What to Do if a Washing Machine Won't Fill with Water
Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski, CEO on Mar 03, 2025 | Written by Fix Appliances CA Editorial Contributors
Although calling a plumber might seem the best thing to do if your washing machine won’t fill up with water, chances are, though, the washer itself is at fault. How do you find out if you need to fix a water supply issue, a leak, or get a new washer altogether?
There are a few things you can look at if the water in your washing machine won’t fill. First, make sure the hoses are not kinked or obstructed and that the water supply valves are fully open. Next, look for any debris that might be blocking the water flow in the hoses’ inlet filters. Calling a qualified specialist to identify and resolve the issue is the best course of action if everything seems to be in order but the problem still exists.
In this post, we will examine the most common reasons why a washing machine won’t fill with water and offer even more easy DIY fixes for troubleshooting the issue.
Why Is a Washing Machine Not Filling With Water?
To safeguard your washer from potential harm caused by hasty measures, thoroughly examine the washing machine before attempting any remedies suggested by unreliable forums or blog posts. At FIX Appliances CA, we frequently encounter cases of washing machines failing to fill up with water. Typically, such issues stem from the following malfunctions:
Issue #1. Hoses and Hose Filters
When your washing machine won’t fill, it makes sense to suspect hose malfunctions — here are the most common ones:
- Hoses aren’t well-connected to the appliance — thus, there’s no steady water flow.
- A kinked hose prohibits water from passing through.
- Hoses are damaged, so water leaks out instead of making it to the drum.
Depending on the issue you have with the hoses, different fixes apply. If it’s a kink, straightening the hose is all it takes to solve the problem. If there’s visible damage, you need a replacement hose.
Issue #2. Dirty Washing Machine Filters
Clogged filters are another thing that prevents water from getting into the tub. In this case, the fix is simple — remove the filters and ensure no dirt or debris on them.
After the washer filters are clean, reconnect the hoses back to the appliance and plug it back in. Check for leaks to ensure you found the correct cause of the problem.
Issue #3. Air is obstructing the flow of water within the pressure chamber.
Many homeowners are surprised to hear that pressure chamber blockage has something to do with the washing machine not filling with enough water. If there’s too much air in the pressure tubes, the machine will not stop spinning even when there’s no water in the tub.
If your machine can run with no water in it, you can be positive that the pressure chamber is the problem. Removing the air tube and cleaning it thoroughly is an efficient way of troubleshooting the issue.
Issue #4. Faulty Solenoid Valve
The solenoid, also known as an inlet valve, is a two-way tube that connects the streams of water from the cold and hot water faucets to the washer. Among all the issues that lead to water supply obstruction, this is the one our technicians have to deal with the most.
The common way to deal with inlet valve malfunctions is to replace the valve. However, the selector settings could be to blame as well — run through them to make sure they are well-adjusted.
Sometimes, fully pressing the control on the panel is an easy and highly efficient fix that allows your washer to fill with water.
How to Fix A Washing Machine That Gets No Water?
If your washer is not filling up with water, your course of action should be determined by the nature of the error. Typically, all problems are connected to either of the following:
- Slow water flow (doesn’t affect the function of the appliance);
- There’s no flow between the external water supply and the appliance due to an appliance problem.
Once you understand the root cause of your washing machine not filling up with enough water, follow these checklists for dealing with the issue:
Ensuring Sufficient External Water Supply
Step #1. Unplug the washing machine and disconnect it from the external water supply.
Step #2. Inspect the washer’s fill hoses — they shouldn’t be kinked or damaged.
Step #3. Disconnect the hose from the taps that supply the washing machine with water. Inspect and clean the hose filter screens, and ensure the faucet aerator isn’t blocked, if it has one.
Step #4. Turn off the water supply. Remove the hoses from the washer’s inlet valve. If you get a long-lasting water spray from the connection, a faulty supply valve is causing the washer filling issues.
Step #5. Call a plumber or a team of repair technicians for repair services if a washer doesn’t fill up with enough water.
Fixing Appliance — Connected Supply Issues
Step #1. Examine the filter for any obstructions or blockages. Thoroughly clean it and reattach it to the hose. Run a cycle on the washing machine to check if the problem has been resolved.
Step #2. Check the cycle switch integration knob, buttons, or levers to ensure they work. Watch out for buttons sticking, and check the lid switch.
Step #3. Evaluate the water level controls. Use a volt-Ohm meter to test the control system. Refer to the manufacturer’s user manual to determine if the readings obtained from the meter fall within the normal range. If not, you may need to replace the water level switch.
Step #4. Make sure all solenoid valves are fitted into dedicated openings.
Step #5. Seek assistance from a professional team of technicians for repair help. Some water supply issues with washing machines may require expertise beyond your skill level. For example, if the system does not receive the correct error code, it could lead to problems with the washing machine’s water-filling mechanism.
FIX Appliances CA Provides a Top-Rate Team For Home Appliance Maintenance and Repair
Running a washing machine without water inside is dangerous and harmful to the appliance. That’s why, once you discover a washing machine is not working, make sure to fix the issue as soon as possible. Hiring professional technicians for the job is the best way to ensure the issue will not bother you again.
For the most dependable, highly skilled, and experienced repair team in Toronto and the GTA, homeowners and businesses rely on FIX Appliances CA. The company is famous across the country as a reliable appliance repair contractor. Here’s why our clients are highly satisfied with the quality of repair and maintenance FIX Appliances CA technicians provide:
Client-Centered Approach To Repair
We make sure that you are the one to choose appointment dates and times, determine the size of the team, and set the tone of communication. At FIX Appliances CA, we do our best to ensure you can arrange repair sessions to meet your busy schedule.
Here’s how we make repair services more accessible:
- Affordable repair cost
- Free service calls with any repair
- Detail cost breakdowns
- Special equipment offers and discount coupons for washing machine motors and other components.
Proven Expertise
Our technicians have over 15 years of experience in home appliance repair. Additionally, our factory-trained experts hold a variety of certifications as proof of the company’s skill and expertise:
- We have had consecutive Homestar Best of the Best winners for five years.
- FIX Appliances CA is a TSSA-certified team.
- The number of positive reviews from homeowners all over Canada.
High-Quality Replacement Equipment
If you need a replacement part for a washing machine, FIX Appliances CA technicians will help you make the right choice. We make it a priority to build connections with top-notch electronics and appliance manufacturers and offer clients access to special offers.
By reaching out to FIX Appliances CA, you will get access to a large database of special offers from brands like Samsung, LG, Bosch, Dacor and others.
To get in touch with the company regarding washing machines or any other appliance repair services, feel free to drop us a message or give us a call. We will get in touch with you right away and schedule a free service call at 888-242-0777.
Date of page creation: April 29, 2020
Page update date: March 03, 2025
What Our Customers Say About Us
Highly recommend them. Same day repair service. Fixed the problem, and for a very reasonable price. How often can you say that these days.
My washing machine broke on the long weekend and someone came on the holiday Monday. There was no extra charge with it being a holiday. The part was ordered and fixed by Thursday of that week. The problem was explained throughly to me. This company is very helpful and customer service was exceptional. Highly recommend!
