Whirlpool front load washer overfilling: A troubleshooting guide

Is your Whirlpool front load washer overflowing, turning laundry day into a soggy mess? Before you reach for the phone to call in the pros, we’ll walk you through quick and easy fixes that can help you resolve the issue yourself.

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool front load washer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model WFW95HEXW and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Materials you need

• 1/4 inch nut driver
• Multimeter

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Read more: How to Manually Unlock a Front Load Washer: Step-by-Step Guide

How to troubleshoot an overfilling Whirlpool front load washer

Step 1: Test the water valve

1. Unplug the washer’s power cord while it is overfilling.
2. Check if the water continues to flow:
   • If the water continues: The valve has failed and requires replacement.
   • If the water stops: Turn off the water supply to proceed with further troubleshooting.

Step 2: Test the pressure switch

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws at the back of the top panel.
2. Slide the top panel backward, lift it up, and set it aside.
3. Locate the pressure switch and disconnect the pressure hose.
4. Blow air through the hose to ensure it isn’t clogged; air should flow with minimal resistance.
5. Reattach the hose and plug the power cord back in to continue testing.

Step 3: Test the pressure switch voltage

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Set the multimeter to Volts DC (represented by a V with a dotted line).
2. Measure the voltage from the wire at pin 5 to the wire at pin 1 on the pressure switch.
3. Check the voltage reading:

• If it reads 5 Volts DC: The pressure switch has failed and needs replacement.
• If voltage is not present: Move on to the next step.

Step 4: Test the main control

1. Locate the main control connection labeled PS8.
2. Use the multimeter to measure between the wire at pin 4 and pin 8.
3. Check the voltage reading:

• If 5 Volts DC is not detected: The main control has failed and should be replaced.

Read more: Washing Machine Won’t Stop Filling With Water: Top 5 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Whirlpool front load washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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