Maytag Washing Machine: not filling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Maytag washing machine isn't filling, it may be due to closed water supply valves, clogged inlet screens, or a faulty water inlet valve. This issue prevents water from entering the drum, causing delays in your laundry routine. Identifying the cause is essential for a quick resolution.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official guidance shows checking anti-flood devices as they can reduce water pressure.

Possible Causes

Closed or insufficient water supply valves or low household water pressure

How to Identify: Ensure hot and cold water supply faucets are fully open; check household water flow at a nearby faucet to confirm water pressure.

Part: Household water supply and inlet hoses

Clogged inlet screens on water inlet valve

How to Identify: Disconnect hoses and inspect small mesh screens on the water inlet valve for buildup or debris; reduced flow indicates blockage.

Part: Inlet screens on water inlet valve

Faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: Washer does not fill even with clear hoses and good water pressure; multimeter testing shows no valve activation during fill cycle.

Part: Water inlet valve assembly

Faulty water level pressure switch

How to Identify: Washer may fill only a small amount or shut off early; blowing into pressure switch tube does not change continuity.

Part: Water level pressure switch

Faulty main control board or related electronics

How to Identify: No voltage reaching inlet valve despite correct settings; washer displays erratic behavior beyond filling issue.

Part: Electronic control board

DIY Solutions

Check and open water supply valves

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Locate hot and cold water supply valves behind washer.
  2. Ensure both valves are fully open.
  3. Run washer to see if water now fills.
⚠️ Safety First: Make sure water supply is stable before testing.

Clean inlet screens on water inlet valve

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, Bucket, Soft brush (toothbrush)
  1. Turn off water supply.
  2. Disconnect water hoses and drain water into a bucket.
  3. Inspect and gently clean the inlet screens on the machine side with a brush.
  4. Reconnect hoses and turn on water to test filling.
  5. Run a wash cycle to confirm resolution.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water and electricity before working on hoses.

Check hoses for kinks or blockages

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Inspect both water supply hoses for kinks or sharp bends.
  2. Straighten hoses if needed.
  3. Disconnect and run water through hoses at a sink to ensure clear flow.
  4. Reconnect and test washer fill.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hoses are properly tightened to avoid leaks.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve assembly

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120

Replace water level pressure switch

Estimated Cost: $20 - $90

Replace main control board

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Water still doesn’t fill after checking supply, cleaning inlet screens, and hose inspection
Electrical testing (multimeter) indicates component faults
Control board or internal electronic issues suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean inlet screens during regular maintenance: Clogs that restrict water fill
    Frequency: every 6–12 months
  • Inspect supply hoses for wear or kinks: Low water flow and hose failure
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not filling?
Common causes include closed water supply valves, clogged inlet screens, or a faulty water inlet valve.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not filling myself?
Check and open supply valves, clean inlet screens, and inspect hoses for kinks or blockages.
How much does it cost to fix not filling?
Professional repairs range from $20 for a pressure switch to $300 for a main control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not filling?
Consider calling a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the issue, especially for electrical problems.

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 or faulty water inlet valve (3 mentions)
  • Control unit or relay failure (1 mentions)
  • Valve overflow device malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the water inlet valve due to clogging and rust

    Success rate: 18.0%

  2. Connect water directly bypassing the valve overflow device

    Success rate: 9.0%

  3. Diagnose and replace pump or hose if washer fills in diagnostic mode

    Success rate: 9.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Has anyone replaced a relay on the control unit for a Maytag...
  2. Brand new Maytag MVW4505MW1 doesn't work - should I return i...
  3. Maytag washer wont fill after water heater flush
  4. The wife is at her wit's end, please help! Maytag Bravos XL ...
  5. Maytag top loader LF error code
  6. Maytag centennial washer won't fill if started at beginning ...
  7. Stacked unit stopped working

Community Discussions

LF error code, not filling with water, moldy smell

replaced the inlet valve

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn't work, Sense and Fill lights blink, Done light blinks, water not filling, cycle never ends

Issue may be related to the valve overflow device; a plumber removed the device and connected the water directly.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

drum isn’t filling, water is going straight out the drain hose

Raise the drain hose to prevent siphoning.

DIY View on Reddit →

washer won't fill and gets stuck on wash cycle

The drain hose is improperly positioned, causing a siphon effect.

DIY View on Reddit →

LF error code

Replace the water inlet valve due to clogging and rust.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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