How To Clean Water Inlet Valve On Washing Machine

How-To Clean The Inlet Valve And Screen On Your Washing Machine

Is your washing machine taking longer to fill than normal? If so, you may need to clean your inlet valve and screen which easily becomes clogged with massive water deposits, dirt, and debris. This repair is so simple that it is the perfect type of DIY project that you can do at home.

Gather The Required Tools

It will save time if you gather the required tools before starting this DIY project. You will need:

Slip-Joint Pliers
A Hand Towel For Water Spills
A Pair Of Needle-Nose Pliers
Two Inlet Valve Screens If Replacing Them
A Utility Knife

How Does An Inlet Valve And Screen Work?

Washing machines are connected directly to your home's plumbing system via hoses to the water supply. After you add detergent to the tub, it gives your clothes a thorough washing. The washing machine then pumps out the water and enters a spin cycle. Once the rinse cycle begins, water refills via the inlet valve and spins dry. If you notice dirt, sand, lint, and rust in the filter continually, you should clean the screen. At a minimum, once a year will guarantee maintenance.

Step One: Unplug your washing machine to ensure your safety from electrical shock.

Step Two: Pull the washer away from the wall enough to fit behind it comfortably. Take notice of the hoses as you do not want to pull them out too much to disconnect them.

Step Three: Turn the water valve off. It is typically located right behind the washer. There may be two valves that supply hot and cold water to the washing machine inlets.

Step Four: Carefully unscrew the hoses with a set of pliers to remove them from the water supply. Have a bucket on hand to catch any water that may drip from the hoses.

Step Five: Check for any other issues that might be affecting the water supply.

Step Six: Gently use the needle nose pliers to remove the screens to clean them. If the water trickle was very slow because of sediment, it is best to replace the inlet valve screens rather than try to clean them since pipes often clog with any type of maintenance.

Step Eight: To clean them, put them in the palm of your hand and use a stiff cleaning or toothbrush to get the dirt and grit out of the screens. If they are very clogged, soak the filters in a mild detergent or cleaning solution such as vinegar or baking soda and water.

Step Nine: Clean the inlet valve by removing dust and debris from the housing unit.

Step Ten: Re-insert the newly cleaned inlet screens back into the inlet valve.

Step Eleven: Re-attach the water hoses to the washing machine tightly to prevent leaks.

Step Twelve: Plug back in the power supply and push the washer back into place.

If you lack the time or enjoy the convenience of a professional providing a full washing machine maintenance service, call for an appointment at (781) 953-9600 or contact us on Facebook here.