The water inlet valve controls how water enters a Maytag washer. It opens to fill the tub with hot water, cold water, or both, and it closes when the washer reaches the correct level. A failing valve can leave the washer empty, fill it slowly, overfill it, or leak.
This guide lists the symptoms, explains what to check first, and covers when a technician should replace the valve. Bonita Appliance Repair has repaired washers in San Diego County since 2012, including Maytag models.
Symptoms of a bad water inlet valve
- The washer does not fill, or it fills with only hot or only cold water
- The washer fills slowly
- The washer keeps filling after it reaches the correct level
- Water leaks at the back of the washer, where the hoses connect
- The washer fills when it is off
Check these causes first
Other problems can look like a bad valve. Check these before you replace it.
- Make sure both water supply valves behind the washer are fully open.
- Check the fill hoses for kinks or crushing.
- Close both supply valves, unplug the washer, and disconnect the fill hoses. Keep a towel under each hose, because water remains inside.
- Look at the small screen inside each hose connection on the washer. Remove lint or sediment with a soft brush, and rinse the screens.
- Reconnect the hoses until they are snug, open the supply valves, and check the connections for leaks.
- Run a short cycle and watch the fill.
Check the water pressure and the hoses
Low water pressure at the house can also slow a fill. Run a nearby faucet and compare the flow. Replace fill hoses that are cracked, bulging, or old, because a failed hose can flood the laundry area.
When to call a technician
Call a technician if any of these problems remain after you clean the screens and check the hoses:
- Water keeps entering the washer when it is off
- The valve leaks from its body or its connections
- The washer fills with only hot or only cold water
- The washer does not fill, and the screens, hoses, and supply valves are clear
A fill problem can also come from the water level switch or the control board. A technician tests the valve and those parts before replacing anything. The replacement valve must match your model number. See how to find your appliance model number.
What a washer repair costs
At Bonita Appliance Repair, a minor washer repair typically costs $150 to $300, and a standard repair $220 to $580. A technician gives you the price before any work begins. See washing machine repair for more information.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Maytag washer water inlet valve is bad?
Common signs are a washer that does not fill, fills slowly, fills with only hot or cold water, keeps filling, or leaks at the hose connections. Clean the inlet screens and check the hoses first.
Why is my Maytag washer not filling with water?
The supply valves may be closed, a hose may be kinked, or the inlet screens may be clogged. If those are clear, the water inlet valve or the water level switch may have failed.
Why does my washer keep filling with water?
A water inlet valve that does not close fully can let water enter after the tub is full. Turn off the supply valves, unplug the washer, and call a technician.
Can I replace a Maytag water inlet valve myself?
The replacement involves unplugging the washer, shutting off the water, and rewiring the valve. The valve must also match your model number. A technician can confirm that the valve is the cause before you buy a part.
How much does a Maytag washer repair cost?
At Bonita Appliance Repair, a minor washer repair typically costs $150 to $300, and a standard repair $220 to $580. A technician gives you the price before any work begins.
Book Maytag washer repair in San Diego
Bonita Appliance Repair finds the cause of the fill problem and explains the repair and its price before any work begins.
