LG Washing Machine valve replacement and repair
We have owned a LG washing machine model (WM1812CW) that has served us well since 2006. Recently we were having problems where it was overfilling, sometimes. That was the aggravating because I couldn’t figure out what was wrong or what was right. Was the controller commanding the valve open or was the valve not shutting when told to? I was finally able to prove that the inlet valve was malfunctioning. During one of the fill cycles I unplugged the machine and it continued to fill!!? I recycled the machine and it functioned properly, I unplugged the machine during the fill and it stopped. After repeated cycles the machine was malfunctioning about one sixth of the time.
After dealing with the problem for several months, I was finally able to get it to fail in a measurable, repeatable fashion. This necessitated the LG Washing Machine valve replacement. Looking back, I should have replaced the valve as soon as I saw the valve stay open when the machine was unplugged…
To keep the Machine in use until the replacement valve was received, I needed to see if I could modify the valve. I needed to plug the broken port and re-route the fill line. After reviewing the layout, I decided to move the fill line to the bleach port. The photos below show how I modified the valve and the machine. Basically, I plugged the fill port using a plastic plug from a felt tip marker. I taped it with a couple of wraps of electrical tape to get a watertight seal. Lastly, I wrapped it with duct tape to give it more strength and hold the water pressure. Our pressure is about 80 PSIG.
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LG Washing Machine valve replacement -Temporary repair
Here the fill hose has been moved (from it’s central location) to the bleach line (on the right).
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I bought my repair part at http://www.appliancepartspro.com I’ve used them for many years for all my parts needs and have only had to return one part which was my mistake. That was done hassle free.
The valve placed in the washer.
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Wires reinstalled |
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LG Washing Machine valve replacement -Modification
One of the modifications I made since I had the machine open is visible in the last photo on the right above. I added labels to all of the connectors. Although not really required, it will help be jog my memory when I next open the machine. It would be difficult to put the wires to the wrong locations, or the hoses as they are cut to specific lengths. I was able to use the bleach valve only by stretching the regular fill line.
LG Washing Machine valve replacement -Procedure
The valve replacement itself was very straight forward:
- Water supply off, power disconnected
- disconnect fill hose. (be prepared for spilling)
- disconnect control wires (3x)
- move hose clamps several inches down the hose (3x)
- remove the hoses from the valve (3x)
- remove the two retaining screws holding the valve to the machine
- remove the valve
Re-installation is the reverse of the removal. The only trick is to make sure you connect everything to the correct locations. I suggest you use a digital camera and/or labels on each of the hoses & wires.
Comments Welcome
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Kim McKeehan December 17, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Which hose goes to which valuve?
Dan December 31, 2012 at 9:48 am
Just line them up the way the original hoses were attached, that’s why I recommended the labels or photo… I’ve made that type of mistake way too many times. Good Luck!
Andrew Jackson January 2, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Wow that is really impressive. The duct tape was a good idea. it does seem like you could strengthen it a bit more with a hose clamp that covers the port and the plug. I like the fix though! If you have duct tape, bailing wire, and para cord, then all you have to do is buycableties and you have a full on apocalypse kit!