Kenmore / Sears Washer overflowing: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

If the Kenmore / Sears washer continues to fill when the Kenmore / Sears washer is turned off or is unplugged then you will need to replace the water valve.

How to Replace Washing Machine Water Inlet Valve

1. Shut off water supply. Turn off the valves where the water lines attach to the washing machine. This prevents flooding during repairs.

2. Release water pressure. Run the wash cycle to drain any remaining water trapped in the lines before proceeding.

3. Disconnect hoses. Detach the hot and cold water hoses from the valve itself using pliers if necessary.

4. Remove mounting hardware. Use a screwdriver to take out any screws or bolts attaching the inlet valve to the machine.

5. Extract old valve. Ease the inlet valve out of position once it is fully detached from mountings and water lines.

6. Inspect seal rings. If the rubber seal rings inside the valve port are cracked or deteriorated, replace them now.

7. Install new valve. Position the replacement inlet valve where the old one sat, aligning holes for mounting hardware.

8. Reattach securely. Replace all mounting bolts or screws removed earlier to fasten the new valve firmly in place.

9. Reconnect water lines. Attach the hot and cold water supply hoses to the new inlet valve ports using pliers if needed.

10. Restore water supply. Turn on valves to refill lines and test connections for leaks before operating.

Repair Instructions:

In many cases, detergent dispensers rely on a water valve to release detergent or other additives into the Kenmore / Sears washer. If the dispenser water valve is leaking, it can lead to the Kenmore / Sears washer overflowing. If you notice a consistent drip or flow of water into the dispenser, and the water valves are integrated into the detergent dispenser, it will be necessary to replace the entire dispenser.

How to Replace Washing Machine Detergent Dispenser

1. Disconnect power to Kenmore / Sears washer by unplugging or switching off the breaker.

2. Open the dispenser drawer and locate mounting screws on the faulty dispenser housing.

3. Remove housing mounting screws to detach old detergent dispenser from drawer.

4. Disconnect any wires attached to dispenser by loosening wire connectors.

5. Remove old dispenser housing once fully freed from securing screws and wires.

6. Clean drawer area where fresh dispenser will attach using a damp cloth.

7. Mount replacement dispenser housing with screws through holes in new unit.

8. Reconnect wire connectors to terminals on fresh detergent dispenser.

9. Insert dispenser drawer back into machine.

10. Restore power and run test cycle to ensure new dispenser is releasing detergent properly.

Repair Instructions:

The pressure switch is responsible for cutting off power to the water inlet valve when the correct water level is reached. If the pressure switch malfunctions, the water inlet valve may keep filling the Kenmore / Sears washer tub, leading to an overflow. Before considering a pressure switch replacement, it is important to inspect the air tube connected to the pressure switch. Make sure it is free from debris and not leaking.

How to Replace Washing Machine Pressure Switch

1. Shut off water. Turn off the water supply valves located where the water hoses attach to the washing machine. This prevents water from escaping during the repair.

2. Release water pressure. Run the washing machine through a spin cycle to drain any remaining water from the hoses and pump.

3. Detach hoses. Disconnect the hoses from both the water inlet and outlet ports of the old pressure switch. You may need an adjustable wrench.

4. Locate switch. Find the pressure switch, usually mounted on the back, side or bottom of the washing machine cabinet. It will have labeled ports for hose connections.

5. Remove switch. Unscrew any mounting bolts, nuts or screws to detach the old pressure switch from the machine housing. Remove the switch completely.

6. Install new switch. Line up the replacement pressure switch and hand-tighten the mounting hardware to secure it in the same position.

7. Reconnect hoses. Firmly push the hoses onto the corresponding ports of the new pressure switch. Ensure there are no leaks.

8. Restore water supply. Turn the water valves back on and check for leaks at the hose connections before running a test cycle.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board of a Kenmore / Sears washer is responsible for supplying power to almost all the electrical parts of the machine. In certain cases, if the control board keeps sending power to the water inlet valve while the Kenmore / Sears washer is attempting to drain, it can lead to an overflow. Although this issue is not very common, you can examine the control board to check for any indications of burning or damaged components. Additionally, you can utilize a multimeter to test if the water inlet valve is receiving power during the Kenmore / Sears washer's cycle. You will need to refer to the unit's wiring diagram for guidance.

How to Replace Washing Machine Main Control Board

1. Unplug the washing machine. Disconnect power to prevent electric shock.

2. Open control panel. Unscrew the control panel on the Kenmore / Sears washer to access interior.

3. Locate control board. The main control board is mounted to the cabinet interior.

4. Label wire connections. Note where each wire harness connects to the control board.

5. Disconnect wires. Detach all wire harnesses from the terminals on the control board.

6. Remove mounting screws. Use a screwdriver to remove screws securing control board.

7. Remove control board. Carefully detach old control board from the Kenmore / Sears washer.

8. Install new control board. Align replacement board and reinsert mounting screws.

9. Reconnect wires. Attach all wire harnesses to proper terminals on new control board.

10. Close control panel. Carefully close and screw the control panel back on.

11. Restore power. Plug in washing machine and test operation.

12. Program control board. You may need to program the new control board if needed.

Repair Instructions:

The control board of a washing machine supplies power to most of its components. If the control board has a faulty component, it may continuously send voltage to the water inlet valve, causing the Kenmore / Sears washer to overflow. To address this issue, you can inspect the control board for any signs of burning or a malfunctioning component. You can also use a multimeter to test the power output terminals on the board, following the appliance's wiring diagram as a guide. Some washing machine control boards include a built-in pressure sensor that determines the appropriate water level in the tub. This pressure sensor monitors the water entering the tub during the fill cycle and shuts off voltage to the water inlet valve when the correct level is reached. If the control board pressure sensor is defective, it may lead to excessive water filling and overflow. Using a multimeter to test for proper electrical continuity can help identify a defective component.

How to Replace Washing Machine Control Board

1. Unplug the washing machine. Disconnect the power cord before servicing to prevent electric shock.

2. Open the control panel. The control board is located behind the control panel on the Kenmore / Sears washer front.

3. Label connections. Take note of where each wire and connector is attached to the control board.

4. Disconnect wires. Carefully detach all wiring harnesses and connectors from the board.

5. Remove mounting screws. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws securing the control board.

6. Remove control board. Carefully pull the control board free from the Kenmore / Sears washer once all wires are detached.

7. Install new control board. Align the replacement board into position and insert mounting screws.

8. Reconnect wires. Attach all wiring harnesses and connectors to the matching terminals on the new board.

9. Close control panel. Carefully close the control panel once the new board is installed.

10. Restore power. Plug in the washing machine and test operation.

11. Program control board. You may need to program or configure the new control board if it doesn't operate correctly.

12. Test cycles. Run short test cycles to verify the Kenmore / Sears washer is functioning properly before regular use.

Repair Instructions:

Low water pressure to the water inlet valve can be a possible issue. The valve needs at least 20 psi of pressure to close properly. If the water inlet valve doesn't receive enough pressure, it may not fully close when the power is turned off. This can lead to water leaking into the Kenmore / Sears washer and causing an overflow. If you have a whole house filter, it's possible that it is clogged and needs to be replaced. If you notice low water pressure from all the faucets in your home, it might be necessary to contact your local water supplier to determine if the water pressure is sufficient.