DIY Tip - Washing machine filling slowly

When we setup this site I created a category for DIY. Part of parenting is the running of the household and I’ve really become hooked on DIY projects. Everything from regular maintenance to a complete kitchen remodel. I still have lots to learn, but I thought I would use the DIY category to share some tips I’ve learned along the way as well as updates to my current projects.

A common problem with washing machines, especially for people with their own well, is that the water will start filling very slowly or stop completely. Luckily the fix is very easy and can be can save you a service call. The problem is that your intake lines often have bits of debris and they are clogging the line. The washing machine has a screen where the intake lines connect to filter out this debris. Over time so much builds up that it will slow or completely stop water from entering.

Here’s how you fix it:

1. Find the shutoffs for your hot and cold water. Usually there is a separate shutoff for just the washing machine lines. If there isn’t one or it won’t budge, turn off the shutoff for the whole house.
2. Use pliers or a wrench to unscrew each water line where it attaches to the washing machine. Put a bucket underneath to catch any water drips and the junk that is clogging the line.
3. Once it’s off, look into both the line and washing machine connector. You should see a nice reward of bits of debris. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently dig some of this stuff out. NEVER jam it into the washing machine as this will puncture the screen and you’ll need to get a new one.
4. Find the edge of the screen using needle nose pliers or your screw driver to gently pull it out.
5. Tap the screen in your bucket to get the junk out or run some water through it to get it clear. Put it back in the washing machine intake.
6. With the house in the bucket, slowly turn the water back on for a couple seconds to rinse out any more junk sitting in the line.
7. Screw the line back onto the washer. Make sure hot is going to hot/ cold to cold. Turn water back on and check for drips.

There you have it! Good as new. This will also extend the life of your washing and cut down on utility bills.

If your hoses are old and the connections getting a little rusty, this is a good opportunity to replace them with newer steel braided hoses. Spending $20 on new connectors is a good investment to prevent an expensive mop up if an old hose cracks.

If your shutoffs are really stuck it’s probably time to call in a plumber to replace them. I haven’t attempted this level of plumbing yet, but when I do I’ll let you know how it goes.

If you find you’re getting a lot of debris in your water, consider having a whole house filter installed. We’ve got one and we replace the filter every couple months. Does a great job keeping let bits of junk out.