Clean the inlet screens before replacing the valve. An estimated 50% of "inlet valve failures" are actually just clogged inlet screens blocking water flow. Before ordering a replacement valve, turn off water supply, disconnect the supply hoses, and inspect the small mesh screens inside the valve inlet ports. Remove the screens with needle-nose pliers and clean them thoroughly under running water. Remove all sediment, mineral deposits, and debris. Reinstall the screens, reconnect hoses, and test the washer. Many "failed" valves work perfectly after screen cleaning. This diagnostic step saves unnecessary valve replacement costs.
Test the valve solenoids electrically before replacing. Before ordering a new inlet valve, verify the solenoids are actually faulty. With power disconnected, access the valve and disconnect the wire harness connectors. Use a multimeter to test each solenoid coil for continuity—you should read approximately 500-1500 ohms per coil. An infinite reading (OL) means the solenoid coil is open (burned out) and the valve needs replacement. A reading near zero indicates a short circuit. Also test for 120V AC at the wire harness connectors when the washer should be filling—no voltage means the problem is the control board or timer, not the valve.
Check water supply pressure. Inlet valves require minimum water pressure (typically 20 PSI) to operate properly. Low water pressure from the house supply causes slow fill, incomplete fill, or no fill symptoms that mimic valve failure. Before replacing the valve, test water pressure by disconnecting a supply hose and turning on the water supply—water should flow forcefully into a bucket. Weak flow indicates low house pressure, a partially closed supply valve, or clogged supply lines. Installing a new valve won't fix low water pressure problems.
Verify the water level pressure switch is working. The inlet valve works in conjunction with the water level pressure switch (or pressure sensor). The switch tells the control board when the tub is full, and the control board closes the inlet valve. If the pressure switch fails, the valve may not open (no fill) or may not close (overfill). Before assuming the inlet valve is bad, test the pressure switch for proper operation. A failed pressure switch causes the same symptoms as a failed inlet valve but costs half as much to replace.
Use proper hose connection torque. Overtightening supply hose connections is a common cause of inlet valve failure. Excessive torque cracks the plastic valve body, strips the brass threads, or damages the internal valve seats, causing leaks. Hand-tighten the hose connections first, then use pliers to tighten only 1/4 turn beyond hand-tight. That's it—no more. Proper torque prevents valve damage and ensures leak-free connections. Many "defective new valves" were actually damaged during installation by overtightening.
Install a water hammer arrestor if you have water hammer. Water hammer (loud banging when the inlet valve closes) causes shock waves that damage inlet valves, supply lines, and household plumbing. If your washer makes loud banging noises when the water shuts off, install water hammer arrestors on both hot and cold supply lines. These inexpensive devices ($15-25 each) absorb shock waves and protect the inlet valve from damage. Without arrestors, inlet valves fail every 2-3 years. With arrestors, they last 10+ years.
Replace supply hoses when replacing the valve. If your inlet valve failed due to age (8+ years), your supply hoses are also aging and at risk of failure. Rubber supply hoses deteriorate over time and can burst, causing catastrophic water damage. While you have the hoses disconnected for valve replacement, inspect them for cracks, bulges, or deterioration. Consider upgrading to stainless steel braided hoses ($20-30 per pair) that last 15+ years and won't burst. This preventive maintenance prevents thousands of dollars in water damage.
- No water entering washer (washer won't fill)
- Washer fills very slowly
- Only hot water or only cold water fills (not both)
- Water continuously flows into washer (won't shut off)
- Water leaks from inlet valve body
- Water leaks from supply hose connections
- Washer overfills (water level too high)
- Washer doesn't advance past fill cycle
- Washer displays fill error codes
- Intermittent fill problems (works sometimes, not others)
- Low water pressure during fill
- Washer takes too long to fill
- Water temperature incorrect (cold when should be hot, etc.)
- Visible damage to valve body or solenoids
- Inlet valve makes buzzing or humming noise but doesn't fill
- Mineral deposits or corrosion on valve
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