Whirlpool washers start the wash cycle by filling with water.
Nothing happens when the water does not flow and the problem can be one of several things. First, a quick explanation of why we care about the water level switch when the washer is not filling and then I will detail the basic steps I use to troubleshoot any washer that will not fill.
The function of a water level switch on a Whirlpool washer.
The water level switch controls the power going to the water inlet valve. Electrical power is routed from the timer through the water level switch to the water inlet valve. When the correct water level is reached in the tub, the water level switch will remove power from the water inlet valve and direct it to the motor. This action ends the fill cycle and begins the agitation phase. Specific models may have more components in the circuit, but this is the basic operation.
Troubleshooting steps I use to identify the problem.
These steps apply to the most common washers. Upscale models may have additional components in the circuit (such as thermistors and water valves with more than two solenoids), but these basic steps can serve as a starting point.
- Select different water temperatures.
- If the water flows on one temperature selection and not another.
- Disconnect the water hoses at the machine and test by running water through each hose into the drain.
- Inspect the sediment screens in the inlet of the water valve and clean any sediment that is blocking the flow.
- If suspected flow problem is corrected, reconnect hoses and go back to step 1, otherwise, go to step 3 “Test the Whirlpool washer inlet valve” (skip step 2).
- If there no water flow on any selection go to step 2 below picture.
- If the water flows on one temperature selection and not another.
- Remove and test the Whirlpool washer water level switch (picture above) also known as a pressure switch. Use a multi-meter to test for continuity (connection) between the terminals. Alternatively, the pressure switch can be taken to the nearest U-FIX-IT store for free testing.
- Two of the three terminals should show continuity between them.
- Blow gently on the hose connection of the pressure switch until you hear a click.
- The two terminals that were showing continuity should now show open until the pressure is released.
- The common terminal should now show continuity to the third terminal until the pressure is released.
- Water level switch is bad if it fails to test as described in the previous two steps, otherwise, go to step 3.
- Test the Whirlpool washer water inlet valve or remove the water valve and take it to the nearest U-FIX-IT store for free testing.
- Set the water temperature to warm.
- Using a multimeter check that there is 110 volts present at one of the solenoid coils on the water valve.
- If 110 volts is present at the coil and no water is flowing through the valve then water valve is bad.
- If 110 volts is not present at any solenoid then use the schematic wiring diagram to work back through the circuit until the lost voltage is found.
If these steps for identifying the common Whirlpool washer fill problems do not isolate the problem, locate the wiring diagram for your washer and call the nearest U-FIX-IT store for personalized help in locating the problem.
More From Jim Plummer
Jim is an ex-Air Force pilot and a business school graduate of University of Texas at Austin. He has been in the appliance parts business since 1975.
Why my Whirlpool washer machine model: wtw4616fw2 is using too much water? Does this has to do with the water-level pressure switch? Is there any way to control the amount of water manually?
Victor, I would check the drain hose to see if water is syphoning out during the cycle. This can sometimes be corrected by raising the drain hose above the drain pipe. There are anti-syphon valves available as well. Jim
Normally our Whirlpool Washer immediately starts adding water, and when filled with enough water it starts the agitation phase.
However, recently it has started to agitate immediately while it fills with water.
It sounds like something has gone wrong.
Thoughts?
Thank you.
Paul, Yes, I would check the water level switch first. The water level switch should not be sending power to the motor until the water shuts off. You can bring the switch to the nearest U-FIX-IT store for free testing. Jim
I unplug my non working machine and it still has power the pumpnstill puming nothing just making noise but once again even when it has no power like unplugged
Nancy,
I would replace a inlet water valve that fails to stop the water flow when the power is removed. You can take your water valve to the U-FIX-IT store nearest you for free testing. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
I’m looking for replacement part for a Kenmore gasket upright freezer part# RG107-1 qty.1 this is a discontinue product.
Sincerely yours,
Lorraine Stevenson
(408)809-6089
Lorraine,
We have some universal gaskets that may work for your freezer. Call 817 472-7740 for personal assistance. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
I just bought a Whirlpool washer for my inlaws in Morocco model FWG71253SB NA. It is hooked up to a cold water outlet it goes through the cycles the reads H2O when it stops and shows the no water symbol I think the water pressure is to low can you please help me. We set the water temp at 30 degrees.
Carollyn,
I am unable to find any information on the washer model number you provided. I suspect it is not available in the U.S. You mentioned being connected to cold water. It would be important to connect the cold water to the hot water side also. Hose “Y”s are available for that purpose. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
My Whirlpool washer WTW4800XQ1 did not drain. I selected Drain & Spin which got it to drain but it did not Spin. Any guidance would be appreciated please.
Maggie
Maggie,
Most commonly the lid switch will be the problem for this symptom. The washer will not spin if the lid is open (for safety). When the lid switch goes bad the washer “thinks” the lid is open. You can take the lid switch to your nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Store for free testing. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
Why is it on a whirlpool washing machine it will leaks only on a small wash cycle?
Juanita,
This is an unusual symptom. I need more information. Please call the nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store with you model number for free diagnosis assistance. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
I have a whirlpool cabrio washer machine and when I turn it on it goes straight to drain cycle no matter what setting it is on. I ran a test and every cycle was fine it agitated, spun, rinsed, drained. Then I tried to recalibrate and it will not recalibrate. And suggestions?
Jackie,
I am sorry I took so long to answer your inquiry. If you still need assistance please call your nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store with your model number for free personalized diagnosis assistance. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
MY WASHER IS A MAYTAG MODEL # MVWB835DW0. MY IS NOT FILLING WITH WATER AND I AM GETTING A CODE DRN. I HAVE DISCONNECTED IT TO RESET BUT STILL I CAN’T GET MY WASHER TO EVEN START TO RUN WATER INTO THE TUB. I HOPE YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP ME.
THANK YOU.
Glenn
Glenn,
The DRN code indicates the washer is taking to long to drain the water. I would look for a kink in the drain hose or an obstruction inside the hose. Also I would check the hose going from the tub to the pump for an item of clothing that might be in the hose or in the pump. If there are no obstructions in the hoses or pump, then I would replace the pump. Call your nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store with your model number for free personalized diagnosis assistance. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
When I plug in the machine the lights does not come on all it does is hum and no water is coming in
Antoinette,
I need a model number to offer any advice. Some Whirlpool washers have a trouble shooting guide located inside the control panel. You can call U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts at 817 472-7740 for free diagnosis assistance. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
We have a whirlpool LSP680GR, it does not refill water.
Hello Jasmin,
Your Whirlpool is not filling with water. Your model number LSP 680 GR appears to be exclusive to the Philippines. I cannot find a parts breakdown for it, but I can offer you general information. We may be able to identify replacement parts by looking at them.
It can be a bad water valve. The inlet water hoses attach directly to the water valve. We offer free testing if you want to remove it and take it to the nearest U-FIX-IT store. There are other malfunctions that can cause your symptom. For free personalized help call the nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store and ask for Ernie. Thank you for your inquiry. Jim
I have a Whirlpool top loading high efficiency low water washer Model number WTW5000DW1 and Ser number C62342343. I go to turn it on it shows a green light on sensing and no water is coming out to start to fill it, I turn it to the rinse and spin cycle and still no water coming out, unplugged it to possibly reset it but still nothing. I bought these less then 2 yrs ago
Mindy,
Does the washer fill if you change water temperature? I would start troubleshooting by checking the voltage going to the water valve solenoid. If 120 volts is present and no water is flowing then the water valve is bad. For free personalized diagnosis assistance call the U-FIX-IT store nearest you. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
I have a whirlpool smart washer and dryer it works purcect the three dats ago it sucks. I love it but clothes need to be done. Water isn’t pouring like it should. It drips very slowly and can’t even clean my clothes. Husband has tried the hoses and they run fine. The intake is fine, what should I do. I did everything up above listed to do. Please help.
Rebecca,
I need a model number to be able to give specific advice. Is the water flow the same on cold, warm, and hot settings?
For immediate assistance call the U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store nearest you with your model number for free diagnosis assistance.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
I have a cabrio 5000 and its not filling up with water when trying to wash.
India,
Have you tried different temperature settings and different water level settings on your Whirlpool Cabrio washer?
If changing the water level causes the water to flow, then I would look at the water level switch. You can remove the water level switch and take it to the nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store for free testing.
If changing the fill temperature causes the water to flow then:
1. I would disconnect the fill hoses at washer.
2. Inspect and clean the screens at the inlet of fill valve.
3. Run water through the hoses to insure good flow.
If the screens are clean and the water flow through the hoses is good. Then:
1. Check for 120 volts going to the water inlet valve solenoid.
2. If 120 volts are present at either (or both) solenoid and water is not flowing, I would replace the inlet valve.
3. If the 120 volts is not present at either solenoid then I would test the water level switch.
Note: you can bring both the water inlet valve and the water level switch to the nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store for free testing. For free personalized diagnosis assistance call 817 472-7740.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
My washing machine fills up,the wash light stays on,but does not wash,then it drains the water back out.My washing machine was working fine,until i had to move to another state.i had to put my machine on a movers truck.i dont know if that had anything to do with my washing machine not working properly.??
Shelvia,
I need a model number before I can offer any meaningful suggestions. You might try setting the water level or load size to a different setting and see if you get the same result. When the wash cycle starts on a top load washer, the water level switch directs power to the water valve until the selected level is reached then power is redirected from the water valve to the motor. We can test the water level switch for free if you will remove it from the washer and take it to your nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store. For immediate help call 817 472-7740 for personalized diagnosis assistance. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
I have a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II washer that has started to skip the “fill” step for the rinse cycle, begins agitating without any clean water and will not allow you to move to a additional rinse cycle until it has “spun out” the water that never went in. If I let it spin, it will allow a second rinse and fill just fine. But if I let a load run from start to end without checking it at the rinse stage, the loads are not getting water to rinse. A YouTube video suggested 2 sensors in the panel for wash and Rinse, but as it seems to work if you set it to a additional rinse I’m not sure that’s the problem… any suggestions?
Kate,
Inconsistent or intermittent malfunctions are often the most difficult to trouble shoot. The water level switch is the sensor the washer uses to “know” when the tub has filled to the proper level. The water level switch sends power to the inlet water valve to fill the tub with water. The water level switch cuts off the power to the inlet water valve when the tub is filled and, simultaneously, redirects the power to the motor for the agitate cycle.
There are two possibilities that come to my mind. 1st is water being left in the tub from an incomplete pump out? If this is the case, then I would look to the pump, drain hose or “out of balance” condition for the malfunction.
If residual water is not being left in your Whirlpool Ultimate Care II washer at the end of the pump out cycle, then the simple solution would be to say the water level switch is bad, but that does not account for the washer filling for the rinse when 2 rinses are selected and not filling when 1 rinse is selected. I would check the hose connecting the water level switch to the tub for a partial obstruction or pinch which could cause a delay in the pressure escaping from the hose and, in turn, delaying the reset of the water level switch. With the tub empty of water, I would disconnect the hose from the water level switch, air should move freely through the hose with a gentle pressure. If the hose is clear, then I would suspect it is a bad water level switch.
For personalized help in trouble shooting your washer call 817 472-7740 and we will help you work through your symptoms to a solution. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim
Loaded my Whirlpool washer this morning for regular cycle, water only filled for a light cycle…Cut it off and moved the setting up to heavy cycle, washing machine continued to function with water foe a light cycle…what could be wrong…previously when I thought I needed to more water, I would move it up a cycle, the water would fill…Not this time…Had to add water….Pain in the neck…
David,
I agree, it is no fun to have to manually add water to the washer. More information is needed to give meaningful assistance. Please call 817 472-7740 with your model number for free personalized diagnosis assistance. Thank you for your call.
Jim
I have a stackable whirlpool washer dryer. Even on large loads only filling with 6 inches of water. King size sheets don’t even get wet everywhere! Valves are checked. Any suggestions? Model is:WET3300xq2
Piney,
The water level should be controlled by the water level switch (pressure switch). Your machine shows to have a 3 level switch which is located behind the third knob from the left. If all three positions result in the same low fill, I would replace the pressure switch. Call 817 472-7740 or the U-FIX-IT store nearest you for free personalized troubleshooting assistance.
Jim
I have a Whirlpool Washer, Stock No: LSR7233E , Model No: LSR7233E00 , Serial No: CF4656403.
Cold water has just begun to fill very slowly. Water hose screens are clean, ie no blockage. Removed hoses from the back of the machine, and placed output side of hoses in Washer tub, then opened the water valves at the wall, both had plenty of water and pressure flowing thru the hoses. I then connected the Cold water supply hose to the HOT WATER INLET connection, and the Hot Water supply hose to the COLD WATER connection. Now the Washer’s HOT water is filling normally, and the Washer’s Cold Water is slow to fill. Diagnosis, the cold water inlet valve is faulty.
Please send me a quote for a new WATER INLET VALVE ASSEMBLY for the above Whirlpool Washer via email or .
Regards,
Lou Schweichler
Mansfield TX
817-905-5653 (C)
Lou,
I notice you have visited our Arlington store and purchased the water valve you needed while waiting for my reply. Your troubleshooting process will probably inspire others with the same symptoms to use your test. Thank you for your inquiry and thank you for your business.
Jim
My Whirlpool washer starts agitation with no water in tub.
Sara,
I need more information before I can offer help. Call the U-FIX-IT Store nearest you (or 817 472-7740) with the model number and we will be happy to give you free personalized assistance in troubleshooting your washer. Thank you for your inquiry.
Jim