How To Fix A Washing Machine That Doesn’t Fill With Water All The Way

My washing machine only fills partially with water. The washer is an older top loading model. The last wash load I did the water filled with water about halfway. The washer filled all the way up the previous time I washed clothes. What type of issue can cause my washer to all of a sudden not fill all the way up? Please let me know what parts of the washer I can check to try to fix this myself.

Washing Machine Does Not Fill All The WayRepair Methods For Washer That Does Not Fill All The Way

If your washer does not fill all the way with water, there are certain parts on the washer you need to check and troubleshoot. This issue can be fixed relatively easy. After checking all the areas we have listed below, you should be able to understand the problem and fix a washer that will not fill all the way with water.

Fix Washing Machine That Does Not Completely Fill

The parts or components that cause a washer to not fill with water all the way are:
1. Washer Water Filters – Clogged
2. Washing Machine Water Hoses – Bent or Clogged
3. Washer Water Level Pressure Switch – Blocked or Electrically Faulty
4. Washing Machine Water Inlet Valve – Set Improperly or Electrically Faulty
5. Water To Washer Is Low Flow – Not Enough Pressure or Plumbing Issue
6. Other Uncommon Washer Water Fill Issues – Wiring Issues or Partial Panel Failure

The repair methods below that describe how to fix a washer that doesn’t fill with water all the way will also work for a washer that will not fill with water, a washer that fills with too much water, or a washer that fills only halfway with water. Use the repair help below for a washing machine that has any type of water fill issue.

CLEAN OR REPLACE THE WATER FILTERS (WATER INLET SCREENS)

Clogged water filters or inlet screens can cause your washer to not completely fill with water. These small water filters are located in between the water hoses and the water inlet valve on the back of the washer. Remove the power cord from the washer to the outlet. Slide the washer out from the wall. Turn off the hot and cold water on the wall. Get a small bucket to catch any dripping water. Unscrew the hoses from the back of the washer. You will find a small water filter screen in each end of the hose. Clean these filters and the surrounding area. If the filters are damaged or caked with hard water, replace them. Once cleaned or replaced, reinstall the water hoses, connect power, and run a test wash. If this is not the problem, check the water hoses…

Washer Hose Water Filter ScreensWasher Water Filters – Check If Clogged

CHECK WATER HOSES FOR BENDS OR CLOGS

Slide the washer out from the wall to gain access. Access the water hoses going from the wall to the washer. Check the water faucet handle and be sure the water valve is turned fully open. If so, check the hoses for sharp bends. If you find the water hoses to be bent, straighten them out. If a water hose has a permanent bend, it will need to be replaced. Remember if you remove the water hoses to inspect them, turn the water on the wall OFF first. If the water hoses are not bent, remove them to be sure they are not clogged with hard water. Clean the hoses by running hot water through them to see if there is a blockage. Once the hoses are clear and free of kinks or bends, reinstall the hoses and try a test wash to see if the water fully fills the washer. If this is not the problem, check the water level switch…

Washer Water FaucetWasher Water Faucet – Be Sure Valve Is Fully OPEN

Washer Water HoseWasher Water Hose(s) – Check For Bends

INSPECT WATER LEVEL SWITCH FOR CLOGS OR ELECTRIC FAULT

A faulty water level switch can cause the washer to not fill or not fill all the way. You will have to inspect it to be sure it is in working order. First, remove power to the washing machine by unplugging it. Open the washer panel to see inside the washer. Look for the part that has a small clear plastic tube coming out of it. This part is the water level switch. Remove the switch and check for any type of clog. Be sure the clear tube is not clogged. This switch malfunctions by either being clogged or electrically faulty. You will need to check the switch with a multimeter to be sure it is not faulty. If found to be faulty, replace it with a new switch and run a test wash to see if the issue is resolved. If this is not the problem, check the water inlet valve…

Washer Water Level SwitchWasher Water Level Switch – Check For Clogs/Use Meter

CHECK WASHER WATER INLET VALVE FOR ELECTRICAL FAULTS

The water inlet valve lets water into the washer. This valve is controlled by 2 solenoids. One solenoid for hot water and one solenoid for cold water. Some newer valves have a water volume switch to control the amount of water and some controls are on the washers control panel. Check to be sure these are set properly. If set properly and the washer still does not fill all the way, you need to check this valve for faults. Check each solenoid valve with a meter to be sure they are in working order. If the valve is defective or faulty, replace it with a new one and run a test wash to see if the issue is resolved. If this is not the problem, check the water pressure…

Washer Water Inlet ValveWasher Water Inlet Valve – Inspect For Blockage/Use Meter

HOME WATER PRESSURE OR WATER FLOW PROBLEM

If all the above issues are all checked and in working order, the issue may be with your home or apartment water pressure. This is most likely a plumbing issue. There are tools to help you measure your homes incoming water pressure. You will need to have this checked out to see if the incoming water is the problem and not the washing machine itself. Some washing machines need a certain minimum water pressure for the washer to operate properly. Check your washer manual for the minimum water pressure needed for your washer to work properly.

Having trouble with your washer? Find your washing service machine manuals here. A washing machine manual will show you where the parts are located and what the part numbers are if you need to replace parts.

There should also be a wiring schematic on one of the panels on the inside of the washer. This will assist you if you need to find a wiring fault or need to know where wires go after removing a part for testing purposes.

Washing Machine Water Fill PartsWashing Machine Water Fill Parts – Order Here

MORE WASHER WATER FILL HELPHow To Fix A Washer That Is Slow To Fill With WaterHow To Fix A Washing Machine Filling With Water After Wash CycleWasher Takes Long Time To Fill With WaterHow To Repair A Washer Not Filling With HOT Water

These repair methods will work on all top load washers made by Asko, Beko, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Speed Queen, Miele, SMEG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Haier, Kenmore, Hotpoint, Emerson, Maytag, Bosch, & Frigidaire. All washers have the same basic parts in them. No matter what brand of washer you have, these repair methods are universal and will work with all top loading washers.

If the above “washer does not fill all the way with water” troubleshooting help did not fix your issue, please let us know the details of your problem by using the comment form below. We can help. The more info you give the easier it is for us to assist. Please give us the model number of your washer and an exact description of your problem.

3 thoughts on “How To Fix A Washing Machine That Doesn’t Fill With Water All The Way”

  1. Whirlpool Washer MDL # WFW87HEDWO
    Washer will not fill- board rebuilt, Solenoids(4) replaced, filters are clean, water pressure is high, water pressure sensor replaced, hose from sensor to tube clear. What else is there to check?

  2. HTW240ASK6WS Hotpoint top load washer sprays water twice then nothing. This is a brand new washer had it less than a week, ran about 3-4 loads in it so far and worked fine, now it doesn’t want to dump water in the tub like it’s supposed to, doesn’t even lock the lid like it’s supposed to. When you select drain/spin it will drain and spin but when you restart the load it sprays twice then won’t fill like it’s supposed to, I’ve left it un plugged for a while, plugged it back in same stuff, I’ve tried resetting the machine by lifting and closing the lid 6 times, still nothing, actually got it to start filling and lid to lock but then it didn’t run through all its cycles, didn’t fill and shut itself off.

  3. Dennis Hinkle

    Brand new Whirlpool washer Model # WTW4855HW2 never fills up, only fills about a quarter to a third. I was told they don’t fill anymore. Why would you make a full size washer for a small load!? I would have purchased a thirty year old washer if I new this.

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