How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6015883 / WPW10156253 Washer Water Inlet Valve

Water became visible as it accumulated at the bottom rear part (the part that is tilted back) of the washer drum. I theorized that the valve controlling water flow into the machine was to blame. I began my troubleshooting by going to Appliance Pros website where I looked for a Water Inlet Valve. I easily found this on the exploded parts diagram. After identifying the part that seemed to be the issue, I began reading other reviews from folks who were experiencing the same problem and who solved it by replacing this part. I ordered the part and had it in about 3 days. Even with what I believed to be a defective part in the washer it worked just fine while I awaited arrival of the new part. My leak was fortunately a very slow one. When it arrived it was easy-peasy to replace. It took me about 30-45 minutes start to finish. A word of caution. BE SURE you drill down far enough to make absolutely certain that you are ordering the correct Water Inlet Valve. My washer has the optional steam cycle and therefore has a second port from which water leaves the valve. This second port feeds water into the steam device. The “how-to” video on the Appliance Pros website shows the part and its replacement in a washer without the steam device. Guaranteed, you’ll be angry with yourself if you order the wrong one. Double-check, triple-check the model number of your washer against the part number for the Water Inlet Valve that is SPECIFIC to your particular machine. After two weeks of watching and waiting, I’m finally ready to pronounce the repair a success. The washer is fixed! Excellent service, Appliance Pros. You are a terrific resource for we amateur, “retired old guys at home” repair guys. I’ll be back the next time something breaks. 

I installed a new valve that allows the hot and cold water to enter the washer from the water connections. Fortunately, I had a set of torx bits since the one screw that holds the valve on is a torx screw. I only had to disconnect 3 electrical connections and disconnect 2 rubber hoses and the old valve came right out. I installed the new valve by first reconnecting the back hose then pushed the water connections by into their holes and secured with the torx screw. The last steps were connecting the last hose and the 3 electrical connections. I then turned the hot and cold water back on and checked for leaks. Seeing none, I then plugged the washer back into the electrical outlet and after a short cycle I checked to see if any water was leaking back into the drum. There was none so I put the top cover back on and secured with the 3 torx screws. 

I went to Appliance Parts Pro and looked up my model and they have instructions and I come to a decision it was the water fill valve! I order the part and got it 3 day later by regular shipping! I installed the new valve and the washer was like new again! I am mechanically inclined but I say as long as anyone can follow instructions they can do the job! 

I watched a few clips on Appliance Pros which were very straight forward and easy to understand ( I am not mechanically inclined in the slightest) So I tried the few simple steps to fix the problem but to no avail. I called a local repair company and a nice young guy came and actually said " looks like someone was on the internet" as the front and top of the washer were off. So, I explained to him what I did so far and then he tested some parts and told me what he thought was wrong and actually said I could order the parts online and fix it myself. So, I ordered the parts from AppliancePartsPro and 2 days later the parts arrived I watched the videos and (to my and my wifes relief) ran a test wash that went perfect. I figured we saved about $150 in parts and labor and for a couple of hours my wife looked at me with wonder. Pretty cool. 

I first installed the new flow meter and ran the washer through a rinse and spin cycle. Problem still existed. I then installed a new water inlet valve. Problem still existed. Water would sit on top of the fabric softener in the dispenser tray. So I cleaned the dispenser completely and the water jet holes with a pipe cleaner. It turned out the problem was with the fabric softener being to thick. It had settled out over time. Per the instructions on the bottle I shook it well to mix it and then tried the rinse spin cycle again and everything worked fine. Looks like I have a few extra parts just in case. 

Replaced the valve... Pretty simple. Local service said it would take 7-10 days to get the part. I found Appliance Parts Pros on the Internet, ordered the part and had it in 2 days. Good price too! 

New inlet valve 

The fix was not very hard. I watched a YouTube video that was done by AppliancePartsPros.com and it showed me how to replace my part. Ordering through AAP was fast and simple. Thank you folks! A+++ 

Cold water valve malfunction. Perfect part. Easy fix. 

This is the 2nd time I've repaired it myself. I ordered the parts, flowmeter and valve replaced both. Not actually sure which one was bad though. If it happens again I will try each one to see which one is broken. I'm sure this Florida water isn't good for machines either.