The inlet valve is an important part of your washing machine, as it controls how much water goes into the appliance during a wash cycle. There are two types of inlet valve: a hot water valve and a cold water valve (however, in most modern washing machines, there may be only a cold valve fitted).
Unfortunately, the inlet valve (particularly the cold inlet valve) can become faulty - with the main cause being the cold water freezing inside the pipe during the winter. Cold water inside the inlet valve can freeze and therefore expand and crack the valve to cause leakage.
If you’re finding water leaking at the back of the machine or underneath (and it’s definitely not coming from the door seal at the front), then the problem could be that you need to replace the inlet valve - especially if the leaks are occurring during or after particularly cold weather.
If you need to replace the inlet valve but are unsure where to start, there’s no need to panic. We’ll talk you through how to successfully replace the inlet valve without damaging your washing machine.
This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.
What You Will Need:
Step 1 - Safety Advice
Safety First! Please make sure that you have disconnected the appliance from the mains before beginning any repair.
Step 2 - Remove The Top Panel
Well, we need to get to the valve obviously...and to do this, we need to remove the top panel on the machine by removing the screws that are holding it in place at the back. You will now have the water inlet valve within your sights!
Step 3 - Remove The Old Valve
Right then, now that we can see the inlet valve, the connection block needs to be removed. This is then followed by removing the two hoses from the valve (you will need to use some pliers to unclip them).
This unit valve is clipped into the main chassis of the machine - and there’s a bit of a knack to removing it.
There are two possible ways to do this though - either put your flathead screwdriver under the bottom of it and lever it out, or the slightly easier way is to get your screwdriver and push forward on it from the back - then use your hand to lever it out.
Step 4 - Fit The New Valve
Here we are - the time has come to fit your new valve now! All you have to do now is just do the reverse of what you have already done, so it shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Once done you will have a washing machine that has been successfully put back together, with it boasting a new inlet valve.
Congratulations - you have now successfully been able to replace your washing machine inlet valve! You can now get back to being able to wash your clothes again in no time, in the knowledge that you have fixed the inlet valve all by yourself (with a little help from eSpares of course!).
Fancy Giving Your Washing Machine Some Loving Care & Attention?
Your washing machine no doubt works hard for you in getting your clothes nice and clean.
If you want to show it some TLC, then it is a great idea to protect it from the build-up of limescale & detergent that can happen over time in your machine.
Introducing the eSpares Limescale & Detergent Remover - where by using this you can help protect from this, as well as removing bad odours and bacteria build-up.
*Not suitable for top loading appliances
Need To Locate The Correct Inlet Valve For Your Washing Machine?
Here at eSpares, we have a wide-range of replacement washing machine inlet valves for you to select from - so you can soon be on your way to repairing it yourself.
Now you can add a washing machine inlet valve replacement to your DIY repertoire. Congratulations!
If you need any other help for your appliances you can find more videos from Mat and the team at eSpares, who are always on hand with appliance repair advice in your time of need.
Print this article