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  1. Repair
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Whirlpool Washer won't stop filling

Common reasons your Whirlpool Washer won't stop filling

The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't stop filling are a clogged water valve, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.

  • 40%

    40% of the time it's the
    Water Valve

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Water Level Switch

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool washer

Water Valve Replacement

The water valve assembly controls water flow into the washer. A clogged water valve inlet screen will prevent the wash tub from filling with hot water, cold water, or both. Electrical failures in the valve may also prevent the valve from opening to allow water into the tub. The valve connects your home's water supply to the washer. A faulty valve may begin leaking into the tub or around the connections to the water supply hoses. If you suspect a faulty water valve assembly, have a Sears Home Services professional inspect the washer and replace the valve if needed.


How to replace the water valve assembly on a washer

Water Level Switch Replacement

If the water-level pressure switch in a washer is bad, it loses its ability to sense, control, and maintain the water level in the outer wash tub. This failure may result in the washer not filling or overfilling with water. The pressure switch operates using an air tube attached to the bottom of the tub, which senses the water level. As the wash tub fills, air pressure in the tube pushes up on a diaphragm inside the water-level pressure switch. A post attached to the diaphragm opens and closes electrical contacts within the switch's body, thereby controlling the water fill and shutting off the water when the washer is full. If any components of the water-level pressure switch fail, have a Sears Home Services repair technician replace the switch.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell. How to replace the electronic control board in a washer https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/repair-guide/how-to-replace-the-electronic-control-board-on-a-top-load-washer

Why won't my Whirlpool washer stop filling?

check-the-washing-machine-fill-hoses-for-leaks-image

First, shut off the water supply faucets behind the washer when you discover that the machine is filling constantly.

When your Whirlpool washer won’t stop filling with water, a leaking water inlet valve is often causing the problem. A bad electronic control board or timer could also cause this problem.

mixing-valve-part-image

Testing the Water Inlet Valves

Because a control board or timer problem can also cause a constant filling failure, you’ll need to perform this quick test to determine whether a leaking water inlet valve is causing the problem.

  1. Unplug the washer power cord to completely disconnect electrical power to isolate the water valves so there’s no chance that they can receive electrical current from a defective control board or timer.
  2. Open the water supply faucets behind the washer.
  3. Check water level inside the washer to see if the machine fills with power disconnected.
  4. Shut the water supply faucets once you determine whether the washer continues to fill with water.

If the washer fills with its power cord unplugged, then you know that leaking water inlet valves are causing the constant filling failure.

For a front-load washer, follow the steps in this DIY repair video to replace the water inlet valve assembly:

For a top-load washing machine, follow the procedure shown in this video to replace the inlet water valve assembly:

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the water inlet valve assembly in some top-load washers that house the water inlet valve assembly inside the control console:

If you’re unable to replace the water inlet valve assembly on your own, schedule washer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and install a new water valve assembly.

checking-whirlpool-top-load-washer-control-board-wiring

Testing the Control System

If the washer doesn’t fill constantly with its power cord unplugged, then the control system is likely causing the failure by sending voltage to the water valve assembly while the washer is turned off.

To verify this failure, plug the washer power cord in and open the water supply faucets behind the washer to determine whether the washer fills constantly.

If water enters the washer with the control turned off, you’ll need to unplug the washer power cord and replace the electronic control board or timer.

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool washer won't stop filling issue

How is the washer won't stop filling issue fixed?

Correcting most washer won't stop filling problems usually involves replacing the water valve, water-level pressure switch, or electronic control board. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer won't stop filling problem

When a washer won't stop filling, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

What to look out for with a washer won't stop filling diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

A Whirlpool washer that won’t stop filling risks flooding your laundry area. A stuck inlet valve or faulty water-level sensor commonly triggers the overflow. Rather than watching water spill, enlist a washer maintenance near me. Proper level control ensures safe, efficient washes.

What our customers say about us

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Thanks

Thanks for your expert analysis of the problem that caused the flooding of my home .I was scared the first few times I used the machine , but all is working great.


Frank U, Coconut Creek, FL

Excellent service.

Pleasant person to work with. He explains things to you.


Jacklyn J, Bessemer, AL

Very Professional

Very professional, thoughtful and knowledgeable I would highly recommend him.


Marilyn W, Covington, LA

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my Whirlpool washer stop filling?
Check the water inlet valve and ensure the pressure switch is functioning.
Could a stuck water inlet valve cause my Whirlpool washer to keep filling?
Yes, a stuck water inlet valve can keep the washer from stopping the fill cycle.
How do I fix a Whirlpool washer that won’t stop filling?
Check to see if the water inlet valve allows water to leak into the washer with the machine unplugged. Replace the water inlet valve if it leaks.
What causes a Whirlpool washer to keep filling?
A malfunctioning water inlet valve or pressure switch can prevent the washer from stopping the fill cycle.

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Glossary Terms

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

Additional possible Whirlpool washer symptoms you may experience