Here is a simple guide on how to repair a GE washer that is not filling with water. There are a couple things that could be wrong here, but this guide will cover the most common issues.
GE washers are known for their high-quality products and great design. Unfortunately, if your GE washing machine isn’t filling with water, it can be frustrating to try to fix the problem. You may not need to call the repairman out – there are a few DIY fixes that you can try first to get your machine up and running again.
If the GE washer won’t fill with water, first make sure the household water supply is on. Also, check that both cold and hot faucets are functional. If the issue persists, check the cold and hot water inlet valves for any obstructions or damage; check that the temperature selector switch isn’t malfunctioning, and make sure the water level pressure switch is working correctly.
If you’re having issues with your GE washer not filling with water, it could be caused by a number of different things. Here are some of the most common issues that cause this problem.
GE Washer Not Filling With Water – Troubleshoot And Diagnosis
GE washers are notorious for having water flow issues, and they’re a common problem in the washing machine industry. Fortunately, their repairs are typically simple and inexpensive.
1. Water Tap Is Closed Or Pressure Is Very Low
First, make sure to turn on the water tap. The tap must be turned on for the GE washer to fill with water.
The other thing to check is that your water pressure is normal. If the pressure coming from your house is too low, or if you have a water softener or filter installed somewhere in the water system, then the GE washer will be unable to fill with water.
Check that the tap is turned on and your water pressure is normal. It’s just two quick steps to ensure that you’ll be able to use your washing machine.
GE washer not filling up with water? If you’re having issues with your GE washing machine, first take a look at the water fill hose. The issue could be due to clogs or excess build-up in the hose. Make sure to clean inside and around it. Also, check the whole house for leaks.
If you have low water pressure, a professional plumber can suggest ways to correct it — and install an inexpensive water pressure regulator.
Access the water hose attached to the wall, and check its connection to the washing machine. If it’s difficult to rotate or remove, check that the faucet is fully-rotated open and that the water hose isn’t constricted by a sharp bend. If you find that your water hose is constricted, you may need to replace it.
If so, it’s likely that one of those hoses is damaged — meaning that it has a permanent bend or a cut somewhere along its length.
When the washer water hoses appear to be damaged, it’s good to take a closer look. If the hose is bent, you can pop it back into place — if there’s a permanent bend, then it’s time to replace the hose.
If you notice that your GE washer is not filling with water, there are a few steps you can take. First, inspect the water hoses that connect from the laundry faucet to the washer and see if they are clogged or kinked. You can clean them out by running hot water through them to remove any blockage.
If you’re still having issues with the GE washer, try checking the hoses for any sign of kinks or other damage. If you find you have a damaged hose, replace it at once.
2. Clogged Water Inlet Valve
If your GE washer is filling very slowly, the water inlet valve may be clogged.
You can check the filter screens to see if they’re clogged. Over time, these filters get clogged, restricting water flow and causing problems with your washer’s water level. If your washer fill is low but the screen looks clear, a new valve will be needed.
If you find that the filter screens inside of the water inlet valve are clogged, you can clean or replace them — this issue is often the most common reason that a water inlet valve malfunctions, and it’s easy to solve.
Check the water inlet valve to ensure that the screens inside it are free of debris. Make sure to check both sides of the valve — on one side you’ll find a larger screen, while on the other you’ll find a smaller one.
When opening the water inlet valve, wipe any dust or dirt off that you find there, as well as any other surfaces within it.
If the screen is dirty, you’ll have to carefully remove it. Sometimes this means removing part of a hose or another piece of equipment that’s attached to the screen.
3. Burnt Out Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is the only part of your GE washer that provides both hot and cold water — without it, your washing machine won’t be able to perform any tasks. The inlet valve is controlled by the timer or electronic control, water temperature cycle selector and the water level pressure switch.
To use the washer normally, you need to have all necessary parts attached to the machine correctly.
If your GE washer won’t fill with water, first check the water inlet valve. If the inlet valve is burned out, you’ll need to replace it before you can use the washer again.
Depending on the model of washer you have, you may need to remove either the front of back of the washer to gain access to this part.
Pull the wires off one at a time and make note of the proper placement, in order to avoid confusion during reassembly.
Using your multimeter, test each terminal for continuity (there should be none between terminals or pins) — if your readings show no continuity, then it is faulty and you need to replace it. It is also important to double-check that each terminal has a wire connected to it before testing.
To replace this faulty part, you’’ll need to remove four screws and disconnect the wires that are attached to the valve.
Label them so you can remember how they were connected in the future, or take a picture so that you know how everything lines up when you go to put it back together.
Remember to disconnect and remove the hose that connects to the water inlet valve, as well.
Unscrew the tube connected to the water inlet valve, then screw it onto the new water inlet valve that you’ve installed. Screw everything back in place and reconnect the power.
Now Install the new water inlet valve.
4. Faulty Selector Switch & Water Temperature Switch
The washer selector switch or water temperature switch (in some cases, the two are the same) chooses the wash temperature. In the case of dual temperature switches, there is a separate control for hot and cold water. The switch provides power to select the desired temperature of the water that enters your washer.
In order to check the selector switch in your GE washing machine, remove the bottom panel, disconnect the appliance from the power source and locate the selector switch. Using a multimeter with Rx1, touch one probe to each terminal of one button; press in on this button and hold it for at least five seconds.
If there is continuity between these two points, you have successfully performed a good test. Test each button in turn until you have tested them all.
Using a multi-meter, measure voltage between the terminals of the selector switch. If there is no reading, replace the switch.
5. Defective Water Pressure Switch
The GE washer water level switch is a pressure-activated switch that controls the water level in the washing machine, and is normally located at the bottom of the machine. When it malfunctions, it may not supply power to the water-inlet valve.
If the GE washer water level switch is defective, it cannot supply power to the valve. The control system will then not be able to start the washer and fill it with water. If this part is defective, it must be replaced as soon as possible — especially if there’s a leak and your washer is not filling with water.
If your GE washer isn’t filling with water, you should check that the GE washer water pressure switch is in good working condition. The tube leading from the switch to the water supply must also be free of clogs, as this can prevent the washer from filling with water.
If you suspect that your GE washer might have a malfunctioning pressure switch, it is important to inspect the tube leading from the pressure switch to the bottom of the tub. Inspect both ends of the tube for water, sediment or other debris. Be sure to look for any kinks or holes in the hose.
Verify that there is no obstruction in the tube.
Here you’ll learn how to check for a malfunctioning GE washer water level switch:
- Grab your multimeter.
- Locate the wires coming out of the switch. Disconnect them.
- There should be three terminals on the water level switch. Test for continuity in each pair with the probes of your multimeter.
a) Touch one probe to terminal 1, and one to terminal 2.
b) Touch one probe to terminal 1, and another probe to terminal 3.
c) Touch one probe to terminal 2 and another probe to terminal 3. - If you get no continuity to one of the pairs and continuity to another pair, your GE washer water level switch needs to be replaced.
6. Faulty Timer
The timer (also known as a ‘water level control’) is responsible for the GE washer’s water flow, and it’s integral to the washing process. It works by opening the water inlet valve at specific intervals of time, allowing a steady stream of water to enter the washing drum and accelerate soil removal.
The timer also turns off the water supply when the load is appropriately washed, ensuring that dirt doesn’t sit on your clothes or damage your fabric.
GE washer timer systems are mechanical timers with a series of electrical contacts and cams that are operated by a small motor.
When washers fail to fill with water, it’s usually caused by a faulty timer. Troubleshoot your washing machine with a multimeter by testing the timer terminals that control the motor. After disconnecting power to the unit, remove the timer and test all the terminals. Next, put one probe on one terminal and another probe on each of the other two terminals. If you get a reading, there’s a problem with that terminal.
7. Faulty Main Control Board
As we all know, washers have boards — and they come in all shapes and sizes. These boards control different parts of the washing machine, from your wash to your spin cycle and more. However, if you’ve seen damage to the control board (burns, shorts, etc.), it’s time for a replacement.
How can I test the control board on my washer?
If your control board seems to be defective, you need to test it properly. Remove all wires connected to the main terminal block, and then using a multimeter set to ohms, measure the resistance between terminal block terminals. The resistance should be lower than 50 ohms (or within manufacturer’s range). If your measurement isn’t within this range, replace the board.
Why Is My GE Washer Not Filling Up With Water
There are several common problems with GE washing machines, but most can be resolved easily. If your washer isn’t filling up, this problem is typically caused by having the hot and cold water faucets turned off. The GE washer requires water pressure below 120 PSI while filling, which is generally not an issue in most homes.
Remove water supply lines and check for kinks. If the problem persists, remove the fill hoses and clean out the filter screen inside. If a clog is found, use a brush or toothpick to remove it before restating the water supply. Firmly re-attach the hoses and power cycle the machine. In case of malfunction, please contact a qualified service technician.
How do I get my GE washer to fill with water?
GE provided instructions on how to fix a washing machine that won’t fill with water. First, make sure the household water supply is turned on. Next, check the cold and hot faucets to ensure that they are both functioning correctly.
Issues with the water supply, along with any fixtures, hoses or water pressure may be leading factors — and there are many more!
If you have a low pressure problem or if something has affected your plumbing, you might not have enough water to fill the machine.
A faulty inlet valve, failed temperature selector switch, or a water-level pressure switch could be at fault.
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.