Kenmore Washing Machine: not filling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore washing machine is not filling with water, you're likely experiencing frustrating delays in your laundry routine. This issue may present as no water filling at all or only a small amount, accompanied by little to no sound from the water inlet. Understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • No major Kenmore‑specific quirks found beyond general washer fill causes

Possible Causes

Closed or restricted water supply

How to Identify: Check that the water supply valves are fully open and water flows to other faucets; inspect for kinked or blocked inlet hose.

Part: Home water supply / inlet hose

Clogged inlet screens/filters

How to Identify: Disconnect inlet hose and inspect filter screens for debris; if clogged, water flow to the washer is reduced or stopped.

Part: Water inlet hose filter screens

Faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: No clicking or movement at inlet valve during fill cycle; multimeter test may show no continuity; water does not enter even with supply open.

Part: Water inlet valve

Faulty lid switch assembly

How to Identify: Washer won’t fill if lid switch does not detect closed lid; washer behaves as if lid open (no fill or immediate drain.

Part: Lid switch / lid lock

Defective water level/pressure switch or air dome tube issue

How to Identify: Washer doesn’t sense correct water level; may overfill or never start fill if sensor doesn’t trigger.

Part: Pressure switch / air dome tube

DIY Solutions

Check and open water supply valves

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Ensure water supply valves behind washer are fully open.
  2. Confirm water is available at other house faucets.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force valves; if stuck, consider professional help.

Inspect and clean inlet hose filters

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, , bucket, towel
  1. Turn off water supply and unplug washer.
  2. Unscrew water inlet hoses from washer.
  3. Check filter screens at hose ends and washer inlet; clean debris with brush.
  4. Reinstall hoses and turn water back on.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper reconnection to avoid leaks.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $30–$100 (parts) plus labor

Replace lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $20–$70 (parts) plus labor

When to Call a Professional

Water continues not to fill after basic DIY checks (valve, filters, hoses)
Electrical components (lid switch, inlet valve) suspected faulty

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean inlet hose screens: Clog‑related no‑fill issues
    Frequency: annually
  • Check hoses for kinks or damage: Restricted water flow
    Frequency: periodically

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not filling?
Common causes include closed water supply valves, clogged inlet screens, or a faulty water inlet valve.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not filling myself?
Check water supply valves and clean inlet hose filters to potentially resolve the issue.
How much does it cost to fix not filling?
Replacing the water inlet valve costs $30–$100 in parts plus labor; lid switch assembly costs $20–$70.
When should I call a technician for not filling?
If DIY solutions don’t work or if you suspect a faulty valve or switch, it’s time to consult a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

25%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Pressure switch malfunction (2 mentions)
  • Timer issue (1 mentions)
  • Valve screens blockage (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Accessed technician mode to diagnose the fill problem

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Elite Washing Machine 79641572210 technician mode he...
  2. Washing machine won't fill
  3. Kenmore 500 washing machine won’t fill and clicking noise fr...
  4. Kenmore model 41797962701 washing machine won’t fill

Community Discussions

fill problem

Accessed technician mode to diagnose the fill problem using hidden schematics.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!