Amana Washing Machine: clogged inlet screen

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana washing machine filling slowly or not at all? This common issue is often caused by clogged inlet screens at the back of the unit. Mineral buildup and debris restrict water flow, affecting your washing efficiency. Discover how to diagnose and fix this problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana official troubleshooting explicitly points to checking and cleaning the water inlet screens as a cause of slow or no filling.

Possible Causes

Mineral and sediment buildup on inlet screens

How to Identify: Noticeably slow fill times or water trickling instead of flowing; visible deposits when screens are removed.

Part: Water inlet valve screens

DIY Solutions

Clean the inlet screens

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench or pliers, small brush (toothbrush), bucket or towel
  1. Turn off water supply and unplug washer.
  2. Use pliers or wrench to unscrew water supply hoses at back of washer and catch residual water.
  3. Remove inlet screens from water inlet valve openings using needle‑nose pliers or tweezers.
  4. Rinse screens under running water and scrub gently with a brush to remove debris or mineral deposits.
  5. Reinsert cleaned screens into inlet valve openings and reconnect water hoses.
  6. Turn water supply back on and check for leaks, then test fill cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water and power before starting.

Soak heavily clogged screens to dissolve minerals

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: white vinegar (optional), small bowl, brush
  1. After removing inlet screens, place screens in bowl with white vinegar to help dissolve hard mineral deposits.
  2. Soak for 10–30 minutes depending on buildup.
  3. Use brush to scrub remaining deposits after soaking.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with water and reinstall screens.
  5. Reconnect hoses and restore water; run test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid harsh chemicals; use vinegar gently.

Professional Repairs

Replace inlet screens or water inlet valve assembly

Estimated Cost: $20–$120

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning the screens does not improve water flow or washing machine still fails to fill properly.
If water inlet valve may be damaged or leaking after cleaning attempt.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean inlet screens regularly: mineral/debris buildup leading to slow or blocked water fill
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect water hoses and screens for wear: unexpected clogging and reduces risk of hose damage
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine clogged inlet screen?
Clogged inlet screens usually occur due to mineral buildup or debris, restricting water flow.
How do I fix Amana Washing Machine clogged inlet screen myself?
Turn off the water supply, remove hoses, and clean the inlet screens using vinegar and a brush.
How much does it cost to fix clogged inlet screen?
Professional repair costs range from $20 to $120 for replacing inlet screens or the water inlet valve assembly.
When should I call a technician for clogged inlet screen?
If cleaning the screens doesn’t resolve the issue or if you're uncomfortable with DIY repairs, contact a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

85%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Debris buildup in the inlet screen due to hard water or sediment in the water supply
  • Damaged or corroded inlet screen that has lost its effectiveness
  • Clogged water supply hoses leading to the inlet screen

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hoses from the washing machine, remove the inlet screen, and clean it thoroughly with vinegar or replace it if damaged. Reconnect everything and turn the water supply back on.

  2. Inspect the water supply hoses for any kinks or clogs, and replace them if necessary. Ensure that the hoses are properly connected to the water supply.

  3. Consider installing additional inline filters on the water supply line to prevent future debris buildup in the inlet screen.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Washing machine inlet screen is my arch nemesis

Community Discussions

inlet screen clogged and damaged

Replacing the inlet screen and considering additional filters for the water hose.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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