Clean Washing Machine Water Inlet Screens
Low water flow in your washer? The inlet filters might be clogged. Learn how to clean the small screens on your washer’s water inlet valves to restore proper filling.
⚠️ Safety Tips for Clean Washing Machine Water Inlet Screens
- •Turn off water supply and unplug washer before removing hoses to prevent water spray or electrical issues
- •Be gentle when pulling out the inlet screens; they are often plastic and can tear if handled roughly
- •Have a towel handy as some water may spill from hoses even after shutoff
# Clean Washing Machine Water Inlet Screens
Where your washer hoses connect, there are tiny filter screens that catch sediment and debris from the water supply. Over time, these screens can clog with mineral deposits or sand, slowing the water flow into your machine.
## Signs of Clogged Inlet Screens
- Washer takes unusually long to fill with water
- Low water pressure during fill cycles
- You have hard water or sediment in your supply (more frequent clogs)
Cleaning these screens every year, or whenever you notice reduced flow, can keep your washer filling quickly.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Clean Washer Inlet Screens
It’s a simple process requiring just a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Washing Machine Water Inlet Screens
Shut Off Water and Disconnect Hoses
Turn off the water valves and unplug the washer. Unscrew the hoses from the back of the washer (use pliers to loosen if needed). Catch any drips in a bowl or with a towel.
This process is similar to starting a hose replacement. If you recently changed your hoses, cleaning the screens before attaching new ones is a good idea.
Locate the Inlet Screens
Look inside the water inlet ports on the washer where the hoses were attached. You should see a small mesh screen just inside each opening. Sometimes the screens are stuck in the hose ends instead, so check those too.
The screens might be flat or cone-shaped, and usually are removable plastic or metal mesh pieces.
Remove the Screens
Using needle-nose pliers or tweezers, carefully pull each screen out of the inlet. If it doesn’t come easily, don’t force it too hard or it could tear. Remove both the hot and cold screens.
If a screen is stubborn, flush it in place with water rather than risk damaging it. If it gets damaged or stuck, a professional may need to replace the valve.
Clean the Screens
Rinse the screens under running water to wash away sediment. For mineral buildup, soak them in white vinegar for 10 minutes to dissolve deposits, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush.
While the screens are out, wipe the inside of the inlet valve openings with a damp cloth to remove any debris or sediment in the rim.
Reinsert the Screens
Once clean and rinsed, place each screen back into its inlet. Make sure it sits evenly and snugly. If they were in the hoses, insert them back into the hose fittings instead.
If a screen is damaged or won’t stay in place, obtain a replacement from the manufacturer or a hardware store. It’s important to have those filters in place to protect the washer’s valves.
Reconnect Hoses and Test
Reconnect the hoses to the washer, matching hot to hot and cold to cold. Tighten the connections and turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks, then run a quick fill cycle to ensure water flows quickly into the washer.
Monitor the first wash after this cleaning. If filling is still slow, the issue might be with the washer’s inlet valve itself, which may require professional service.
đź”§ When to Call a Professional for Clean Washing Machine Water Inlet Screens
A professional can diagnose if the washer’s inlet valves are faulty or if low pressure is due to plumbing. They can safely extract and replace stubborn screens or valves without causing leaks. Getting expert help ensures your washer gets the proper water flow without unintended damage.
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Signs it's time to call us for Clean Washing Machine Water Inlet Screens
- •Water flow is still weak after cleaning screens (possible inlet valve failure or plumbing issue)
- •Screens are damaged or stuck and you can’t remove or replace them
- •You are unsure how to access or clean these filters properly
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