How to Replace a Washing Machine Water Inlet Valve

Sometimes it's a small repair due to a clog

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 08/31/22
Reviewed by
Richard Epstein
Richard Epstein
Reviewed by Richard Epstein
Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies.
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Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
SS
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $20 to $70

You will know that your washing machine water inlet valve is bad if the washer doesn't run, won't fill properly, or washes at the incorrect water temperature.

Water inlet valve inside back of washing machine

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

What Is a Washing Machine Water Inlet Valve?

The washing machine water inlet valve on your washer is the part that connects the two water hoses to the machine, and it controls the flow of both hot and cold water.

There is little that you can do to repair the valve itself, but you can try to clean the two inlet ports to restore full water flow. You can also conduct tests to determine whether the water inlet valve has failed and needs to be replaced. Replacing a bad valve can be a simple job if you are a comfortable DIYer, but it must be done with parts and procedures that are specific to your washing machine model. In this case, it can be worth fixing a washing machine rather than buying a new appliance.

How a Water Inlet Valve Works

The water inlet valve has two threaded ports that are connected to hot and cold water hoses at the back of the washing machine. Each port is controlled by a solenoid valve that sends electric power to open and close the flow of hot and cold water based on settings for the wash temperature and signals from the water-level switch.

Fixing a water inlet valve is a matter of systematically examining the parts until you find the problem. Sometimes the fix will be simply cleaning the filter screens, but it might require replacement of the entire valve.

Before You Begin

Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply and the water supplies before you examine the water inlet valve. Turn off the washer and unplug it from the wall outlet.

Turn off the hot and cold water valves on the house side of the water supply hoses. Set a bucket on the floor to catch water from the supply hoses. Unscrew the washer ends of the supply hoses from the washer, using pliers to loosen the connections, if necessary. Direct the loose end of each hose into the bucket to drain water from the hose.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Pliers
  • Bucket
  • Flashlight
  • Screwdrivers
  • Multimeter

Materials

  • New water inlet valve (if needed)

Instructions

Materials and tools to repair a water inlet valve for washing machines

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  1. Check the Filter Screens

    Check for clogs in the filter screens in the water inlet valve, which can block water flow. This is a common reason water inlet valves fail and it is the easiest problem to remedy.

    Use a flashlight to look inside each of the two hose fitting ports on the water inlet valve—there should be a screen inside the port. Carefully clean the screens if they are dirty.

    Cold and hot water filter screens checked with flash light

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Test the Inlet Valve Solenoids

    If clogged screens are not the problem, test the valve for failure. Depending on the washer model, you may have to remove either the back or front of the washer cabinet to gain access to the wire connections on the water inlet valve.

    Remove the back, top, or front of the cabinet, as appropriate, following directions in the appliance owner's manual. Once you've gained access to the valve, note that two wires are connected to each solenoid; pull them off one at a time and label them so that you can reconnect them correctly.

    Set a multimeter (also called a volt-ohm meter) to the OHM X1 setting and test the solenoids for continuity by touching one tester probe to one of the two terminals on each solenoid. The reading should indicate some resistance. If the reading indicates zero resistance, or infinity (∞), the solenoid is faulty, and the valve must be replaced. Test both solenoids separately; if either is faulty, the entire valve must be replaced.

    Multimeter testing inlet valve solenoids in washing machine

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Replace the Water Inlet Valve (as Needed)

    Unscrew the fasteners securing the valve to its housing or the back of the washer. Note the color and position of the wires attached to the solenoid, and label them. Disconnect the wires by pulling the plugs apart.

    Disconnect the inlet valve from the internal tube (or tubes) that sends water to the tub. This is usually secured with a hose clamp, which you remove with a screwdriver or pliers, depending on the type.

    Write down the brand and model number of the washer and, if you can find it, the brand and part number of the water inlet valve. With that information, obtain a replacement valve from an appliance parts dealer. 

    Install the new valve by reversing the disconnection procedure.

    Water inlet valve unscrewed with screwdriver for replacement

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

When to Call a Professional

Online appliance parts dealers carry a full selection of parts for appliances of almost any model or age, making it easier to do it yourself. Shop around for the best prices and shipping rates. The better websites also have video tutorials and other resources for help with making repairs. If you do it yourself, it won't cost you much to replace the inlet valve on a washing machine. But if you feel the job is too involved, it may be best to call in a repair professional. Be prepared to pay at least a couple of hundred dollars of labor and parts for a valve replacement.