Indesit washing machine fills with water and drains immediately
Modern household appliances aren't known for their durability and reliability. After just a year or a year and a half of use, unpleasant surprises begin to appear—failures of varying severity and nature. For example, an Indesit washing machine often fills with water and immediately drains, preventing the scheduled wash cycle from starting. We'll try to determine the nature of this malfunction and provide recommendations for troubleshooting.
Why does this happen?
If your washing machine fills with water and immediately empties the drum, it's immediately noticeable. First, the cycle doesn't finish on time. Second, there's a constant noise coming from the machine without the drain stopping. Third, the laundry remains dirty.
The following reasons lead to such a situation:
Incorrect installation of the drain hose;
sewer blockage;
malfunction of the drain valve;
faulty pressure switch;
control board failure.
Modern Indesit models automatically stop the cycle and display a corresponding error message if there is a problem with the water supply.
The problem with water filling must be resolved immediately.Uncontrolled drainage negatively affects all elements of the drainage system, putting the pump, pipes, and valves at risk. There is also a high risk of leakage, short circuit and flooding of the apartment.
The drain hose is not connected correctly.
If the appliance has just been installed or recently moved to a new location, the first thing to check is the drain hose. It's often installed incorrectly, which negatively impacts water intake and drainage. There are two ways to confirm this.
First, carefully inspect the corrugated hose. According to the instructions, the hose is positioned slightly above the machine's drum, which is typically 50-60 cm from the floor. This balance creates a "siphon effect," preventing liquid from escaping the drum. If the balance is disrupted, it is forced into the drain, which the pressure switch responds to by resuming the fill. The "cycle" continues until human intervention or a power outage.
The drain hose should be located 50-60 cm above the floor level.
If access to the hose is problematic, it's necessary to check the installation using another method. Run a quick wash and observe the machine's performance. If water immediately flows out of the machine, the hose is clearly not adjusted correctly.
If there's a problem with the corrugated hose's position, the situation can be resolved quickly. The necessary repair is limited to adjusting the hose's level to the specified standard. The manufacturer's instructions specify the correct values for your specific model. It's also a good idea to find the special plastic loop included with every Indesit washing machine. Attach the "hook" to the designated location and thread the rubber through it.
The equipment is clogged
Failures in the drainage system may also occur due to blockages. If dirt accumulates in the pipes, impeller, or pump, the pump will operate erratically, resulting in unplanned water draining from the tank. To fix the problem, you need to clean the debris filter and other filter elements of the machine.
The filtration system is easy to access.
We disconnect the machine from communications, electricity and water supply.
We find the technical hatch in the lower right part of the case, carefully pry it up with a screwdriver until the latches engage and remove it.
We take hold of the protruding part of the debris filter (the black “washer” located on the right edge) and unscrew it, turning our hand counterclockwise.
We rinse the coil under running water.
If the debris filter is covered with a thick layer of scale, it is better to soak it in a warm solution of citric acid for 30-40 minutes.
We shine a flashlight through the cleared hole and inspect the degree of contamination of the impeller, snail and pipes.
If the service hatch can't be opened, we try checking the drain another way. After disconnecting the machine from all utilities and moving it to the center of the room, carefully turn the unit over onto its right side and peer through the bottom. Indesit washing machines typically don't have a bottom, which simplifies the diagnostic process.
The level sensor is faulty
If a previously functioning machine suddenly starts pouring continuously, you should check the pressure switch. The water level sensor monitors the drum's filling level and, when a certain amount is reached, signals a "stop" signal to the control board. When a malfunction occurs, the machine doesn't detect the excess water, causing an overflow, which the machine's safety system responds to by automatically draining. It turns out to be a vicious circle that only a person can break.
The pressure switch breaks down due to the following factors:
contacts have oxidized or come loose;
the contacts were not closed correctly;
the membrane seal is broken;
the sensor tube is clogged or damaged.
There's no time to waste, otherwise there's a high risk of a leak and a full-blown flood. It's recommended to take immediate action: unplug the washing machine, turn off the water supply, and begin troubleshooting the pressure switch. Instructions for what to do next are as follows.
Unscrew the bolts holding the cover from the back wall.
Push the cover away from you, wait until the latches engage and remove the panel.
Find the level sensor and disconnect it from the housing.
Inspect the tube and washer for damage or blockages. If the fitting is dirty, it is recommended to rinse it under the tap. If the contacts are oxidized, simply clean the phases.
If the tube or the device itself is damaged, it's best to buy a new sensor instead of repairing it. A pressure switch is inexpensive, but its reliability and durability are beyond doubt. Installation is straightforward: simply lower it down, connect all the terminals, and secure it to the housing.
At the end, we perform a test wash. Run the shortest cycle without laundry and observe the machine's behavior. If the error doesn't reoccur, you can replace the top cover and continue using the washer.
Let's look at the control module
If the error code indicates a problem with the control board, things are bad. The electronics in Indesit models have long been recognized as weak and unreliable, so the likelihood is high. But it is better to reboot the machine first to exclude an accidental system failure. If after restarting after 15-20 minutes the situation repeats, diagnostics are required.
Repairing or flashing a board yourself is risky and very difficult. It's best to avoid experimenting and call in specialists.
My Indesit fills with water when I start a program. But as soon as it fills, it immediately drains, displaying an error message. The pump runs until the machine is unplugged.
Modern household appliances aren't known for their durability and reliability. After just a year or a year and a half of use, unpleasant surprises begin to appear—failures of varying severity and nature. For example, an Indesit washing machine often fills with water and immediately drains, preventing the scheduled wash cycle from starting. We'll try to determine the nature of this malfunction and provide recommendations for troubleshooting.
My Indesit fills with water when I start a program. But as soon as it fills, it immediately drains, displaying an error message. The pump runs until the machine is unplugged.
I have the same problem, the mechanic said that the heating element and the pump are broken.