NO WATER OR A SLOW FILL
Washing machine not filling with water? Check both faucets and both hoses.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
THE SHORT ANSWER
Check the faucets first. Whirlpool says both the hot and cold valves must be fully open and both hoses connected, because the washer will not operate correctly with only one. Then look for a kinked hose and a clogged inlet screen. Some fills are simply slow by design.
Based on Whirlpool, GE and Samsung help pages for washers, checked October 10, 2026.
Check these in order
- Confirm the water is on. Both the hot and cold faucet valves must be fully open and both inlet hoses connected (Whirlpool, GE). A code can help: LG IE, Samsung 4C / 4E, Whirlpool F8 E1 / Lo FL or the GE H2O supply message.
- Check the hoses for kinks and the right ports. Whirlpool says the hot (red) hose goes on the hot (red) valve and the cold (blue) hose on the cold (blue) valve. An anti-flood device on the hose can reduce pressure and the amount of water; Whirlpool recommends connecting directly.
- Clean the inlet screens. Whirlpool: turn off the supply, remove the hoses with pliers, hold the hose ends in a bucket, and check the screens on the back of the water inlet valve. If a screen is clogged, clean it without removing it, using an old toothbrush, mild soap and water.
- Test the hose itself. With the hoses disconnected, run water through them at a sink. Whirlpool says that if flow is restricted, the hose should be replaced. It also says fill hoses should be replaced every five years.
- Check whether it is really “not filling”. On Whirlpool top-loaders, Heavy Duty and Bulky cycles fill with more water than Normal, and Deep Water Wash uses the maximum. Bulky on some models fills in stages while agitating, which can take 10 to 12 minutes, and sensors monitor the load so the level can look low.
- GE-specific points. Some GE models time out if filling takes longer than 20 to 40 minutes, which GE ties to low water pressure or clogged water valve screens. GE also says to check that Start/Stop or Pause was not pressed by accident, and that a washer stored below freezing can have frozen water in the pump; allow time to thaw.
If it comes back
If the faucets are open, the hoses are straight and the screens are clean but nothing enters the drum, the inlet valve is a service matter. Tell service:
- The brand, model number (where to find it) and any code on the display.
- That both faucets are fully open and you cleaned the screens and tested the hoses.
- Whether hot, cold or both are missing, and whether this is a new or moved installation.
Private tools: prepare a Service Brief → or save a washer log →. Compare the cost of a repair with replacement in the repair-or-replace calculator.
IF A SIMPLE ITEM NEEDS REPLACING
Replacement fill hoses
Whirlpool says to replace a hose that restricts flow and to replace fill hoses every five years. Match the thread type and length to your washer. WasherPilot does not recommend electrical or internal parts from a symptom page.
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OFFICIAL MANUFACTURER SOURCES
Where these steps come from.
Every number and step above comes from these manufacturer help pages. Where two brands disagree, the page says so and your own manual decides. Checked October 10, 2026.
Whirlpool: Not Filling or Filling Slowly – Front Load Washer →
Whirlpool: Not Filling or Long Fill – Top Load Washer →
Whirlpool: Checking the Fill Hoses if the Washer is Not Filling →