Why My Washing Machine Will Not Fill with Water?

Common Causes Why My Washer Will Not Fill With Water

Blocked Water Inlet Valve and Filter

The water inlet valve is in charge of letting water flow into your washer, and it has a handy mesh filter to catch debris. But over time, that filter can get clogged with sediment or rust, which stops water from getting to the machine. If your washing machine is not filling up with water, a clogged filter might be the problem.

Start by removing the water inlet hose to check the mesh filter. Give it a good clean with a soft brush under running water to clear out any sediment or debris. If that doesn’t fix the issue, it might be time to replace the valve.

Faulty Water Level Switch (Pressure Switch)

The water level switch tells your washer’s control board when the drum has enough water by sensing air pressure from a connected tube. If it’s not working right, it might think the drum is full when it’s actually empty, which stops the water from coming in. This is a super common reason for my washing machine not to fill up with water.

Take a look at the pressure switch and the attached tube. Check for any damage or clogs, and clean out the tube if needed. If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, replacing the switch with a compatible part should do the trick.

Clogged or Blocked Hoses

Sometimes, internal hoses (like the small pressure switch hose) can get clogged with detergent buildup or debris. This traps air and tricks the pressure switch into thinking the drum is already full. Even the main drain hose can cause trouble. If it’s blocked, it might mess up the filling cycle and stop your machine in its tracks.

Disconnect the clogged hose and rinse it with warm water to get rid of detergent buildup or debris. For tougher clogs, a flexible cleaning brush can help. If the hose is beyond saving, just replace it. It’s always best to rely on a professional washing machine repair service for safe and lasting results.

Blocked Pressure Chamber

The pressure chamber is at the bottom of the drum, connecting to the pressure switch hose. If it clogs up with sludge, detergent, or lint, it won’t let air flow properly, which can confuse the pressure switch. If your machine is trying to spin without water, this could be the problem. A good cleaning or a bit of disassembly may be needed.

Disconnect the hose that leads to the pressure chamber and clean out any buildup or blockages with a soft brush and warm water. Once it’s clear, reconnect the hose securely and test the washer to see if proper air pressure flow is restored.

Issues with the Lid Switch

In top-loading machines, the lid switch is a safety feature that ensures the lid is closed before the machine starts to fill. If it’s broken or not working right, the washer will think the lid is open and won’t let any water in. You might hear a hum but see no action.

You can test the lid switch by pressing it manually with something like a pen. If the washer starts working, the switch may be faulty. Swapping it out with a new one will ensure everything runs smoothly and prevent future issues.

Malfunctioning Control Board or Timer

The control board (for newer machines) or timer (for older ones) is basically the brain of your washer, telling all the parts what to do. If it’s malfunctioning, it might fail to tell the water inlet valve to open. This is usually a last-resort diagnosis, but if your washer isn’t responding or the fill cycle won’t start even when everything else seems fine, the control board could be to blame. In that case, a professional might need to replace it.

Find out what’s behind the issue in our blog: Why Washing Machine Won’t Turn On? Causes and Fixes.

Unplug the washer and check the control board or timer for any signs of burnt components or wiring problems. If you spot any damage, it’s best to call a professional technician to replace the part. Don’t use the washer again until the repair is complete.

Preventing Future Issues

Want to keep your washing machine running smoothly and avoid it from not filling with water? Try these simple tips:

• Clean the inlet filters regularly: Every few months, give those water inlet filters a quick check and clean to stop sediment or limescale from blocking things up.
• Go easy on the detergent: Too much detergent can cause soap scum and sludge to build up, clogging hoses and the pressure chamber. Stick to the recommended amount!
• Don’t overload the machine: Cramming in too many clothes puts extra stress on the machine and can lead to problems down the line.
• Leave the door ajar: After a wash, leave the door slightly open so the drum and seals can dry properly. It’s a simple way to prevent mould and funky smells.

A little maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your machine in great shape!

Learn more in our step-by-step guide: How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter.

Simple DIY Checks Before Calling a Plumber for a Washer Not Filling

Before you dive into a full-blown panic about fixing your washing machine, make sure it's not something super simple. These little checks only take a few minutes, and honestly, they often solve the problem without you needing a single tool or any techy skills.

• Confirm the Power Supply: Double-check that your washing machine is properly plugged into the wall and that the outlet actually has power. A loose plug or a tripped breaker can be sneaky culprits. You can even try plugging something else into that outlet to make sure it's working.
• Check the Water Supply: Head to the back of your machine and make sure those water supply taps are fully open. They should be lined up with the pipes for water to flow freely into your washer.
• Inspect the Inlet Hoses for Kinks: Gently pull your machine out a bit and take a look at those corrugated hoses. If they're bent or twisted, they could be blocking the water. Just straighten them out a bit to ensure a clear path.
• Ensure the Lid or Door is Properly Closed: Your washer won't start if the lid or door isn't properly closed. It's a safety feature! Give it a firm push until you hear a click. Sometimes, the switch itself can be a bit wonky, preventing it from starting.

We’ve prepared a guide on Why a Washing Machine Door Won’t Open, read it to find out what might be wrong and how to fix it.

If you've gone through all these quick checks and your washing machine is still playing hard to get and not filling with water, then it's time to dig a little deeper with some more specific troubleshooting.

When Do You Need Professional Help?

You can totally patch up small holes yourself, no problem. But for anything bigger? Yeah, you'll want to call a professional for that.

• If you’ve tried all the basic troubleshooting and your washing machine is still acting up, it’s probably time to call in an expert.
• Some repairs, like fixing the control board or pressure switch, are pretty complicated and really need a professional to handle them.
• If you don’t have the right tools or experience, you could end up doing more harm than good. It's better to let an expert take care of it.
• Getting help from a professional not only keeps you safe but also ensures the problem gets fixed properly without causing more damage.

At Serviceteam, our certified engineers are here to help. Whether it’s a repair or installation, we’ve got you covered 24/7 across London- perfect for homeowners and landlords alike!

Trust the Experts to Get Your Washer Working

If you're in London and your washing machine's still on strike, don't let those laundry piles take over! Give Serviceteam a shout today. Our friendly engineers are ready to get your machine back in action so you can get back to normal, without worries.

For more insights, explore our blog ‘Is a Washing Machine Repair Worth It?’ where we break down the costs and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check your water supply. Make sure the stopcocks are fully open. If that’s not the issue, the inlet hose filter might be clogged, especially if you’re in one of London’s hard water areas. You can try cleaning it yourself, or call a local engineer if you’re in places like Hackney or Camden.

Start by double-checking that both the hot and cold water taps are on. Next, take a look at the inlet hoses for any kinks. This is pretty common if the machine has been moved recently. Still no luck? It could be a faulty water inlet valve, which might need a professional’s touch if you’re in Southwark or Islington.

This usually means the water inlet valve is trying to open but can’t. It might also be a blocked filter or even low water pressure in your area. Check other taps in your home to see if they’re affected too. If you’re still unsure, it’s best to call a technician from a local London appliance repair service to take a look.

Just unplug the machine from the mains for 5-10 minutes. This often clears minor electronic glitches. Plug it back in and try running a cycle. If you’re in Kensington or Chelsea and it’s still acting up, it could be a deeper electrical issue that needs checking out.

Straighten out any kinks in the hoses and be gentle! If they’re clogged, disconnect them from the machine and the tap, then clean out any debris. For tougher blockages, especially from London’s infamous limescale, you might need to replace the hoses. Local hardware shops in Clapham or Wimbledon can get you sorted.