Washing machine water supply solenoid valve - check and replace

Content:

Design and working principle
Types of inlet valves for the washing machine
How to check the valve for operation
Valve replacement

In any model of washing machine, the most important element is the inlet valve for the washing machine, sometimes it is referred to as the filling valve. In this article we will tell you how this structural element is arranged, describe the principle of operation, and what types exist.

Design and working principle

konstrukciya-i-princip-raboty
Washing machine inlet valve, has two types of working state - open and closed. In the second state, it arrives most of the time. A coil is installed inside the valve, to which the program supplies an electric current, which is a signal to open the valve, which accordingly leads to the filling of the working space of the machine with water. This principle of operation gave rise to another name for the valve - electromagnetic.

When the tank is filled to the required level, the control program sends a second signal to the filler valve, after which it closes and the liquid stops flowing into the system.

In almost all models of washing machines, the valve is located at the top of the structure, near the back wall. But in those machines where the laundry is loaded vertically, the valve is located at the bottom of the unit, also near the back wall. In the first case, in order to get to the element we need, it is necessary to remove the back cover, and in the second case, the side panel is dismantled.

Types of inlet valves for the washing machine

Intake valve types These locking mechanisms are of various types. The operating mode of the valve based on an electromagnet was described above, however, in reality, the process of functioning is a little more complicated. Water must be supplied to the washing machine through several hoses at a programmed time interval. The simplest valves have one such electromagnet, and the filled water was distributed over the typewriter using the command apparatus mechanism. However, these units can no longer be found on sale, since they are technologically obsolete.

Today inlet valve for washing machine has a more complex design, where the internal device is divided into many sections, and each of them has its own electromagnet. Accordingly, each section is connected to a certain place where water is required, and, as necessary, the control program gives signals and activates the coils. Therefore, we can safely distinguish the following types:

single coil valves;
with two coils;
with three coils.

Also, now all coils have a completely electrical structure, they completely lack mechanical components.

How to check the valve for operation

To determine the serviceability of the valve, it must be removed. After that, connect the water supply hose to it, and supply current to the coils. If the unit is working properly, the valve will open and let water through. After stopping the supply of voltage to the coil, the locking mechanism should close.This check is very easy and will not cause any particular difficulties, but it must be carried out carefully, since you work in high humidity conditions with an electrical appliance, in no case do not allow exposed wires to come into contact with liquid.

Also, it is necessary to check the following units of the unit:

It is necessary to check the filter mesh on the valve and clean it from dirt.
If the valve does not open, you should check if the solenoid coil in it has burned out, for this use a multimeter. The resistance of the working coil varies from 2 to 4 ohms.
Check for the presence of plastic elements in the valve fittings, they are designed to contain the water pressure. If these inserts are not available, then this structural element must be replaced.

Valve replacement

The inlet valve of the washing machine is a non-separable part, therefore it cannot be repaired. This operation, for replacement, is carried out as follows:

First, it is necessary to de-energize the washing machine, then turn off the water supply and dismantle the back cover.
We disconnect all hoses from the valve, the main thing is to remember which one, where it was installed.
Then unscrew all the fasteners holding our part.
Dismantle the old valve.
Then install a new element, and in the reverse order, assemble the washing machine.

After completing all the necessary steps, check the performance of your unit, whether water is supplied and whether everything is functioning correctly.

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