Having your washing machine constantly fill with water can be annoying and worrisome. There are several possible reasons why this may be happening.
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Water Inlet Valve
One of the most common reasons a washer keeps filling with water is a faulty water inlet valve. This valve controls the flow of hot and cold water into the washer. If it’s stuck open, the washer will keep filling even when not in use.
Some signs your water inlet valve needs to be replaced:
- Washer fills with water even when off
- Washer doesn’t fill with water properly, even when turned on
- Leaking water from the valve area
- Noisy operation of the valve
Replacing a water inlet valve is usually a straightforward DIY repair. Make sure to turn off the hot and cold water supply lines before replacing the valve. Then follow these steps:
- Unplug the washer.
- Turn off the hot and cold water tap.
- Disconnect the hoses from the back of the washer.
- Remove any screws or clips holding the valve in place.
- Detach the valve and pull it out.
- Install the new valve and reattach the hoses.
- Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
- Plug in the washer.
Be prepared for some water to pour out when disconnecting the hoses. Place towels under the work area first. Inspect the inlet hoses while you have them detached and replace them if cracked or swollen.
Cost to Replace Water Inlet Valve
| Part | Cost |
|---|---|
| Water inlet valve | $15 – $60 |
| Replacement hoses (optional) | $10 – $20 each |
Add in $50 – $100 for a handyman to replace the valve if you don’t want to DIY. So expect to pay $65 – $160 total.
Water Level Pressure Switch
The water level pressure switch controls the water fill level in the washer tub. If it’s defective, the washer may overfill. Some signs your pressure switch needs replacement:
- Washer tub overflows
- Fill cycle seems to take longer than usual
- “Full” error code on display
Replacing a faulty pressure switch involves:
- Unplugging the washer
- Shutting off the water lines
- Removing the control panel to access the switch
- Detaching the wire connector and tubing
- Installing a new pressure switch
- Reattaching tubing and wires
- Reinstalling the control panel
- Turning on water and power
- Testing for leaks and proper operation
This is an advanced DIY fix. Hiring a technician is recommended if you’re unfamiliar with electrical repairs.
Cost to Replace Pressure Switch
| Part | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pressure switch | $55 – $115 |
| Technician service | $80 – $150 |
Overall expect to pay $135 – $265 to replace a faulty pressure switch.
Drain Pump
If the drain pump is not working properly, water can back up and overflow from the washer tub. Check the drain pump if you notice:
- Water pooling under the washer
- “Drain” error code on display
- Excessive humming or grinding noise
- Washer not fully draining water
To inspect and replace the drain pump:
- Unplug the washer and disconnect drain hose.
- Remove pump access panel.
- Detach drain pump from base.
- Remove debris blocking impeller if present.
- Install new pump or reattach existing one.
- Reconnect drain hose and access panel.
- Plug in washer and test operation.
Getting to the drain pump may involve some disassembly. An appliance repair technician can handle the job more efficiently.
Cost to Replace Drain Pump
| Part | Cost |
|---|---|
| Drain pump | $55 – $115 |
| Technician service | $70 – $150 |
Overall expect to pay $125 – $265 for drain pump replacement. DIY ability can lower costs.
Timer and Control Board
The timer and control board regulate the washer’s fill, wash, drain and spin cycles. If either component malfunctions, it can cause continuous filling.
Some signs of a faulty timer or control:
- Fill cycle doesn’t stop
- Washer starts filling without being turned on
- Cycles run longer or shorter than normal
- Error codes related to water filling
Replacing the timer or control board may require substantial disassembly. It’s highly recommended to call a technician for this repair. They have the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose which part needs replacement and safely perform the repair.
Cost to Replace Timer and Control
| Part | Cost |
|---|---|
| Timer | $140 – $330 |
| Control board | $200 – $400 |
| Technician service | $100 – $220 |
Total costs for a timer or control board replacement typically range from $300 – $600. The specific repair cost depends on the brand and model of washer.
Clogged Water Valve Screens
Small screens inside the hot and cold water valve ports can get clogged with debris. This prevents the valves from closing fully, allowing water to continuously trickle into the tub. Signs of clogged water valve screens include:
- Washer fills slowly or not at all, even with water turned on
- Washer continues filling when off
- Reduced water flow from household taps
To clean the valve screens:
- Turn off hot and cold taps.
- Disconnect the inlet hoses from back of washer.
- Use needle-nose pliers to pull out screens from the valve ports.
- Rinse screens under tap to clear debris.
- Reinsert screens into valve ports.
- Reconnect hoses and turn water back on.
- Check washer fill operation.
Take care not to damage the delicate screens when removing and cleaning. Washers typically have one screen in each inlet valve port.
Cost to Clean Valve Screens
| Part | Cost |
|---|---|
| Needle-nose pliers | $5 – $15 |
| New inlet hoses (optional) | $10 – $30 each |
This is a quick and inexpensive DIY fix. Replacement hoses may be needed if the originals are too rigid to maneuver. Overall costs are under $50 in most cases.
Water Flow Restrictions
Low water flow to the washing machine can prevent proper filling. This causes the washer to continuously run the fill cycle trying to reach the correct level. Check for:
- Partially closed supply valves
- Kinked or crushed inlet hoses
- Clogged household water filters
- Sediment buildup in pipes
Increase water flow by:
- Making sure supply valves are fully open
- Straightening inlet hoses
- Changing water filters
- Flushing home plumbing lines
Improving water flow may require help from a plumber if there are downstream blockages. Temporary fixes like straightening hoses can determine if low flow is the cause before calling a plumber.
Cost to Improve Water Flow
| Task | Cost |
|---|---|
| Check/open supply valves | DIY |
| Replace inlet hoses | $20 – $60 |
| Change water filters | $20 – $100 |
| Plumbing service (if needed) | $75 – $250 |
Inspection and minor repairs are low cost. Plumbing service for drain cleaning or pipe modification can run $75 – $250. Improving water flow typically fixes the problem.
Conclusion
A washing machine that continuously fills with water is likely caused by a fairly common repair needed. The water inlet valve, pressure switch, drain pump and control timer are parts that frequently fail and cause overfilling issues.
Other problems like clogged valve screens and restricted water flow are easy fixes in many cases. Replacing hoses, cleaning screens or opening valves fully may solve the problem at minimal cost.
Validating which issue is occurring is the first step. Homeowners can often handle basic repairs like inlet valves and screens with some DIY skills. More complex repairs involving electrical parts or plumbing may require a technician.
Quickly addressing an overfilling washer can prevent damage from leaking water. Seek professional appliance repair if needed, but first look for affordable fixes you can do yourself.
With some targeted troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude, you can likely stop your washer from constantly filling and get it functioning normally again.
Performing regular maintenance and inspection can also help prevent many washer problems. Be sure to periodically check hoses and valves for leaks, clean filters and screens, and keep the washer tub clean.
Catching minor repairs early keeps your washer running smoothly and efficiently for many years of reliable service.