Washing machine fills but drains at same time. If your Washer fills with water but constantly drains out, there are a few possible reasons. Most likely the water coming into the washer through the water inlet valve could be siphoned out to the drain pump and out the drain hose because of an issue with the pump or plumbing.
Washer Fills and Drains Simultaneously
When your washing machine fills with water but continues to drain at the same time, it can make you wonder what the heck is going on. This guide provides an approach to diagnose and fix this issue, beginning with the most common causes and offering detailed step-by-step solutions.
Check Water Siphoning Issues
Problem: Water siphoning is a frequent culprit when your washer drains while it is supposed to be filling. This typically occurs if the drain hose is positioned improperly.
Solution: Ensure the drain hose is not inserted too deeply into the standpipe; it should only extend 4 to 5 inches inside. Use a U-bend or a hook to secure the hose, preventing it from moving. The end of the hose must be higher than the water level in the washer to prevent gravity-induced siphoning.
Verify Water Supply and Hose Setup
Problem: Insufficient water flow due to issues in the water supply or hose setup can cause improper filling and draining.
Solution: Check that both hot and cold water faucets are fully open. Ensure there are no kinks or clogs in the hoses. Straighten any kinks and clear obstructions if found. Inspect the air gap in the drain hose for any blockages that might create a vacuum, leading to siphoning. Clear the air gap as necessary.
Inspect Water Inlet Valve and Screens
Problem: Clogged inlet screens or a faulty water inlet valve can restrict water flow, affecting the filling process.
Solution: First, turn off and unplug the washing machine. Then, disconnect the hoses at the back where they connect to the inlet screens. Remove any debris by gently brushing the screens, then rinse them thoroughly. Reconnect everything and test the machine. If cleaning the screens doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to replace them.
If the problem may be with the water inlet valve, ensure the machine is unplugged and disconnected from the water supply. Locate the inlet valve and use a multimeter set to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, the valve is likely malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. Carefully remove the faulty valve, attach a new one ensuring all connections are secure, and test the machine to confirm the issue is resolved.
Test Washer Water Valve
Assess the Drain Pump and Pressure Switch
Problem: A continuously running drain pump or a faulty pressure switch can mistakenly drain water.
Solution: Listen to determine if the drain pump is active when it shouldn’t be, which suggests overfilling or a control issue. Inspect the pressure switch by disconnecting it and checking its continuity with a multimeter. If the switch fails the test, replace it and recheck the system to ensure that the issue has been corrected. If your washing machine displays error codes, consult the manufacturer’s website to decipher these codes and address the specific faults indicated.
Evaluate the Washer’s Timer and Electronic Controls
Problem: The timer or electronic control panel might fail to correctly signal the start of the fill cycle.
Solution: Carefully examine the timer or control panel for any visible signs of damage or malfunction. If your machine displays error codes, refer to your washing machine’s manual to understand whether these relate to the timer or electronic controls. If you find issues with these components, they may need to be repaired or replaced. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing these parts, or contact a professional if the repair seems too complex.
If after following these detailed steps your washing machine fills and drains simultaneously, it might be time to consult a professional. Complex issues with the machine’s internal electronics or mechanical systems may require expert diagnosis and repair. Remember, proper maintenance and regular checks can help prevent such issues from developing in your washing machine.
Inspect the Air Dome Tube
Problem: The air dome tube might also be contributing to the draining issues if it’s damaged or obstructed.
Solution: Inspect the air dome hose carefully for any signs of cracks, damage, or obstructions. Remove the hose and submerge it in a bucket of water. Seal one end of the hose and blow into the other end. If you see bubbles forming, this indicates that there are holes or cutouts in the hose, and it should be replaced. If there are no bubbles, ensure that there are no internal obstructions. Clean out any debris or clogs within the hose as needed.
Need more help? Please leave a commment below and we can help you find answers.
Hi,I HV an automatic LG 16kg top loader washing machine.My problem is that my hot water inlet valve would not allow water into the washing machine.The cold water is fine.We’ve checked the hose;it’s not damaged nor clogged.Also, we checked both inlet valves and neither is blocked.
My washing machine 6.5 kg WF.T7519 PR
As we were out for 2 years,it was out of use.now that when I started today it did not hold water,it was drained immediately…please guide
My Samsung 10.5kg top load washer having trouble during 2nd rinse cycle with water filling up (after 1st cycle spinning) water keeps draining due to drain valve stuck in open position and a few minutes later 4E error code appeared.
I tried to reset it (off power supply) for few minutes…then I heard the sound of the drain valve back to close position.
This trouble only happened during 2nd rinse cycle. Is the PCB board faulty? Please advise.
Maytag Bravos washing machine – has been working fine. We had the bright idea to manually fill the tube with some water we didn’t want to waste, and the machine turned itself on and drained it out, and keeps on trying to pump out water unless we unplug it. Holding the start button for three seconds does nothing, and we cannot start any cycle. No lights are on.
My Kenmore top loader began doing the same thing during the rinse cycle, but today; it started doing it during the wash cycle. What did you do to fix your issue? I read up and it said that maybe the drain pump is stuck open or clogged. Also, it could be the themostat?????
my maytag top load sporadically on rinse cycle only does not fill. the water will run continuous for hours while it is draining as fast as it is coming in. thank you
My maytag top loading sensor washer is new. Why does it start to fill up then drain itself? It will not complete a washing cycle.
I am having the exact same issue on a wa80g5.i assume it is the same machine? I think it’s the motherboard either going to be a replace board or replace chip. Will try get back to you with a solution.
Samsung Diamond Drum – drain pump was faulty so I replaced it. To do that I had to place the machine on it’s side to access the bottom to remove retaining screws.The new pump runs non-stop. It is not a siphoning issues. Any ideas?
WF42h5000 is draining constantly when i start my machine.
It is not filling.
No fault code is shown
Here is what I think my problem is with top load LG Wt7200c
Problem occurs when “Special drain feature” is triggered. It auto drains for safety if water is left in machine for x amount of time. After this happens if we turn it back on to start a load, water will pour in and drain right out until we notice. The only way to “fix” this is to force a spin cycle. There has to be a better way.
My machine draining immidaiately draining out the water after filling up
Drain pump immediately starts running seconds into the cycle as the machine is filling with water
Rusty,
Did you check to see if it is a siphoning issue?
Is the drain hose too far into standpipe?
-RR
My washer is filling as normal, but the drain pump is running during the fill cycle, and not letting the machine fill.