If your washing machine won’t fill with water after you shut the water off and turned it back on, it’s frustrating — especially if sinks and showers seem to work fine. In most cases, this happens because air or debris reached the washer’s inlet screens or a supply valve wasn’t fully reopened.
The problem is usually localized and fixable.
Quick Answer:
After a water shutoff, washing machines often won’t fill because debris or air blocks the inlet screens or the supply valves are partially closed. Turning the valves fully open and cleaning the inlet screens usually restores normal operation.
Why This Happens
Washing machines are sensitive to pressure changes and debris because they rely on small inlet screens to protect the internal valves.
After a shutoff, returning water can:
- Push sediment into the washer’s inlet screens
- Trap air in the hot or cold supply lines
- Leave a supply valve only partially reopened
- Trigger a temporary pause in modern machines until flow stabilizes
This commonly appears after turning your water back on after shutting it off, even when other fixtures seem normal.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Fill
Step 1: Confirm Other Fixtures Have Water
Check nearby sinks and showers.
If pressure is uneven elsewhere, address that first by reviewing how long it takes for water pressure to normalize after a shutoff.
Step 2: Check the Washer Supply Valves
Behind the washing machine, locate the hot and cold shutoff valves.
- Turn both valves fully counterclockwise
- Do not assume they are open just because they look aligned
Partially open valves are a very common cause.
Step 3: Run Water at the Supply Hoses
Turn off the washer and carefully disconnect one hose at a time.
- Aim the hose into a bucket
- Briefly open the valve to confirm strong flow
If water sputters, allow it to run until steady, similar to clearing air from water pipes after a shutoff.
Step 4: Clean the Inlet Screens
Look inside the washer’s hose connection ports.
- Remove visible screens (if accessible)
- Rinse away debris or sediment
- Reinstall before reconnecting hoses
Even a small amount of debris can stop filling entirely.
Step 5: Restart the Machine
Reconnect hoses, turn valves fully on, and start a new cycle.
Many machines will not resume a paused cycle until they detect normal water flow.
What Not to Do
- Don’t force valves or hose connections
- Don’t run the washer without confirmed water flow
- Don’t assume the washer itself failed immediately
- Don’t ignore sediment in the hoses or screens
Most post-shutoff washer issues are supply-related, not mechanical failures.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber or appliance technician if:
- Water flow to the hoses is weak
- Multiple appliances are affected
- Valves leak when turned on
- The washer displays persistent error codes
If several fixtures and appliances are impacted, the issue may be related to problems after restoring water to the house, not the washer alone.
Safety Notes
- Always confirm steady water flow before running appliances
- Restore water slowly at the main valve
- Watch hoses for leaks after reconnection
- Avoid running appliances until pressure stabilizes
These steps prevent valve damage and water leaks.
Common Homeowner Questions
Why do sinks work but my washer doesn’t?
Washing machines have small inlet screens that clog more easily than faucets.
Will this fix itself over time?
Sometimes, but cleaning the inlet screens usually resolves it immediately.
Is it safe to keep trying to run the washer?
No. Running it without proper water flow can damage internal valves.