How to replace the water inlet valve on a GE washer WH13X26637

Is your GE top-load washer leaving you high and dry with water fill issues? From leaks to no hot water, a malfunctioning water inlet valve could be the culprit—but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Dive into our comprehensive guide and accompanying how-to video below to learn how to tackle this common problem and get your washer back in action.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Is your GE top-load washer not filling properly with water? Issues like leaks, no hot water, or water flowing when the machine is off could indicate a faulty water inlet valve needs replacing. 

You can find a replacement water inlet valve WH13X26637 here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE washer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the full repair here!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What is the water inlet valve?

The water inlet valve is a key component found on washing machines that control the flow of hot and cold water into the machine. It has coils that receive electrical power from the washer’s control board.

When the washer calls for water, the inlet valve opens to allow both hot and cold water to flow into the fill hoses through small inlet ports. The hoses carry the water into a mixing valve that regulates the precise temperature.

On GE washing machines, common symptoms of a failing water inlet valve include:

• Water leaks from the valve even when the washer is off
• No hot or cold water entering the washer
• Water filling very slowly
• Detergent remaining in the dispenser after a wash cycle

Replacing the faulty inlet valve restores proper water flow into the washer.

Materials needed

Gather the following tools before getting started on this repair:

• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Replacement water inlet valve (WH13X26637)

Make sure to turn off both the power and water supply to the washing machine as well.

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Removing the top control panel

1. Unscrew the four 1/4″ screws along the bottom of the rear access panel using a nut driver. 
2. Set them aside safely.
3. Pull the panel away from the machine. Two clips at the top will detach as you pull.
4. Using a small flat screwdriver, disconnect the wiring plug on the rear of the control panel.
5. Remove the ground wire from the control panel as well.
6. Lift up on the lower edge of the control panel to release the side clips. 
7. Rotate it up and rest on top of the washer.

Detaching the water inlet valve

1. Locate the wire harness plugs connecting to the inlet valve. There should be 4 in total.
2. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry each plug off the valve connectors. 
3. Make note of their locations.
4. Remove the three 1/4″ screws securing the plastic valve housing using the nut driver.
5. Pull the water inlet valve straight upward to detach it from the washer. The old valve can now be set aside.

Installing the new inlet valve

1. Align the new OEM replacement water inlet valve over the openings in the washer rear panel.
2. Push the valve down into place, making sure the rubber seals fully seat into each opening.
3. Secure the valve housing to the panel using the three 1/4″ screws and your nut driver.
4. Refer to your notes and photos and reconnect each of the 4 wire harness plugs to the correct solenoid valves.

Completing the repair

1. Pivot the control panel back into place, engaging the side clips.
2. Reinstall the two 1/4″ screws along the bottom edge to secure the panel.
3. Replace the rear access panel, pushing the top clips into place. 
4. Reinstall the 4 screws.
5. Restore power and water supply to the washing machine.
6. Run a test cycle and verify no leaks and proper water flow.

With the new replacement water inlet valve installed, your GE washing machine should now fill properly with both hot and cold water. Keep an eye out for leaks over the first few wash loads. This repair resolved the issue of water flowing when the washer was powered off as well.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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