Washing Machine Not Filling With Water
If your washing machine is not filling with water, the appliance is unable to draw in the water it needs to start or continue the wash cycle. This is a common fault with several possible causes, many of which can be checked at home before calling an engineer.
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Find Your Brand
Select your washing machine brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Washing Machine Not Filling With Water?
When a washing machine fails to fill, it cannot start or progress through the wash cycle. The drum may remain empty, or the machine may fill very slowly and stop before reaching the required water level. Most modern machines will display an error code when a fill fault is detected — check the brand-specific guide above for the relevant codes for your appliance.
Common Causes
Water supply tap turned off or not fully open
The most common cause. The tap supplying the washing machine must be fully open. If it has been turned off or is only partially open, the machine will not fill correctly.
Kinked or blocked inlet hose
If the water inlet hose at the back of the machine is kinked, twisted or blocked, water cannot flow through it freely.
Blocked inlet filter
A small mesh filter sits inside the water inlet valve connection at the back of the machine. This filter can become clogged with debris over time and restrict water flow significantly.
Low water pressure
If household water pressure is unusually low — for example during a supply interruption — the machine may not be able to fill at the required rate and will eventually time out and display a fault.
Faulty water inlet valve
The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the machine. If it has failed or is sticking, water will not enter the drum even if the supply and hose are both clear.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Check the water supply tap
Locate the tap on the water supply pipe behind or beneath the machine and ensure it is fully open.
Check the inlet hose
Inspect the water inlet hose at the back of the machine for any kinks or crushing. Straighten if necessary.
Clean the inlet filter
Turn off the water supply tap. Disconnect the inlet hose from the back of the machine — have a towel ready as some water will spill. Inside the connection point on the machine you will find a small mesh filter. Remove it carefully using pliers if needed, rinse it under running water to clear any debris, and refit it before reconnecting the hose. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks before restarting the machine.
Check for a household supply interruption
Turn on a cold tap elsewhere in the house to confirm the water supply is running normally.
Reset the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Plug back in and try restarting the cycle.
When To Contact A Professional
If the fault persists after checking the supply, hose and inlet filter, the water inlet valve is likely faulty and will need to be tested and replaced by a qualified engineer. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
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