water inlet valve VS city water pressure

[roger]

Hello, I just stumbled onto this site while researching a fix for my washer. Seems to be quite a few competent folks here so decided to join.

Relevant info:
-base-model, top-load, Speed Queen(model AWN311)
-four months out of warranty(of course)

Issue:
-every Monday for three weeks now, there is an inch of water in the tub
-last Sunday night, I caught the water rising and closed the faucets
-so obviously the city is playing with the water pressure

So, I'm thinking that either the inlet valve is worn or there is debris and/or build-up.

It is just over three years old, so I would be surprised if it was worn.

I've never done this before.

I know that these valves are electrically operated, but can they be manually opened or taken apart to clean them?

If you think it could be something else, please let me know.

 

[yogitunes]

yes, you can remove it from the machine, take out the screws, and clean and debris that maybe present.....clean the screens as well

a little too soon, but it is possible of them being worn out, always keep that thought in mind, as well as, most manufacturers recommend turning off the faucets when not in use to relieve the pressure.....

most never think about it, until a leak happens or a hose burst open when your not home.....flood city.....having a room of machines, I have a valve on each temp to shut off the entire room when not in use.....better safe!....

 

[whirlcool]

We do the same thing when our washer/dryer are not in use. At our last house our former neighbor had a washing machine inlet hose burst while she was out shopping. It flooded the entire house. What a mess! Her plain rubber hoses were only about 20 years old!

 

[frigilux]

Same here: Faucets are easily accessed and shut off after the last load of the day. Free insurance.

 

[combo52]

BAD INLET VALVE

Roger replace the inlet valve, these valves do fail on occasion and they no longer can be disassembled for cleaning or any other type of maintenance, I would just replace it and not take the chance that it will really stick open and really cause a flood.

 

[mrb627]

Hoses

Might be a good time to replace your inlet hoses too. If you have been suffering from high city water pressure, they may need it.

Malcolm

 

[jetcone]

ALSO if it was the hot side

that was sticking open you may be near the end of life for your water heater.

 

 

[roger]

Thank you all for the warning about flooding, but I'm lucky that the washer is in an unfinished basement, about 4 feet from the floor drain

If I were on the main floor, I would probably not take the risk and just change the valve...but I am curious and cheap by nature, so wanted to check if cleaning was possible in the first place.

Still waiting on a price quote for the part, if its cheap I'll just swap it out.

Jetcone quote:
"ALSO if it was the hot side that was sticking open you may be near the
end of life for your water heater."

Why?
I did have the presence of mind to check when it happened, to see if I was wasting hot water, luckily the problem is only on the cold side.

 

[combo52]

BAD INLET VALVE

I can not imagine what the relationship between a water heater failing and a bad hot side of a washers inlet valve would be. The only thing that I have seen happen is when a plastic Dip Tube in the inlet side of a water heater crumbles the bits of plastic can clog the hot inlet screen on the washers inlet valve, but all this requires is cleaning the inlet screen and replacing the Dip Tube and flushing the plastic bits out of the water heater.