The washing machine was turned OFF. That morning water pressure at bathroom sink very low. Walk into kitchen washer is overflowing. Had flooded the front of the house.
OK the washer is turned OFF. Finally got water turned off (valve stem broke off in my hand a real comedy)

Live at the bottom of a hill. Later found out water company broke main up the hill. That explains low pressure at my sinks. The flow was just residual water gravity flowing down hill.

OK is this correct? Normal line pressure closes/seat the valve. But VERY LOW pressure/flow and valve will not seat...and Water leaks around it. (Electric opens the valve but line pressure seats it off).
If machine is OFF line pressure forces solenoid valve into off section of valve seat. No pressure and valve just "floats" around so no seal?

There seems no reason the house can't get flooded again.

Washer is a MAYTAG stacker purchesed new about 2005. Thanks for reading this.

you are correct

you need:



readily shut of water supply to washer hoses


[www.plumbingsupply.com]

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

thanks for the idea.

With that valve (mounted to the side of the machine) in my case it would be easy to turn off ALL the water right at the machine.

Great when your at home to monitor the washer, but sometimes I want to leave the house to go somewhere with a load in the machine...to be effective, you have to MONITOR the washer...

This machine is not trustworthy...as such I either replace it ($$) or turn off the water when ever I can be standing there!!! arhghhh.

I would just replace the washers entire solenoid valve assembly if I thought that would cure the problem.

Still want to know why my "Maytag circa 2005" valve design failed in this instance.

you could also get: [www.plumbingsupply.com]

or: [www.plumbingsupply.com]


ps. MOST washing machine inlet solenoid valves valves have the exact same issue - water pressure required for tight shut off

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Pretty sure its the valve...!

Went to a parts supplier web page. The customers notes were pretty much what I was looking for. Leaking cold water into the drum. (they just said it more concisely and coherently)!

I will replace the VALVE ASSEMBLY. Considerng the age of the part ~15 years and the hard water in SoCal I should have thought of that.

Since the problem only shows up under low pressure situation I may never know for sure, but thats OK.

Thanks for reading the post. Pete

thanks for your input..had me scratching my head and now I hear its common...ARGGHHH!

Thanks again for your help



Edited 1 times.

Hey Bernabeau can you make repairs to that valve? Do you access underneath those chrome screws for repairs?

yes

easy - peasy

(stainless steel screws)

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638