Washing machine filling slowly

[BWR1953]

I mean really slowly! On the order of 20 minutes or more to fill with just cold water, which barely dribbles into the tub. Yes, the spigot is fully open. This slow filling thing is fairly recent, but has been getting worse for about 6 months or so. The machine used to fill normally from the cold side. If it were a coffeemaker, I'd just run some vinegar through it!

The hot water side fills quickly and normally.

I suppose it's mineral buildup on the cold water side, since I rarely use the hot water side.

How do I get it cleaned out or working normally again?

Thanks!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

Check the screen at the inlet of the mixing valve where your fill hoses attach.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

Check the screen at the inlet of the mixing valve where your fill hoses attach.

I just looked behind the washer and both water inlets go straight into the back of the machine. I guess the mixing valve must be inside the machine?

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

BWR take the cold water hose off the machine and look right there where it hooks up there is a screen right there that may be covered with calcium deposits thus slowing down your water flow. The other possiblity is that the solenoids on the valve are not opening fully on the cold side again due to calcium buildup and if thats the case you need a new inlet valve assembly for the washer not really a hard job and there are places on the net where you can get a parts layout blowup of your machine to see how to replace it .



Rick

 

[DavidW2009]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

If you are on a well, grit or sand can get caught in that screen.

I'm on a well and 100% of the time when the washer slows down on fill, it's the screen that's clogged.

Solution to grit and sand: a 5-micron filter. Cost: $150.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

Rick - I'll check for calcium after this load is done. (Calcium buildup = arthritis... Maybe some ibuprofen is in order? )

David - yes, I'm on a well and will definitely check for sand buildup. Bought the used Whirlppol washer/dryer set for $135 for the pair about 2 1/2 years ago. Might be much cheaper for me to clean the inlet out every once in awhile, eh? LOL!

 

[j_martin]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

Rick - I'll check for calcium after this load is done. (Calcium buildup = arthritis... Maybe some ibuprofen is in order? )

David - yes, I'm on a well and will definitely check for sand buildup. Bought the used Whirlppol washer/dryer set for $135 for the pair about 2 1/2 years ago. Might be much cheaper for me to clean the inlet out every once in awhile, eh? LOL!

There might be a screen on the cold water hose on the wall end. Plugged screens is about 99:1 odds.

My wife spotted a nice looking GE refrigerator in Menard's trade in area. They put it on the pickup for $9.00 with a no questions asked return time of 2 weeks.

I put a $20 PTC (motor starter) relay in it, cleaned it up, and it's now the best appliance in my house.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

I'm on well water and I have to do my washer about once a year. I have filters in the basement so when mine clogs its unfortunately not the screens in the end of the hoses. I have to take out the mixing valve and split it, blow out the sediment with compressed air and put it all back together. I've done it a few times now so I have the process down to about an hour

 

[Bondo]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

I just looked behind the washer and both water inlets go straight into the back of the machine.

Ayuh,... Take the hose Off the machine,+ you'll be lookin' at the screen...

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

Well, the final rinse of the fourth load just started. Note that it's been FIVE hours and I've only done four loads!

Thanks for all the info guys... I'll check everything out once the last load is done. Will update after that.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

LOL 4th load in 5 hrs!!! that is long and I feel your pain. I had a similar problem and it was the fill control valve inside the washer..... I have screens at BOTH ends of my filler hoses too.

Side note.... my new high capacity / high efficiency front loader takes 58 minutes per load.

If you suspect a blockage in the main line ....hook up a garden hose and run the water out the window or into a drain. If there is a blockage slowing the fill then you should flush the line too.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

You could have taken 15 minutes out and fixed your problem by now. I used to own 2 laundromats so I have cleaned hundreds of those screens.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

You could have taken 15 minutes out and fixed your problem by now. I used to own 2 laundromats so I have cleaned hundreds of those screens.

Nah. One thing I have plenty of is time. Besides, I have to drag both the washer AND the dryer out of my small laundry/storage closet in order to get to the back of the machine. It's a major PITA to do, so I'm in no rush. LOL

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

No dragging out necessary. Just jump on top of the washer and hang upside down and remove the hose.

Actually, the best thing to do is to remove the screens in the mixing valves and replace the hose washer with one that includes the screen if it isn't already set up that way.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

...Just jump on top of the washer and hang upside down and remove the hose...

What am I, a monkey? No can do! LOL!

Here's what I'm facing:

And here's the waterflow as it is now. Those are two tiny individual streams... weak, eh?



Wish me luck... I'm goin' in!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

Drag the dryer forward and get behind it .... it's the lighter of the two.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

Well, I got the washer out. Nothing but water in both input lines. No screens on either line!

Here's the screen on the washing machine inlets. Definitely clogged a bit on the cold water side. Can't see an obvious and easy way to get the machine open besides removing all the screws. Any tips?

It's an old Whirlpool. Don't know which model and can't see a tag anywhere.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

You don't need to take anything apart.

Take a pair of long nose pliers and rip that screen out taking care not to drop any of that crap into the valve. Then replace your hose washer with one that has a built in screen.

What you can also do is connect the hose back up to the hot and connect a hose to the cold side of the washer and the other side into a bucket. Turn the machine on selecting warm water and some hot water will be forced out the cold side hose into the bucket. That will also clear out that screen.

This flushing method is also something you can do to correct a valve that won't close if you happen to run the machine without screens(not recommended).

 

[gstanton]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

I agree with everything said about the screen. Just in case you need to go further, here's a site that has been helpful on appliances. They can ship parts in a day or two - after helping determine the problem.

http://www.partselect.com/

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Washing machine filling slowly

Okay, I'll pop the screen out tomorrow and also backflush the hot/cold lines. Hopefully that'll do the trick.

Right now, my girlfriend's on her way over, so I won't have time for messin' with the washing machine!

Will post updates tomorrow.