The washing machine constantly fills and drains water.

Self-drainingThere are situations where a washing machine is functioning and performing the user-set program, yet the washing process isn't working as expected. The machine fills with water and immediately drains it, significantly affecting wash quality. Let's try to figure out the cause of this specific problem.

The main reasons for breakdowns

To solve the problem of your washing machine filling and draining water, you need to find the cause. To do this, you need to identify the common faults that cause constant water draining and filling into the tank. Here are some:

  • The drain hose is not connected correctly to the sewer system.
  • The water inlet valve is not working properly.
  • The water level relay is not functioning.

self-draining washing machineThere are various ways to connect a washing machine's drain hose. The most common method is to connect it to a trap. The trap has a special outlet—a hole located high above the floor—for draining dirty water from the washing machine. This connection is considered the most efficient and doesn't cause problems with the drainage system. However, connecting the drain hose directly to the sewer pipe can sometimes cause the washing machine to drain on its own.

Please note: If the machine is constantly filling and draining water, it's hard to miss, as this process is accompanied by a distinctive sound.

The water inlet valve may not function properly due to a damaged membrane (or its gasket), as well as due to the sensor that controls its operation. After the washing machine's control unit requests water, the system begins filling the tank. But because the valve fails to close in time, an overflow occurs, the protection system is triggered, and the electronic system sends a command to drain the water into the sewer. And so on, repeating the cycle.

A faulty pressure switch can cause repeated draining of water from the washing machine's drum. This sensor allows the system to monitor the amount of water being drawn into the drum. If the sensor is faulty, the system will continue to fill with water until an overflow occurs, followed by an emergency drain. Naturally, as in the situation above, the cycle will repeat itself over and over again.

How to quickly find and fix the problem?

If the problem is caused by an improperly connected drain hose, how can this be checked? Disconnect the hose from the trap or drain pipe and place its end in the sink.

After this, you need to start the wash again. If the machine still constantly fills and drains water, do the following.

  1. Start any washing program.
  2. Let the machine fill the tank with water, and you wait until the process is complete.
  3. Stop the washing process by pressing the stop button.
  4. Start the forced drain of water by pressing the corresponding button.
  5. Stop the process again.

If after the drain has stopped, water continues to slowly flow out through the pipes, then the drain has been installed incorrectly. Install the elbow on the sewer pipe as shown in the figure, and then connect the drain hose to it.connecting the drain hose

The water inlet valve is more complicated. First, you need to remove it and inspect it. Finding this valve in the washing machine's body is the easiest part. Look where the inlet hose connects to, and that's where the inlet valve is located. To remove it, you need to remove the top of the washing machine, unscrew two fasteners, and then unscrew the fasteners for the valve itself. First, you need to remove the hose clamp and the hose itself.self-draining washing machine

Inspect the valve and sensor for any defects. The problem could be with the rubber seals or a poor sensor connection. This could cause the machine to fill and drain continuously. Test the valve sensor with a multimeter, and if the problem is identified, replace the sensor with a similar new one.

If the drain and water inlet valve are fine, the problem lies with the pressure switch. For details on testing and replacing the water level sensor, read the article about checking the pressure switch of the washing machine.

What happens if the breakdown is not fixed in time?

Any problem needs to be addressed promptly and not put off. Some people think, "The washing machine works, so let's not bother it until it breaks." In reality, If your washing machine is constantly draining itself, it will very soon lead to even more serious problems.

  1. The washing machine will constantly display various errors and pause the washing program.
  2. Electricity and water costs will increase significantly. Essentially, water will continuously drain into the sewer during the wash cycle, and the heating element will be constantly on.
  3. The load on all components of the washing machine will increase, and as a result, they will fail much faster.
  4. There is a high risk of flooding of an apartment or house.

Finally, be sure to listen and observe your automatic washing machine at least occasionally. If you notice it constantly draining and refilling, this is a very alarming symptom that should prompt you to immediately begin investigating the cause of the problem. Follow the instructions provided by experts systematically, and you'll be fine!

   

15 reader comments

  1. Sergey Gravatar Sergey:

    The spin cycle has stopped. When I try again, the water starts flowing and the spin cycle continues. The drum doesn't spin. What should I do?

  2. Gravatar hope hope:

    The machine is churning and filling with water, but on the short wash program it washes normally. What is the problem?

  3. Gravatar Indira Indira:

    Hello. My Atlant washing machine is filling and draining water at the same time. What could be the cause if everything is connected correctly?

  4. Gravatar Denis Denis:

    Thanks, I was so slow. I took the drain apart, and there's a ball there. It's supposed to be in a connecting vessel, so it closes the hole by floating toward it. And when the drain level is below the ball, the water drains endlessly.

  5. Gravatar Pavel Paul:

    The Indesit starts up, then drains the water and all the lights flash. I unplug it, start it up again—everything's fine. What should I do?

    • Gravatar Andrey Andrey:

      Replacing the motor brushes helped me! Because the entire circuit is interconnected.

  6. Gravatar Oksana Oksana:

    Hello, my LG washing machine gets to the spin cycle at the end of the wash cycle, and when the timer says 11 minutes left, the program freezes. If anyone has experienced this, please tell me what to do.
    Thank you!

    • Gravatar Anonymous Anonymous:

      Look at the brushes on the motor.

  7. Gravatar Alena Alena:

    Hello, I have an Indesit. Why does it fill with water and then immediately drain? Everything is connected correctly. What's the problem?

    • Gravatar Ivan Ivan:

      I have the same problem. I don't know what to do yet. But I hope I'll find out soon.

  8. Gravatar Taya Taya:

    The machine washes for two minutes, then the f-10 symbol appears and the wash stops. It's an Ariston machine. What's wrong?

  9. Gravatar Anya Anya:

    The machine fills with water even when the power is off.

  10. Gravatar Sergey Sergey:

    The machine started washing without electricity...
    Sometimes he even darns socks.
    What should I do? Help!!!

    • Gravatar Anonymous Anonymous:

      Sell ​​it to me, it's a good deal 😀

  11. Gravatar Alexander Alexander:

    My Hansa washing machine fills with water, pauses for 10 seconds, drains, and says the cycle is complete. What could be wrong?

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