Most people choose to use the washing machine to make the washing process easier for them. The washing machine has several features that make it successful with its processes, which can have some problems causing the failures. The parts causing the failures may have some simple issues that you can solve by yourself or complicated issues that need a technician.
However, even though the problem is complex or straightforward, the outcome is that the process of washing at your place will stop at the moment, which annoys many people. When the washing machine water valve doesn’t shut off, there will be foam production in excess that can block the water pipes when flowing water.
In the guide, I will provide some reasonable steps that will direct you on what to do to solve the problem; there will be some causes of the valve not shutting off, frequently asked questions, and lastly, the conclusion. If the steps provided will not solve the problem, consider putting off the washing machine at the valve section and consult a technician to help solve the problem.
Fixing a washing machine water valve that is not shutting off
When a water valve is not shutting off, there will be an excessive flow of water in the machine, which is not good and can cause other accidents. It is good to avoid using the machine when it has any visible issues since it can cause some other worse damage.
The guide below will discuss six steps that you need to follow to fix the issue with your washing machine. The steps are easy to read, and you understand that you can fix the issues without any help unless you are not sure of what should be done that you will consult a technician. Below are the steps:
Techniques used to solve the problem
| Technique | Function | Essential product |
| Switch off the water supply | To prevent the flow of water when fixing the water valve. | |
| Check the water valve type of connection. | To identify the type of connection used and what can be the issue. | |
| Clogged filter screens | To clean the screens. | |
| Perform solenoid tests | To identify the resistance of the valve using a multimeter | Check Amazon for the best multimeters |
| Fix in a new water valve | To replace the old faulty valve | |
| Check the new valve | To know its state after fixing the washing machine | Check Amazon for the best water valves for a washing machine. |
Tools needed;
- New water inlet valve
- Pliers
- Bucket
- Torch
- Multimeter
1. Switch off the power supply
Switching off the power supply is a common step that in every process of fixing, you need to do to avoid the flow of electricity to some of the areas that you are working for since they can cause short-circuiting. Therefore, you need to check the primary power supply agent and put it off. Switch the warm and cold water valves off from getting water supply from the primary source.
Using a bucket, place it on the ground and collect water flowing from the pipes to avoid splashing water around the working area. Separate the water pipes by removing the cable ties so that you can work with each pipe individually. Ensure the water pipe’s open end faces the bucket so that it can drain its water in the bucket.
2. Check the water valve connection type
Any washing machine water valve connects to copper plumbing in different ways. The different ways include:
- Compression fitting: It is good to consult a plumber to help in the connection process and turn off if you have galvanized pipes in a different building. It is easier to remove old valves and fix new ones. However, the fixing process becoming easier will cause the plumbing job to be a plumbing clothing only if the rotor gets rust on the internal side or if the threads rot. Compression fitting only works if the building is not using PEX and rubber circuits for plumbing.
- Sweat fitting: with sweat fitting, there are some conditions to follow. If the connection function is already in place, consider purchasing a shut-off ball valve to accommodate the copper pipe and tubing supply capacity. When working with the sweat valve, you need to have a flashlight, flux, solder, a piece of cloth, wire brackets and a flame retardant cloth for security purposes on the wall.
3. Clogged filter screens
When a water valve fails to work in the washing machine, there could be a screen with clogs of filters. Therefore, you need to clean the water valve and choose to have a torch to check the water inlet valve with one of its ports. Ensure you check the panels inside the ports to see any dust; choose to wipe the screens gently to avoid any damage to them as they are delicate.
4. Perform some solenoids test
Using a multimeter, you can perform more tests with it. In this case, do a multimeter test on the solenoids by touching one tester probe to one of the terminals of each solenoid. Check the readings to see the resistance in the tests; if the resistance is zero, the solenoid has been damaged, and you need to replace the valve immediately. Ensure you test two solenoids differently and replace all of them if their resistance is zero.
5. Fix a new water valve
After checking the issues with the valve and testing them, consider fixing a new valve. All you need to do in this step is remove all the attachments with the valve that holds on it to the cabinet, mark the location of all the wires and their colors and remove the valve.
Disable the intake valve from the inner tubes that send water to the washer such that you loosen the hose clamp with a screwdriver and later fix the new valve connecting all the wires as expected.
6. Check the new valve
Allow water to pass through the new valve to check its functioning and state that you can identify any leaks and issues. If everything is correct, choose to start washing clothes and see if the valve stops the water from moving or if it cannot shut off. If everything is okay with the new valve, close the washing machine parts that were open to locate the valve and there you are, good to go.
Causes of the washing machine water valve not shutting off
1. Faulty control board
When the control board is faulty, the valve may have issues with it shutting off since the control board helps initiate the cycles and check the progress of all activities in the machine. Therefore, a faulty control board prevents communication with the water valve, making it flow continuously. Therefore, check on the damages with the control board before checking on faults with the valve itself.
2. Low water pressure
The water valve may fail to shut off since an external water pressure passes through it. Every washing machine has the right amount of pressure it requires to run; you need to ensure water runs at that pressure for all the operations to be smooth. Choose to check the washing machine manual and follow the instructions.
3. Faulty water inlet valve
A water inlet valve allows water flow, either hot or cold, into the washing machine. Therefore, the water inlet valve will fail to shut off if it has any damage that it is sticking and stays open entirely. Check for any debris in the valve that accumulates on its walls causing the failures, check its resistance and fix them properly.
Frequently asked questions:
- How can one switch off the water supply in the machine?
To switch off the water supply in the machine, choose to switch the plugin of either of the rooms in the house off the cold water source. Locate the tap and rotate it in a different direction from the current one, and you will notice the difference, then you are good to go.
- Can one shut off the water supply while not in the house?
It is advisable that before anyone leaves the house with the washing machine, ensure that you put all the water supply sources off.
Conclusion
It is not good to ignore the issues with the valve in the washing machine since they cause water to overflow in the house, which is dangerous. If you have the problem, kindly check on the article and see how you get help since I have provided the easy steps to follow to fix the water valve.
Consider doing the process yourself since it will save you from using money and time for a professional. However, if you feel it is hard to follow all the steps and have enough cash to spend on the machine, choose to consult a technician to help fix the process.
