A washing machine filler valve (means Electromagnetic Filler Valve) is a diaphragm in the housing that opens at the signal of the control module and the water enters the device under the pressure of the water supply system. The diaphragm mechanism is actuated by a solenoid coil in the valve.
On modern washers, the part usually consists of two valves. The first one is in charge of collecting water on a washing cycle and the second one for rinsing. There are also three sections (pre-wash, washing, rinsing). In old washer models, the valve is normally single.
Possible Inlet valve malfunctions
85% of Inlet valve breakdowns are because of the electromagnetic coil. Its winding blows out, the membrane does not open when the water is flooded on command of the control unit, and the washer does not dial.
Attention: Operation of the washing machine with a faulty water valve coil is fraught with failure of the control board, and for that reason, more costly repair. We therefore recommend that you do not use the machine in this case, even if it does partially collect water, and we recommend that you call a master immediately.
More rarely, service technicians from AmeriPro encounter the following water supply valve malfunctions, mainly in machines with a long service life.
Screen filter clogging at the inlet valve. The filter is installed while watching valve and protects it from particles within tap water. Since it can be used, the filter gradually clogs, making it problematic for water to enter. The washer starts to slowly grab water and may create a flood error.
washing machines repair to the diaphragm. That is due to wear and tear, but most often it suffers from machines that are operated or stored in unheated rooms. When the remaining moisture in the valve freezes, not only does the diaphragm rupture, but sometimes the valve body itself cracks. Inlet valve with a damaged diaphragm will let water through, therefore the washer will pick up even though the diaphragm is off.
Constipations, rust and lime deposits on parts of the valve which come into connection with water. They are able to either prevent water from being collected by the device or, conversely, result in a situation where the washer is flooded in the off state. First of all, the membrane and its own mechanism rubber, plastic part, spring, rod are vulnerable. For instance, once the rod jams in the closed position due to rust, the membrane will not open and water does not enter the machine.
Why is the solenoid valve rarely repairable?
The unit is rarely repaired for the following reasons:
Disassembled structure. In most modern washing machines, Inlet valve isn't disassembled. Manufacturers consider it a consumable item and advise to improve it completely in the event of malfunction.
No components. In older washer models, input valves are often disassembled, but components are not sold (diaphragms, coils, rods, etc.). They are able to only be entirely on old washing machines.
Therefore, the AmeriPro craftsmen perform only the following repair work:
cleaning of the inlet valve strainer (it is not difficult to do it all on your own);
cleaning of the valve itself, if it's disassembled and the fault is due to clogging, lime or rusty deposits on the internal components.
Other repairs are either physically impossible or not economically feasible.
Signs of water valve malfunction
Failing of the water supply valve is definitely accompanied by among the following symptoms, and the first three signs could also show a flood error.
Slowly flows in to the washing machine. May signal a clogged inlet filter at the inlet valve.
No water to arrive at all. Probably a burned coil, clogged strainer or valve itself, jammed valve stem.
Water is flooded on washing and not on rinsing, or vice versa. A burned coil of the valve section that's responsible for the set on the respective cycle (for double or triple valves).
The coil itself picks up water in the off state or fills and drains it while washing. Damaged valve diaphragm or jammed valve stem in open position.
Please note! In addition to the valve failure, the displayed signs could also signal other faults. An expert inspection of the washer is essential for a precise diagnosis.