How to Test and Replace the Cold Water Valve on an LG Washer

Laundry day shouldn’t come with surprises, but if your LG front-load washer isn’t filling with cold water or takes ages to fill, there’s a hidden culprit. The cold water inlet valve can wear out, clog, or fail over time. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to fix it. Whether you have a gas or electric model, we’ll guide you through testing and replacing it like a pro!

If you need any replacement parts for your LG 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.

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 you need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Adjustable pliers
• Towel
• Flat blade screwdriver

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.
• 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.

How to test and replace the LG washer’s cold water inlet valve

Here are the steps to test, remove, and replace the cold water inlet valve on an LG front load washer to restore proper water flow and prevent leaks.

Step 1. Access the cold water inlet valve

1. Unplug the washer to eliminate electrical hazards.
2. Turn off the water supply by closing both the hot and cold water faucets.
3. Gather necessary tools: Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, pliers, a towel, and a new cold water inlet valve if replacement is needed.
4. Locate the rear panel where the inlet valves are mounted.
5. Remove the rear panel by unscrewing the two bottom screws on the rear plastic brackets with a Phillips screwdriver.
6. Slide the top panel back less than an inch and lift it off.
7. Identify the cold water inlet valve, located on the left side when looking from the back of the washer.

Step 2. Test the cold water inlet valve

1. Keep the washer unplugged, and both water faucets turned off.
2. Slowly open the cold water faucet and observe the cold water valve.
3. Check for leaks from the valve’s body.
4. Turn the cold water faucet off to see if the leak stops.
5. If water continues dripping, the cold water inlet valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 3. Remove the faulty cold water inlet valve

1. Keep the washer unplugged and the cold water faucet turned off.
2. Place a towel under the work area to catch excess water.
3. Use pliers to unscrew and disconnect the cold water inlet hose from the valve.
4. Use a flat blade screwdriver to remove the connector plugs from the valve.
5. Take a picture of the wiring setup for reference if needed.
6. Use pliers to slide back the clamps and remove the three hoses connected to the valve.
7. Use a flat blade screwdriver if necessary to assist in loosening the hoses.
8. Remove the inlet valve by unscrewing the mounting screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
9. Pull the faulty valve out and discard it.

Step 4. Install the new cold water inlet valve

1. Insert the new valve into the cutout, aligning the screw holes.
2. Secure the valve with two Phillips screws.
3. Reconnect the hoses by sliding them onto the new valve.
4. Use pliers to reinstall the clamps securely over the hoses.
5. Reconnect the electrical plugs by attaching them to the new valve in the correct positions.

Step 5. Reset and test the washer

1. Reattach the cold water inlet hose by threading it manually first to avoid cross-threading.
2. Use pliers to tighten the inlet hose, but do not overtighten.
3. Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.
4. Plug the washer back in and run a short cycle to test for proper functionality.
5. If no leaks are detected, unplug the washer and reinstall the top panel.
6. Slide the top panel forward to lock it into place.
7. Secure the top panel with two Phillips screws at the back.
8. Plug the washer back in and confirm it is working correctly.

Stay connected

We appreciate you dropping by! Hopefully this guide made it easy to test and replace the cold water inlet valve in your LG washer. If you’re still in need of any parts, head over to AppliancePartsPros.com with your model number. Our inventory of over two million parts and quick shipping means that you should get an exact replacement on your doorstep in just a few days. 

Got questions? We have answers! Give us a call at 1 (877) 477-7278 or start a chat with one of our customer service team members online. In the meantime, you can explore our DIY blog and check out our videos on YouTube. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram so you don’t miss out on our latest and greatest!