Washing machine inlet valve - check and replace

The washing machine inlet valve is a small device that allows you to automatically supply and stop the flow of water into the washing machine. In simple terms, the inlet valve is a kind of ordinary faucet, in any case, it performs a similar principle. Only the faucet you turn manually in order to open the water, and in the case of a valve, water is supplied automatically.

The principle of operation is as follows: when you activate a washing program, the control module sends a signal to the solenoid inlet valve. Voltage is applied to the valve coil and an electromagnetic field is formed in it, this field opens the valve itself and the water supply begins. After the water in the machine has reached the desired level, the voltage supply to the valve coil is stopped and it closes.

Types of filling valves for a washing machine

Filling valves for washing machines may be different. Above, we simply described the principle of operation of a solenoid valve, but in reality everything can be more complicated. After all, water must be supplied not through one hose, but through several at different times.

The most primitive valves for washing machines have one coil, usually these are installed on old washing machines.In them, the coil opens the water supply, and through which tube and into which compartment of the powder dispenser it will flow, it mechanically regulates the command device. But you will not see such machines in stores now.

Other solenoid valves for washing machines include two or three sections with valves. Depending on which compartment you want to send water to, a certain coil is activated and the necessary valve opens. So, by actuating the desired coil, the direction of the water changes. If the valve has only two coils, then the third direction is activated by opening both sections. Otherwise, a third additional section is required.

As you can see, the principle of operation is very simple and does not raise questions.

How to check the water supply valve in the washing machine

But, like any other part in a washing machine, the valve can fail. If this happened, then your washing machine stops drawing water. In order to check the valve, do the following:

• First of all, you need to check is the valve clogged?, to do this, unscrew the water supply hose, and pull out the mesh filter. Clean it up.
• Remove the valve from the washing machine and connect the water supply hose to it, open the water tap. The valve must not let water through. Next you need apply 220V voltage to each section in turn. Depending on which section you apply current to, the valve should work and water should flow from the corresponding tube. If any valve coil of the washing machine does not work, then it is out of order.
• You can also check the performance of the valve coil with a multimeter, to do this, measure its resistance, if it is in the region of 2-4 kOhm, then the coil is in order, otherwise it is not working.

Washing machine valve repair

If we talk about repairing the inlet valve in a washing machine, then theoretically it not repairable. In practice, you can try to replace the burnt coil with a similar one that can be removed from another valve. But we would not recommend doing this, because the effort may not be justified.

It's best to buy a whole new valve and replace it, it won't cost you a lot of money, but it will save you a lot of nerves and time.

How to replace the water inlet valve in a washing machine

If you have a new valve and you are ready to change it yourself, then follow the instructions below.
Before starting repairs, you need to find the place where the inlet valve is located in the washing machine. Typically, manufacturers place it at the top of the washer, and in top-loading machines at the bottom.

• First of all, turn off the power to the washing machine. Shut off the water supply and unscrew the inlet hose from the valve.
• To get to the valveif it is on top, remove the top cover washing machine, to do this, unscrew the two screws located at the back, slide the cover back and remove. For top-loading machines, the side wall must be removed.
• Now you all wires and hoses must be disconnected from the valve. The hoses are attached with clamps that can be reused. In some cases, the clamps are disposable, then take care of new ones in advance.
• Now you need detach the valve itself from the body of the machine. It can be screwed in or secured with latches. You need to either unscrew the fixing bolts or bend the latches.
• Once the valve is unscrewed, it must be turned to pull it out.

Installation of the washing filling valve of the washing machine is carried out in the reverse order. After you put everything in place, check the performance by running the washing program.