Your washing machine is one of the most essential appliances in your home. It helps you save time and ensures you always have clean laundry on hand. But just like any other appliance, sometimes, something can go wrong, and it must be repaired.
When it comes to washing machines, a common fault is when the water supply to the machine becomes defective. A faulty valve usually causes this. Thankfully, replacing a washing machine valve is a straightforward task that you should be able to do yourself without the need to call an appliance repair professional.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of replacing the valve in just 6 steps so you can get your washing machine back working again.
Here are the most common reasons why a washing machine water valve needs to be replaced:
Washing machine valves can be categorized into two types:
1. Single-lever valves
These valves manage both the hot and cold water supply to the washing machine using a solitary lever. Typically present in older washing machine models, they are pretty well-known to leak, which means they need to be replaced regularly.
2. Dual-valve valves
The second type of water valve is a dual valve. As the name suggests, these valves have distinct controls for the hot and cold water supplies. They are usually found on never washing machine models and generally have a higher lifespan.
Before changing your water valve, make sure you purchase the correct replacement part for your specific make and model of the washing machine—most hardware stores sell water valves.
The first step is ensuring you have all the right tools. You will need an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, a pipe wrench, Teflon tape, a bucket, and a couple of dry towels.
Next, switch the power and water supply off so you can safely change the valve. You should be able to find the water inlet valves close to the washing machine plumbing connections.
The next step is to disconnect the water hoses. Place an old towel on the floor and use a bucket to catch any water leaking from the hoses. You may need a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the hoses in place.
Now that the hoses are disconnected, the next step is to remove the old valve. You will need a screwdriver or wrench to unthread the screws that secure the valve in position. Once the screws are removed, the old valve should be able to be disconnected.
Place the new valve into position and then attach it to the pipes, ensuring it is properly aligned. Teflon tape can be placed on the threads to prevent leaks. You can then secure it in place with the screws you removed earlier.
Now that the new valve is securely in place, you can reattach the water hoses and secure them with the nuts you removed earlier. Finally, turn the water supply back on and test your washing machine to ensure the new water valve correctly supplies water. If the new valve isn’t working properly, you will need a plumber to inspect it.
You can take a few actions to help prevent problems with your washing machine valve. By following these tips, you can help avoid future washing machine valve issues and ensure that your washing machine runs smoothly without incident.
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