Maytag Washing Machine: not filling up

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine not filling up with water? This issue can occur when the washer fails to draw water into the tub at the start of a cycle, despite having water supply available. Common causes include closed water supply valves, kinked hoses, or a malfunctioning water inlet valve. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively and ensure your laundry routine stays on track.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Official guidance emphasizes checking supply valves and inlet hoses as first steps
  • Some models may have dual inlet valve screens on both hot and cold ports

Possible Causes

Water supply valves off or hoses kinked

How to Identify: Check that hot & cold water faucets behind washer are fully open and hoses are not kinked or bent restricting flow.

Part: Water supply valves and inlet hoses

Water inlet valve assembly failure

How to Identify: No fill even though screens clear; multimeter shows inlet valve not actuating; no water flow when valves are energized.

Part: Water inlet valve

Pressure switch or water level sensor fault

How to Identify: Washer stops filling prematurely or doesn’t register rising water; fills only small amount then stops.

Part: Water level pressure switch/sensor

Lid switch/door lock not engaging

How to Identify: No fill as safety interlock not detecting closed lid/door; washer may not start cycle.

Part: Lid switch or door lock assembly

Internal control board/electrical fault

How to Identify: All basic causes eliminated; erratic behavior or other unrelated faults appear.

Part: Main control board or harness

DIY Solutions

Ensure Water Supply Is On and Hoses Are Clear

Easy 5–15 minutes
Tools Needed: None basic
  1. Turn off washer and locate hot & cold supply valves behind washer.
  2. Ensure both valves are fully open (turned counterclockwise) and inspect hoses for kinks/bends.
  3. If hoses are kinked, reposition to eliminate sharp bends.
  4. Run a short fill test.
  5. If water still doesn’t enter, move to next DIY fix.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid excessive force on valves

Clean Inlet Screen Filters

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, Bucket/towel, Old toothbrush
  1. Turn off water supply valves.
  2. Place bucket to catch water and disconnect inlet hoses from washer.
  3. Inspect small mesh screens on washer’s inlet ports and hose ends.
  4. Use toothbrush to clean debris from mesh screens carefully.
  5. Reconnect hoses ensuring good seal and test fill cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water before disconnecting hoses to avoid spray

Professional Repairs

Replace Water Inlet Valve

Estimated Cost: $50–$150 for part

Replace Pressure Switch/Level Sensor

Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Lid Switch / Door Lock Assembly Repair

Estimated Cost: $20–$80

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after cleaning inlet screens and confirming water supply
Internal leaks, electrical issues, or control board errors
Pressure switch or inlet valve replacement beyond DIY comfort

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean inlet screens: Build-up of debris causing fill restriction
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Inspect hoses and valves: Kinks, wear, or supply issues leading to no water flow
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not filling up?
Common causes include closed water supply valves, kinked hoses, or a faulty water inlet valve.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not filling up myself?
Check that water supply is on, inspect hoses for kinks, and clean inlet screen filters.
How much does it cost to fix not filling up?
Professional repair costs range from $20 for lid switch repairs to $150 for water inlet valve replacement.
When should I call a technician for not filling up?
If DIY solutions don't work or if the issue involves complex repairs like the control board.

References & Sources

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

  • Clogged water inlet filters
  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Issues with the lid switch

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the water inlet filters. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hoses, and clean the filters located inside the inlet valve. Reconnect everything and test the machine.

  2. Test and replace the water inlet valve if necessary. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If faulty, order a replacement valve and install it following the manufacturer's instructions.

  3. Inspect and replace the lid switch. Check if the lid switch engages when the lid is closed. If not, replace it with a new one to ensure the machine can fill.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Best old school washing machine?

Community Discussions

new washing machines that don’t fill up

Consider vintage Maytag or Speed Queen models for better performance.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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