Washer not filling with water

Before you start

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

1. Read the display

   Safe to tryAbout 1 min

   A water-supply code such as 4C, IE, F8 E1 or LO FL confirms the washer isn’t getting enough water.

   1. If a code is showing, look it up first. The maker’s steps for it come first.

2. Check it isn’t just filling as designed

   Safe to tryAbout 2 minTop-load only

   HE top-loaders use less water than older washers and adjust the fill to the load and cycle.

   1. Heavy Duty and Bulky Items cycles use more water than Normal, and Fabric Softener or Extra Rinse adds a deep-fill rinse.
   2. On the Bulky cycle, Whirlpool says the washer fills in stages while agitating and can take 10 to 12 minutes to fill.
   3. If your washer has a Deep Water Wash option, use it for more water, and expect a longer fill.

3. Open both water valves fully

   Safe to tryAbout 2 min

   Whirlpool says both hot and cold hoses must be connected, with both valves fully open, for the washer to work correctly.

   1. Turn the hot and cold valves behind the washer fully open.
   2. Check the household faucets to make sure the hot and cold supplies are on.

4. Check the fill hoses

   Safe to tryAbout 3 min

   A kinked hose restricts the flow, and swapped hoses can confuse the washer.

   1. Without moving the washer, look behind it (a flashlight helps) and check neither fill hose is kinked or crushed.
   2. Make sure the hot (red) hose goes to the hot valve and the cold (blue) hose to the cold valve.

5. Remove anti-flood devices

   Safe to tryAbout 5 min

   Whirlpool says anti-flood devices can reduce the water pressure and the amount of water reaching the washer.

   1. If a flood-stop or anti-flood device is fitted between the valve and the hose, remove it and connect the hose directly to the supply, as Whirlpool recommends.

6. Clean the inlet screens

   Take careAbout 15 min

   Small screens where the hoses connect can clog with mineral buildup or debris.

   1. Turn both water valves off and unplug the washer.
   2. Unscrew the hoses from the back of the washer, using pliers if needed, with the ends over a bucket to catch the water left inside.
   3. Look at the screens in the washer’s inlet valve. If they’re clogged, clean them with a soft brush (an old toothbrush works), mild soap and water, without removing the screens.
   4. Refit the hoses firmly, turn the water back on and check the connections for leaks.

7. Check the hoses aren’t blocked

   Take careAbout 10 min

   A hose can be clogged inside even when it looks fine.

   1. With the hoses off, run water through each one at a sink.
   2. If the water doesn’t flow freely through, replace the hose. Whirlpool also recommends replacing fill hoses every five years.

8. Check the drain hose isn’t too low

   Take careAbout 5 min

   Whirlpool says if the drain is below 39 inches, water starts flowing out of the washer by gravity, so it never seems to fill.

   1. The top of the drainpipe (standpipe) should be at least 39 inches (99 cm) high.
   2. Don’t seal the drain hose into the drainpipe with tape: leave a gap so air can get in.

When to call a technician

Error codes that point here

If your washer shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Questions

Sources