Kenmore Washing Machine: overfilling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing overfilling in your Kenmore washing machine? This issue causes excessive water to fill the drum, risking spills and inefficient washing. Common causes include a faulty water inlet valve, defective pressure switch, or a malfunctioning control board. Understanding these issues can help you address the problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

Kenmore washers may use integrated pressure sensors and control boards susceptible to specific failure modes where the inlet valve remains energized.

Possible Causes

Faulty water inlet valve not shutting off

How to Identify: Machine continues to fill with water even after reaching set water level, sometimes even with power off.

Part: Water inlet valve

Defective water level/pressure switch or tube

How to Identify: Washer doesnâ€™t sense correct water level (overfills and lets water in; air tube to switch may be cracked or blocked.

Part: Pressure switch / air pressure tube

Malfunctioning control board sending constant fill signal

How to Identify: No other mechanical failure found; multimeter tests show continuous voltage to inlet valve.

Part: Control board / electronic control

Leaking or defective detergent dispenser water valve

How to Identify: Water drips into dispenser area even when cycle isnâ€™t at dispensing stage; contributes to excess water.

Part: Detergent dispenser valve

DIY Solutions

Check and clean pressure switch tube

Moderate 20-40 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, flashlight

Unplug washer and access the control panel.
Locate the pressure switch and the small air tube connected to it.
Disconnect the tube and check for blockages or kinks.
Clear any debris and reattach securely.
Test machine to see if overfilling stops.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before opening cabinet

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace pressure switch or control board

Estimated Cost: $80 - $300+

When to Call a Professional

Water continues to fill despite DIY checks and cleaning

Multimeter testing suggests electrical component failure

You are uncomfortable accessing internal components

Preventive Maintenance

Check inlet hoses and pressure tube: Pressure sensor blockage or kink-related overfill issues
Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine overfilling?

Common causes include a faulty water inlet valve, defective pressure switch, or a malfunctioning control board.

How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine overfilling myself?

Check and clean the pressure switch tube by accessing the control panel and ensuring no blockages exist.

How much does it cost to fix overfilling?

Professional repairs can range from $50 to $300+, depending on whether you replace the water inlet valve or pressure switch.

When should I call a technician for overfilling?

If DIY solutions are ineffective or you're unsure about repairs, it's best to consult a technician for assistance.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

Faulty water level sensor
Clogged pressure hose
Defective fill valve

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and clean the water level sensor and pressure hose. Disconnect the power, locate the sensor, and clean any debris. Check the pressure hose for kinks or clogs.
Replace the faulty pressure switch. After cleaning, if the issue persists, test the pressure switch with a multimeter and replace it if defective.
Check and replace the fill valve if necessary. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hoses, and test the fill valve for proper operation. Replace if it’s leaking or not functioning.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

Washing Machine Overflows ~ 1% of the time...

Community Discussions

overflows occasionally

Check and clean the water level sensor and pressure hose; consider replacing the pressure switch or fill valves.