Kenmore Washing Machine: intermittent filling issue

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing intermittent filling issues with your Kenmore washing machine? Sometimes it fills normally, but other times it fails to start, stops unexpectedly, or fills inconsistently. This could be caused by clogged inlet screens, issues with the pressure switch, or problems with the control board. Troubleshooting these issues can help restore proper operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washers use similar inlet valves and pressure switches as Whirlpool/Sears models; specific part numbers depend on model series.

Possible Causes

Clogged inlet screens or hoses

How to Identify: Inspect inlet hose screens for debris build‑up; intermittent filling can occur if screens partially block water flow then occasionally clear.

Part: Water inlet hose screens / inlet valve filter

Pressure switch or pressure hose issue

How to Identify: Machine behaves as if already full or stops fill prematurely; blocked or kinked pressure hose can mimic sensor malfunction.

Part: Water level (pressure) switch

Control board/electronics not signaling valve consistently

How to Identify: No consistent power to inlet valve despite correct water supply; intermittent fill cycles without user change.

Part: Main control board / timer

DIY Solutions

Clean inlet hose filters

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: pliers, bucket, towel
  1. Turn off both hot and cold water supply valves.
  2. Place towel and bucket underneath hoses at back of washer.
  3. Unscrew the inlet hoses from the back of the machine.
  4. Inspect and rinse the small mesh screens in the hose connectors under running water to remove debris.
  5. Reattach hoses, tighten securely, then open water supplies and test fill.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure water supply is turned off before removing hoses to avoid flooding.

Check for hose kinks and restore water supply

Easy 10–15 minutes
  1. Pull washer slightly away from wall to access fill hoses.
  2. Straighten any kinks or twists in the inlet hoses.
  3. Ensure both hot and cold supply valves are fully open and not intermittently shutting.
  4. Run a test fill cycle to check for improvement.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use damaged hoses; replace if cracked or excessively worn.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve assembly

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120

Replace pressure switch or pressure hose

Estimated Cost: $30 - $90

Control board diagnostics/repair

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300+

When to Call a Professional

Water still does not fill reliably after cleaning screens and checking hoses
There is no audible valve activation during fill cycles
Electronic diagnostics (pressure switch or control board) are beyond simple multimeter tests

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean inlet hose screens: Debris build‑up that leads to intermittent fill
    Frequency: annually
  • Inspect water inlet hoses: Kinks and wear that reduce water flow
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine intermittent filling issue?
Common causes include clogged inlet screens, pressure switch issues, or control board malfunctions.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine intermittent filling issue myself?
Try cleaning the inlet hose filters and checking for kinks in the hoses.
How much does it cost to fix intermittent filling issue?
Professional repairs range from $30 to $300+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for intermittent filling issue?
Consider calling a technician if DIY fixes don't work or if you're unsure about the repairs.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty water inlet valve causing inconsistent water flow
  • Clogged or kinked water supply hoses affecting water pressure
  • Defective lid switch preventing proper operation

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the water inlet valve. Disconnect the power and water supply. Remove the valve from the back of the machine, check for blockages, and replace if faulty.

  2. Check and clear any clogs in the water supply hoses. Disconnect hoses from the machine and inspect for kinks or blockages. Clean or replace as necessary.

  3. Test and replace the lid switch if defective. Access the switch by removing the top panel of the washer, use a multimeter to test for continuity, and replace if it fails the test.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore 110 is timer push pull switch repairable?

Community Discussions

Sometimes nothing happens when I pull the switch, sometimes it'll fill for a second then stop.

Sprayed contact cleaner in the switch mechanism, which resolved the issue temporarily.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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