Washer Water Inlet Valves Question

[cycla-fabric]

I had to do a washer repair on my washer, and since I had to disconnect the hoses, I cleaned out the screens on the inlets for the water. I noticed that the water inlet valves for the whirlpool direct drive washer from 1991 have very small inlet holes for the water to enter. I am curious as to why the inlet valves are so small and why aren't the holes in the valves larger in size to let the water enter the machine at a faster rate than tiny little holes that are there. Is there a reason that the holes are so small, so if you choose warm water the water entering the machine is at a 50/50 mix. I am wondering about this setup, should the openings be larger to allow the water to enter the machine at a faster rate. Wondering what the reason for this is. The water comes into the machine at a good rate of speed now, and I wouldn't want to mess with this. Thanks

Doug

 

[yogitunes]

some were just built that way for restriction....

newer machines and replacement valves have a restriction on the hot side....so you would get a 70/30 mix for a warm selection....

I have drilled out to make them bigger and equal for a few machines, and of course for a quicker fill...

for a full flow fill...try to locate a valve from a vintage machine, like a Whirlpool...and even some of those had a restrictor you could remove from the cold water side...

never hurts to add filter washers to the tap supply ends of the hoses.....easier to change and clean as well...

 

[cycla-fabric]

thank you, I will have to be on the lookout for some vintage valves and give it a try.

 

[washerlover]

My late 70s/early 80s Amana washer is the same — extremely small inlet fill holes which takes forever to fill the tub.  I took the screens off and it helps somewhat, but never thought to drill the hole a bit larger...

 

[lowefficiency]

Smaller valve openings (and the associated lower flow rates) could help reduce water hammering when the valves actuate.

For HE machines with a lid lock, an artificially lengthened fill time also gives the user the impression that more water is being used for the load than what is actually dispensed... (Your call whether this is a good or bad thing.)

 

[DADoES]

 
Another aspect of slower fill is allowing time for the items to absorb water and auto-sensing water level programming to react.