like the brains of your washing machine.

They control all of the functions, including the water fill, so if there’s something wrong with either of them, it can throw everything off.

For example, the control board might be telling the machine to fill slowly or not at all, which will result in the slow filling.

You can try doing a reset and see if that fixes the issue.

Also Read: How to replace washing machine PCB board?

Final Thoughts

Washing machine water filling issues can be a frustrating problem to deal with, as it’s difficult to find the actual root cause.

Therefore, it requires a thorough diagnosis if the LF error does not go away.

If you notice that your washing machine isn’t filling up with water like it used to, you should first check the inlet valve for a clog.

Also, make sure that the hoses are free of any blockage or leaks and are not kinked.

As a basic troubleshooting step, you can also try to see if the water pressure in the washing machine is still adequate.

If the basic troubleshooting does not help, it is best to seek help from a professional repairman, but before calling them, make sure to check out all the different troubleshooting tips above to save both time and money.