You may suspect that the inlet water valve of your washing machine needs to be replaced if you notice several signs like low water pressure in the washer and water getting into the tub even when your washing machine is off. This article discusses the steps you can take to replace that valve.

Disconnect the Power

Switch off the washing machine and unplug it from the power outlet. You can also cut off the power from the fuse box or circuit breaker panel so that you are not exposed to an electrical shock risk as you work.

Disconnect the Water Hoses

Disconnect both hoses (hot and cold water hoses) at the back of your washing machine and check their connections to confirm that they are free of any build-up of debris. Clean them before proceeding to the next steps.

Remove the Old Valve

Access the inlet valve by opening the top or the bottom of your washing machine depending on the particular model of machine that you have. Label the wires that connect the valve to the coils so that once you remove them it will be easy to know where each wire goes. Hold each wire connector and pull it off the terminal. Avoid holding the wire as you do this because you may damage it. Clean the connector terminals if you see signs of corrosion on them. Remove the valve by unscrewing the screws you see fastening it to the chassis of the washer.

Disconnect the Fill Spout Line

The last step of freeing the old valve is to disconnect the water line that transports water from the valve to the fill spout inside the washer. Use pliers to pinch the prongs holding the clamp of the line and the line will be separated from the inlet valve.

Connect the New Valve

Get the replacement valve you had bought and connect the fill spout line to it then reattach the clamp holding the line onto the inlet valve. Screw back the valve onto the chassis and reconnect the wires that link the valve to the coils (solenoids). Reconnect the hot water and cold-water hoses then observe them for leaks after turning on the water supply.

Test the Valve

Once you are sure that the connections you have just made do not leak, then reconnect the washer and test how well the new valve is working. The defects that led you to replace the inlet valve should no longer be present. If things still don't seem to be working correctly, it might be time to call in a repair technician from a company like Everlast to make sure any leaking or low pressure do not continue.