Quick answer
A washer that will not fill is usually not getting water: a tap partly closed, a kinked hose, or clogged inlet screens where the hoses connect. Open both taps fully, straighten the hoses, clean the screens and test the flow into a bucket. If the flow is good and the washer still will not fill, the water inlet valve or its control has failed. HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
A washer that will not fill, or fills very slowly, is usually not getting water from the house, rather than broken inside. Taps that are partly closed, a kinked hose and clogged inlet screens account for most of these, and you can check all of them in a few minutes.
Check These First
- 1Open both taps fully. The hot and cold valves behind the washer get bumped half-closed.
- 2Check the hoses. A hose kinked behind the machine stops the flow. Straighten it and pull the washer forward a few inches.
- 3Clean the inlet screens. Turn off the taps, unscrew the hoses at the back of the washer, and look for small mesh screens in the inlets. Rinse out the grit with a brush. They clog after plumbing work or a water main repair.
- 4Test the water supply. Point the hose into a bucket and open the tap. Weak flow there is a house problem, not a washer problem.
- 5Close the lid or door firmly. Many washers will not fill until the lock engages.
What Usually Fails
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Good flow into the bucket, washer will not fill | Water inlet valve or its solenoid |
| Fills with hot only, or cold only | One side of the inlet valve, or one tap closed |
| Hums, no water, lock engaged | Inlet valve, or the control is not sending power to it |
| Fills, then keeps filling | Pressure sensor or its hose; turn the washer off |
| Error code for water supply | Supply, screens or inlet valve; see Samsung or LG codes |
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. An inlet valve is a common, low-to-mid cost part. See washer repair.
When to Call
Call once the taps, hoses and screens are ruled out and the bucket test shows good flow. Have the brand, model number and any error code ready. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
Reading to confirm what you already suspect?
Confirm it in two minutes instead — the pro on this line answers questions about YOUR situation all day: what it is, what it should cost, whether you even need service. If you want, they'll set the appointment on the same call.
No obligation to book
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washer not filling with water?
Most often a tap is partly closed, a hose is kinked, or the inlet screens are clogged. If water flows well into a bucket, the inlet valve has likely failed.
Why does my washer fill so slowly?
Clogged inlet screens or low house pressure. Clean the screens; if flow into a bucket is weak too, the problem is the house supply.
How much does it cost to fix a washer that won't fill?
HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. An inlet valve is a common low-to-mid cost part.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
Equipment
Reviewed gear for this job
Those pages carry affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, HearthDry earns from qualifying purchases; it costs you nothing extra.
Our Amazon storefront →