The washing machine fills with water in jerks.

Many users notice that their washing machine fills with water in jerky motions. This phenomenon is particularly common with LG, Samsung, and other washing machines. This behavior occurs only at the very beginning of the cycle; afterward, the tank fills normally. Sometimes, the problem is exacerbated by shaking of the inlet hose. Let's look at the possible causes of this situation and what to do in such cases.

Why did the breakdown occur and how can it be fixed?

To ensure that an automatic washing machine effectively rinses detergent from the detergent drawer, the inlet valve, as designed by engineers, must deliver water in increments at the very beginning of the cycle. This explains the slight surges in flow. When the pressure in the water pipe is normal, the jerks are not felt by users and do not lead to “shaking” of the inlet hose.

When the pressure in the water supply system is high, the jerks become stronger and can cause shaking not only of the inlet hose, but also of the pipe.

The solution is very simple. Find the tee valve to which the water inlet hose is connected. Close the valve slightly to reduce the pressure of the water entering the system.

If you don't get the faucet perfectly adjusted the first time, try again during the second wash cycle. This will help you achieve optimal water pressure. If there's no shut-off valve upstream of the washing machine, try reducing the pressure on the main cold water supply.

The filter mesh is to blame

A clogged inlet filter may be the cause of your washing machine filling with water in spurts. Cleaning the filter is very simple—even a novice can handle it. All you need is pliers and a screwdriver, and the job takes no more than 15 minutes.

The inlet valve screen serves an important function: it traps various impurities and dirt found in tap water, protecting the washing machine. Over time, it becomes clogged, which leads to obstructed water flow. To eliminate the jerking sound, you'll need to clean the filter.

The mesh filter is located where the inlet hose connects to the washing machine body. Before attempting to access the element, you must disconnect the power to the machine and close the shut-off valve. Let's figure out what to do next.

Cleaning the filter element

The inlet valve screen may become partially coated with limescale. This will prevent the system from properly filling with water. To clean the filter, follow these steps:

• carefully unscrew the clamp that secures the inlet hose to the machine body;
• move the hose aside;
• look into the fitting - there is a mesh there;
• Use pliers to grasp the protruding edge of the filter and pull the element towards you;
• Using a napkin or toothbrush, remove all plaque from the mesh and rinse it under warm running water.

If the film cannot be removed from the filter, you can place the mesh in a citric acid solution for a couple of hours.

After cleaning, reinstall the filter element. Next, connect the inlet hose to the machine and secure it with the retaining nut. Once finished, run a test wash. Typically, after this procedure, the washing machine begins to fill smoothly and normally.

   

2 reader comments

1. December 22, 2022 at 11:29 AM

   Olga:

   My LG washer uses both detergent and rinse aid in some programs when the cold water valve is fully opened. Technical support advised me to slightly close the cold water valve. The rinse aid started being dispensed alternately, as expected. After the machine finished washing the laundry, the pipe started shaking when the cold water is drawn in.

   That is, when the cold water tap is turned on, the water fills more or less quietly. You can do laundry in the evening or at night, but otherwise, the vibration from the pipe is intermittent. With such an aggressive water intake, I think the gaskets need to be changed more often. And God forbid, such shaking could cause a leak while I'm away. And doing laundry in the evenings has become a problem since people started relaxing so as not to disturb them. The pipes are almost flush with the wall; the vibration even shakes the walls.

   I had an Indesit machine, but I never had this awful problem. LG is a well-known brand. How can this be? And in some programs, at certain points in the wash cycle, it started making a slight tapping noise. Sometimes, during the wash cycle, you can hear a slight whistling sound. This didn't happen during the first two or three washes. And we haven't used it for another six months.

   Answer
2. June 24, 2024 at 8:49 AM

   Shaurmenych:

   LG isn't what it used to be 10 years ago. So it happens that people buy it, come in, install this expensive machine, and have problems right from the start. I won't buy LG anymore. I had an old one. It lasted 10 years, but now they only sell budget models so they can get cheap parts and are reasonably priced. Atlantics are a good example...

   Answer