Here’s a quick way to pinpoint the problem:
1. Turn the timer slightly to start the fill cycle, and listen closely. If you hear buzzing but very little water is entering the machine, chances are good the fill valve or screens are plugged up.

2. If you hear nothing and aren’t getting any water, the electrical part of the fill valve could be broken, or the problem could be in the timer or another electrical component. Without getting into electrical diagnostics, you can still check the fill valve by removing it and taking it to an appliance parts dealer for testing. If the valve is bad, buy a replacement. Otherwise, put it back in and call an appliance repair person.

Caution: UNPLUG APPLIANCE!

We’re repairing a belt-drive Kenmore washer. Repair procedures are slightly different for other washers. Here’s a guide to what you’ll find:
1. A large cover plate on the back of the washer indicates a belt-drive machine. The valve must be removed.

2. If instead of a large cover plate you find a small cover plate around the valve itself, you most likely have a direct-drive machine. The valve is attached to this small cover plate. Simply remove the cover plate screws to access the valve.

3. Some direct-drive Kenmore and Whirlpool washers have no cover plates. Accessing the fill valve on these machines is a bit more work. You must remove the metal shell that covers the front and sides of the machine to get at the valve.

Heed these words of wisdom before you start:
1. Always unplug the washer before working on it.

2. Close the water valves before removing the hoses. Check the condition of the hoses and replace them if they show any signs of wear. A hose that bursts while you’re out of the house will cause a major mess. Always replace the rubber washers at both ends of the hoses.

3. Flush the hoses before you reconnect them to the washer. This will prevent dislodged debris from clogging the inlet valve or screen.

Close the water valves and unscrew the hoses from the fill valve. Check the hose ends. Some hoses have screens in them that must be removed and cleaned. Remove the screens from the inside of the fill valve. Use a small screwdriver to pry them out. Scrape them with a pocketknife to remove built-up scale. Rinse the screens in water and reinstall them. Reconnect the hoses. Turn on the water and set the washer to fill. If it still fills slowly, replace the fill valve.

Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the hex head sheet metal screws that hold the valve to the washer. Lift the top of the washer by reaching through the lid and pulling the top toward you and up to disengage it from the metal clips. Then lift the top and tilt it back. Lean the top against the wall or support it with a length of chain or cord to keep it from falling too far back and straining the hinge clips.

Reach down behind the washer tub and pull out the fill valve. Change the wires from the old valve to the new valve one at a time to ensure correct placement. Use a pliers to loosen the hose clamp and slide it down the hose. Twist the hose off the old valve and onto the new one. Universal fill valves come with a small piece of tubing. To get a tight fit, you may have to slip this over the new valve before reconnecting the old hose. Clamp the hose. Install the new valve by reversing the removal procedures. Connect the water hoses, turn on the water and plug in the washer.

As posted by The Family Handyman online at Reader’s Digest.

Plumbing Tips

Q: How can I have safe drinking water at home?

A: One solution is reverse osmosis. You can install a pump/filter to your sink and have safe, clean, sodium-free, refreshing drinking water at your disposal.

Q: What should I do before I leave our summer house for the season?

A: You should turn off the main water source and repair or replace any leaky faucets. Also, you may want to consider installing a “snifter valve” which will allow you blow out the waterlines by using an air compressor. By blowing out the excess water, you will prevent any water from getting trapped in the lines and possibly freezing.

Q: Should I use a water softener?

A: You do not NEED to but, to help eliminate soap scum from your dishes and appliances, you should. A water softener will remove the calcium from your water which can be the cause of pipe erosion. By preventing pipe erosion and eliminating calcium buildup, you are also giving your skin a break (allowing it to stay soft).

Q: Is there a way to manually increase the pressure in my showerhead?

A: Yes, by removing the water saving flow restrictor that is installed in the showerhead. No need to call a plumber.

Q: What do I do if I want to increase the water pressure in my entire house?

A: For the entire house, use a booster pump which can be installed on the main waterline. You can gauge this device and build the water pressure up to your desired strength. By using a booster pump, you will also eliminate the loss of pressure to other fixtures when they are used simultaneously.

Q: How can I inspect my drains for clogs?

A: There is a special device that a plumber uses called a “see snake” that can fit down your pipes and see any potential blockage problems or pipe repair issues. It is better to see the potential problems before the drains become completely clogged and will need to be taken apart to fix.

Q: I want to change my toilet, but which one do I choose to replace it?

A: There are several brands and models out there, but remember that the new high efficiency toilets will help save money and future plunging. Choose a brand name toilet like American Standard for superior flushing power and reliability.

Q: Should I worry about my washing machine hoses?

A: Yes, the standard for replacing a washing machine or dishwashing machine hose is about once every four years. Do not try to fix a leaky hose with duct tape, rather go buy a new hose and replace it. This will save time and money, not to mention potential flooding later.