How to replace the water valve in a Kenmore washer

Is your Kenmore washer not filling up with water or filling up too much? Don’t let it get your outfit in a bunch! You might need to replace the water valve.

This is an easy DIY fix that should get your washer water flowing correctly. Let’s dive in to find out how you can swap out the faulty valve for a new one.

You can find a replacement Kenmore water valve here. If you need other replacement parts for your Kenmore 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.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals 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.

What you need

• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Pliers
• Replacement water valve (Make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing. Visit this page to see our return policy.)

Disclaimer: 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, remember to keep safety first. 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 preventing any risk of electric shock.
• 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.
• 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 clearly 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.
• 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.

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Access the parts

1. On the left and right sides, find the clip that holds the console to the cabinet.
2. Slide the putty knife under the console about an inch from each end. Then push the clip towards the back of the machine while gently prying up and pulling forward to release one side. You’ll need to do the same to the other side.
3. Flip the console over.
4. Find the two brass clips holding the cabinet to the back panel. Use a flat-blade screwdriver and push down to release the clips.
5. Disconnect the lid switch.
6. Tilt the cabinet forward and slide it off the frame.

Step 2 – Replace the valve

1. Find the valve on the back wall of the washer.
2. Use pliers to remove the fill hoses.
3. Disconnect the wire harness and unclip the water valve.
4. Install the new valve and clip it in.
5. Reconnect the wire harness and put the hoses back on.

Pro tip: If you find any bulges or cracks in your hoses, this is the best time to replace them. If one of those busts while no one was home, it would flood your house.

Step 3 – Reinstall

1. Reinstall the cabinet and flip the console back over.
2. Slide the tabs in the bottom of the console into the holes in the top of the cabinet.
3. Push down on the console until it locks in place.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the water valve in your Kenmore washer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common washer problems here.

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