When your washing machine continues to fill with water without stopping, it can turn a regular laundry day into an urgent problem. Fortunately, with some troubleshooting and a few adjustments, you might resolve the issue yourself. Here’s a short guide with tips to help you manage and possibly fix a washer that won’t stop filling with water.
Essential Immediate Steps
- Safety First: Immediately unplug your washing machine to eliminate any risk of electrical shock. This is crucial since water and electricity are a hazardous combination.
- Shut Off the Water: Locate the water valves (usually behind the washer) and turn them off to stop further water flow. This prevents more water from adding to the problem.
- Inspect for Leaks: Check if water is leaking from beneath the machine. This can indicate more serious internal issues, in which case, contacting a professional is advisable.
Acting quickly with these steps can prevent water damage to your home and ensure your safety.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Evaluate the Standpipe: The standpipe, where your washer’s drain hose connects, should be at least 39 inches above the floor to ensure proper drainage. If it’s too short, water can flow back into the machine, causing overfilling.
- Check the Drain Hose: Ensure the drain hose is correctly positioned in the standpipe. It should not be inserted too deeply, as this can cause siphoning—where water is pulled out of the washer, triggering more water to flow to replace it.
- Adjust Water Level Settings: Sometimes, incorrect settings can cause the washer to keep filling. Check your washer’s control panel to make sure the water level setting is appropriate for the size of your laundry load.
Additional Tips to Prevent Overfilling
- Examine the Water Inlet Valve: The machine will continue filling if the valve that lets water into your washer is stuck open. This may require replacement or repair by a professional.
- Inspect the Pressure Chamber: Washers often use a pressure chamber and hose to control the water level. If this is clogged or malfunctioning, it could falsely signal that more water is needed.
- Test the Float Switch: Some washers use a float mechanism to sense water level. If this float is stuck or damaged, it might not properly signal the washer to stop filling.
- Secure with a Drain Hose Hook: This simple device can keep your drain hose at the ideal height, preventing unwanted water levels and helping maintain proper washer function.
When to Call Champion Appliance Care
If your washer continues to overfill after these checks and adjustments, it may be time to call an appliance repair expert. Complex issues like a faulty control board or internal leaks are best handled by our repair technicians, who have the tools and expertise to make repairs safely and effectively.
Conclusion
Fixing a washer that won’t stop filling can range from simple adjustments to more involved repairs. Following these troubleshooting steps, you can often solve the problem yourself or mitigate damage until professional help arrives. If your washer is acting up and laundry’s at a stand still, contact Champion Appliance Care. Naomi and Brenda will be glad to take your call!