Why Is My Washing Machine Not Filling With Water, and How Do I Fix It?

Have you ever tried running your dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously, only to find both working at a snail’s pace? Or have you noticed that using two faucets at once makes everything take twice as long? Perhaps you’ve experienced the uncomfortable temperature swings in the shower when someone flushes the toilet.

Low water pressure is a common and frustrating issue. While these examples might seem a bit exaggerated, they highlight a real problem that many households face. The good news is that identifying the cause of low water pressure is often the first step to finding a solution. Explore some of the common reasons behind low water pressure below to help diagnose and fix the issue.

Extra Tip: Some washing programs, particularly those for cotton fabrics, include a load detection phase at the start. This can take up to 2 minutes, during which no water is added. Be patient, and after this short delay, the water should begin to fill the drum.

Washing Machine Low Water Pressure – Nobody Tells You About These Causes!

If your washing machine isn’t filling with water, don’t worry! Here are some reasons and steps you can take to troubleshoot and possibly fix the problem:

1. Dealing with Mineral Buildup in Aerator Screens

Many faucets and showerheads come equipped with aerator screens, which help make the water flow softer and more efficient. However, over time, minerals can accumulate in these screens, leading to reduced water pressure at that specific fixture. If you’re noticing low water pressure from just one faucet or showerhead, it might be time to take apart and clean the aerator screen.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in a water softener to prevent future mineral buildup and extend the life of your pipes.

While it’s less common, corrosion buildup inside your plumbing can also reduce water pressure by narrowing the diameter of your pipes. If you suspect that corrosion is the culprit, the best course of action is to replace the affected pipes. For this, it’s wise to contact a licensed plumber to discuss your concerns and find a suitable solution.

Pipe Lifespan:

• Galvanized Steel: These pipes typically start to corrode after about 20 years.
• Copper: Copper pipes can last over 50 years.
• Brass: Brass pipes are durable for about 40 to 70 years.

2. Understanding Peak Periods and Water Pressure

Your home, just like the rest of your neighborhood, shares the same water supply. It’s not unusual for water pressure to drop during peak usage times, especially in older or heavily-used water systems. If you notice your water pressure fluctuating throughout the day, it might be due to higher water usage in your household or neighborhood during certain times.

3. How Geography and Elevation Affect Water Pressure

The distance from your home to the nearest water tower or city pumping station can significantly impact your water pressure. If you live far from these sources, you might experience lower water pressure. Elevation also plays a role—homes situated below the average elevation in an area might gain some pressure, while those above might notice a decrease. If your house is on higher ground, lower water pressure could be more noticeable.

4. Impact of Water-Conserving Devices

Water-saving devices like low-flow faucets and showerheads are great for the environment, but they might not deliver the water pressure you’re used to. These devices limit the amount of water passing through, resulting in lower pressure. If you think a low-flow device is causing your water pressure issues, consider replacing it with a standard one.

5. Issues with Water Filters and Softeners

Malfunctioning or poorly performing water filters and softeners can significantly reduce your household water pressure. Often, the solution is as simple as replacing the filter. In more rare cases, the entire unit might need to be swapped out. Start by getting a new filter, and if that doesn’t help, you may need to invest in a new water filter or softener unit.

6. The Problem of Water Leaks

Water leaks can be a major culprit behind low water pressure, and they don’t always have to be inside your home. Leaks in the city’s water mains can drastically lower your water pressure until they’re fixed. The upside is it’s not your responsibility to fix, but the downside is you’ll need to wait for the city to address the issue. If you suspect a water main leak, contact your local authorities immediately.

7. Pressure Reducing Valves

If your home has a pressure-reducing valve, it might be the reason for your low water pressure. These valves are designed to adjust the incoming water pressure to match your home’s plumbing capacity. If you suspect the pressure-reducing valve is causing the issue, it’s best to contact your water company or a local plumber for help.

To DIY: You can adjust the pressure regulator yourself. Typically, you’ll find a screw or bolt on the regulator that you can turn to increase or decrease the pressure.

When to Replace the Pressure Regulator?

If the pressure regulator is set to around 50 psi but your home’s water pressure is still lower than this setting, the regulator might be failing. In this case, it’s best to contact a plumber to replace the faulty regulator. This will help restore normal water pressure throughout your home.

8. Partially Closed Main Shut-Off Valves

A partially closed main shut-off valve can also lead to low water pressure. This is an easy fix—simply locate your main shut-off valve, close it completely, and then open it again, ensuring it is fully open. If this doesn’t improve your water pressure, then the valve isn’t the cause of your problem.

9. Ensuring Your Water Meter Valve is Fully Open

In addition to the main valve, your home’s water pressure can also be affected by the water meter valve. This valve is typically found right after the main valve and is used by your local utility company to measure your household’s water usage. If this valve is partially closed, it can restrict the flow of water into your home.

How to Check and Adjust Your Water Meter Valve:

Identify the Valve Type: Determine if the water meter valve is a ball valve or a gate valve.

1. Ball Valve: This type has a lever that moves 90 degrees. Open it by turning the lever so it is in line with the water pipe.
2. Gate Valve: This type has a handle that rotates like a wheel. Open it by turning the handle counterclockwise until it stops, then rotate it back about a quarter turn to prevent leaks or the valve from sticking.

Troubleshooting A Washing Machine That Won’t Fill With Water

Step	Action	Details
Verify the Water Supply	Clean the Water Inlet Filters	Turn off the water supply. Disconnect the hose from the water tap.  Rinse the filter under running water, using a small brush to remove any debris.  Reconnect the hose and make sure it’s secure and leak-free.
	Inspect the Supply Hose	Check for any kinks or bends in the cold water fill hose.  Pull the washing machine slightly away from the wall and straighten out any kinks.  Reposition the machine, ensuring the hose is properly aligned.
Assess the Water Pressure	Test the Water Pressure	Turn off the tap and remove the hose. Place a bucket under the tap and turn the water back on. You should see about 10 liters of water flow out in one minute when the tap is fully open.
Ensure the Door is Securely Locked	Check the Door	Confirm that the washing machine door is completely closed; you should hear it click into place. Look for any clothing caught between the door and the drum. Be careful not to overload the washing machine, as this can prevent the door from closing properly.

How to Improve Your Mains Water Pressure? 

Having faced numerous laundry issues myself, I understand the frustrations that come with low mains water pressure. Here, I’ll walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Flow vs. Pressure – What’s the Difference?

Many people mistakenly believe that turning down the stopcock reduces pressure, but it actually reduces flow. To measure these two separately, you can use a stopwatch and a bucket to measure flow or, more professionally, a weir cup for accurate readings.

• Flow is the amount of water coming into the house.
• Pressure is the force with which the water is delivered.

Initial Testing

First, measure your existing flow and pressure. You can do this with both taps open. Ideally, you want to measure at different times to get an accurate picture of your worst-case scenario, such as during peak usage times in your neighborhood.

For example, in my latest test, I got around 10 liters per minute, which dropped significantly when another tap was turned on. The static pressure was just over 4 bar, which is good but insufficient for a household with multiple showers.

Choosing the Right Product

There is range of products, and selecting the right one depends on your specific needs:

1. Flow Rate: Measure how many liters per minute your system delivers.
2. Static Pressure: Measure with all taps turned off.

If your flow rate is low (around 5 liters per minute), you could simply fit a pump to increase it to the allowed 12 liters per minute. However, for homes with more extensive needs, such as multiple showers running simultaneously, a more robust solution is required.

Installing the Unpumped Accuboost

For households with decent static pressure but low flow when multiple outlets are used, an unpumped Accuboost unit is ideal. This device stores water under pressure and releases it as needed, ensuring consistent flow across all taps.

• Step 1: Locate where your mains water enters the house. In this example, we replaced an old stopcock but still faced flow restrictions.
• Step 2: Install a non-return valve to prevent backflow, followed by a filter to catch debris.
• Step 3: Fit a pressure-reducing valve and a pressure gauge.
• Step 4: Connect the Accuboost unit, ensuring all fittings are secure and that the system is flushed to remove any flux or debris.

After installation, we saw a significant improvement. With the unpumped Accuboost, we achieved a flow rate of 30 liters per minute across multiple outlets, more than doubling the previous capacity.

Considering a Pumped Accuboost

If your mains pressure is below 2 bar, or your flow rate is very low, a pumped Accuboost might be necessary. This setup includes a pump to ensure consistent pressure and flow, even in larger homes or those with multiple floors.

• Step 1: Similar to the unpumped unit, ensure all connections are secure and that the system is flushed.
• Step 2: Install the pumped unit and connect it to the mains. Ensure the hoses are not kinked or twisted to maintain optimal flow.

Testing showed a substantial increase in flow rate, making it suitable for houses with more demanding water usage needs.

Final Words!

You can resolve many common issues by following simple steps like checking the water supply, cleaning the inlet screens, inspecting hoses, and ensuring all valves are fully open. For more complicated problems, getting help from a professional plumber can ensure that your home maintains optimal water pressure and functions smoothly.