W11688994 Whirlpool Washer Water Inlet Valve – Fix Your Washer That Won't Fill with Water, Fills Slowly, Leaks from the Back

The W11688994 Water Inlet Valve is a critical component in Whirlpool, Maytag, and compatible front-load washers that controls the flow of hot and cold water into your washer tub. This genuine OEM dual solenoid valve opens and closes in response to signals from your washer's control board, ensuring precise water delivery for every wash cycle. When this valve fails, you'll experience frustrating issues like no water entering the tub, extremely slow fill times, water leaking from the back of your washer, or error codes that prevent your washer from operating.

Engineered with high-impact plastic construction, two color-coded solenoids for hot and cold water control, stainless steel mesh inlet screens to filter debris, and quick-connect hose fittings for easy installation, this valve is designed for chemical resistance and long service life. With a typical lifespan of 7-12 years, failures usually occur due to internal clogging from mineral deposits or debris, solenoid coil burnout, or housing cracks that cause leaks. Replacing a faulty inlet valve restores proper water flow and gets your laundry routine back on track.

✓ Common Symptoms Fixed

• Washer won't fill with water at all
• Washer fills very slowly or takes forever to start
• Water leaking from the back of the washer
• Error codes related to water fill (F8E1, F8E2, or similar)
• Water constantly entering the tub even when washer is off
• Only hot or only cold water entering (one solenoid failed)
• Washer stuck on fill cycle and won't advance
• Humming or buzzing noise but no water flow

✓ Key Features & Specifications

• Part Numbers: W11688994, W11316255
• Replaces: W11036928, W11316255, W11486360
• Brand Compatibility: Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid
• Valve Type: Dual solenoid (hot and cold water control)
• Construction: High-impact plastic housing with stainless steel screens
• Connection Type: Quick-connect hose fittings (3/4" standard)
• Solenoids: Two color-coded coils for precise water control
• Typical Lifespan: 7-12 years under normal use
• Warranty: Manufacturer's warranty included with OEM parts

✓ Buying Options

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) - W11688994 or W11316255: Factory-original Whirlpool parts with guaranteed fit, flow rate, and reliability. Recommended for warranty compliance and maximum longevity. These genuine parts are engineered to exact specifications and tested for chemical resistance and durability.

Premium XPart/Universal - W11316255CM: High-quality aftermarket alternative engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications at a lower price point. Features the same dual solenoid design, stainless steel screens, and quick-connect fittings. Ideal for cost-conscious repairs without sacrificing quality or performance. Backed by our quality guarantee.

✓ Installation Tips

Difficulty Level: Moderate – Requires access to the back of the washer and basic plumbing skills

Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdriver, pliers, towels, bucket, work gloves

Steps:

1. Unplug washer from electrical outlet and turn off hot and cold water supply valves
2. Pull washer away from wall to access rear panel
3. Place towels and bucket behind washer to catch residual water
4. Disconnect hot and cold water supply hoses from old valve (water will drain)
5. Disconnect internal hoses from valve to tub (note positions for reassembly)
6. Disconnect wire harness from valve solenoids
7. Remove mounting screws and remove old valve from washer cabinet
8. Install new valve in same position and secure with mounting screws
9. Reconnect wire harness to new valve solenoids (match color codes)
10. Reconnect internal hoses to valve (hot and cold in correct positions)
11. Reconnect external water supply hoses (hot to hot, cold to cold)
12. Turn on water supply valves and check for leaks
13. Plug in washer and run a test cycle to verify proper operation

Safety Note: CRITICAL – Always disconnect power and water supply before servicing. Use only OEM or high-quality aftermarket valves for proper fit, flow, and reliability. Incorrect installation can cause flooding.

✓ Compatible Models

This water inlet valve fits the following Whirlpool, Maytag, and compatible washer models:

Whirlpool Washers:

• WFW5620HW series (WFW5620HW0, WFW5620HW1, WFW5620HW2, WFW5620HW3)
• WFW6620HC/HW series (WFW6620HC0-2, WFW6620HW0-1)
• WFW8620HC/HW series (WFW8620HC0-4, WFW8620HW0-4)
• WFW9620HBK/HC/HW series (all variants)
• WFW862CHC series (WFW862CHC0-3)
• WFW560CHW series (WFW560CHW0-2)
• WFC9820HC/HW, WFC682CLW0

Maytag Washers:

• MHW5630HC/HW series (MHW5630HC0-3, MHW5630HW0-3)
• MHW6630HC/HW series (MHW6630HC0-3, MHW6630HW0-3)
• MHW8630HC/HW series (MHW8630HC0-4, MHW8630HW0-4)
• 7MWFC9822HC1, 8TWFC6810LW0

Amana Washers:

• NFW5800HW series (NFW5800HW0-4)

KitchenAid Washers:

• IFW5900HW series (IFW5900HW0-4)

Note: This is a partial list. Verify compatibility by checking your washer's model number (located inside the door or on the back panel) or contact our support team for assistance.

✓ Replacement Part Numbers

This water inlet valve replaces the following part numbers:

• W11036928
• W11316255
• W11486360
• W11688994

✓ Related Whirlpool Washer Parts

If you're repairing your Whirlpool washer, you may also need these commonly replaced parts:

• W11688995 Washer Water Inlet Valve – Alternative inlet valve for similar models
• W11316250 Washer Door Lock Assembly – Fix door won't lock or unlock issues
• W11449075 Washer Wire Harness – Replace damaged electrical connections
• Browse All Whirlpool Washer Parts – Complete catalog of OEM and aftermarket parts

✓ Why Choose XPart Supply

• 30+ Years Experience: Canadian appliance parts experts serving homeowners and technicians since the 1990s
• Expert Phone Support: Real appliance technicians available to help verify fit, answer installation questions, and troubleshoot issues
• Fast Canadian Shipping: Quick delivery across Canada with tracking on all orders
• Guaranteed Fit: We'll help you confirm the right part for your exact washer model before you buy
• Quality Assurance: Both genuine OEM and premium aftermarket options tested for reliability and performance
• Multiple Options: Choose between OEM and cost-effective XPart alternatives based on your budget and preferences

✓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my water inlet valve needs replacement?
A: Common signs include your washer not filling with water, filling very slowly, water leaking from the back of the machine, error codes related to water fill (like F8E1 or F8E2), or water continuously entering the tub even when the washer is off. If you hear a humming or buzzing noise but no water flows, the valve solenoid may be energized but stuck closed.

Q: What's the difference between W11688994 and W11316255?
A: Both are genuine OEM Whirlpool water inlet valves that are functionally identical and interchangeable. W11688994 is a newer part number that supersedes W11316255, but either will work perfectly in compatible models. They both feature dual solenoids, stainless steel screens, and the same mounting configuration.

Q: Can I install this myself or do I need a technician?
A: If you're comfortable working with basic tools, disconnecting water hoses, and following step-by-step instructions, this is a moderate DIY repair that most homeowners can complete in 30-45 minutes. The key is to disconnect power and water first, note the position of hoses before removal, and check for leaks after installation. If you're unsure or uncomfortable working behind your washer, we recommend hiring a qualified appliance technician.

Q: Will this valve fit my Whirlpool washer model?
A: This valve fits dozens of Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid front-load washer models manufactured between approximately 2015-2025. Check your washer's model number (found on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back panel) against our compatibility list above, or call our support team and we'll verify the exact fit for your model.

Q: What's the difference between OEM and XPart Universal options?
A: OEM parts (W11688994, W11316255) are made by Whirlpool and guaranteed to fit perfectly with exact flow rates and specifications. XPart Universal options (W11316255CM) are high-quality aftermarket alternatives engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs at a lower price. Both options are reliable – choose OEM for warranty compliance and maximum longevity, or XPart for cost savings without sacrificing quality. We stand behind both options with our quality guarantee.

Need help finding the right part? Our expert team is here to help. Visit our Whirlpool Washer Parts hub or contact us for personalized assistance with your washer repair.

✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages