Washer Overfills

[kitab]

It appeared our Kenmore Elite model 110.20952 992 (made by Whirlpool) top loading washer was leaking. But on investigation, I found that it was sometimes overfilling resulting in overflow onto the floor.

I started a load with the level set to large (maximum setting). After filling, the wash cycle started. Then, in mid wash cycle, the washer added more water to the (already full) tub, causing the water to overflow onto the floor.

In the sort term, I'm hoping by setting the water level to medium I can prevent this problem from happening. Is the level sensor shot? Should I replace it or what can I do to fix? Since the wash cycle started then filled mid-wash-cycle, I'm thinking there may be a leak in the pressure hose causing the fill switch to open again.

[LazyPup]

the fact that you mentioned the pressure hose makes it apparent that you have some working knowledge of the water level sensing diapram switch and the hose to the bottom of the tub.

I agree, it sounds as if there is a leak in the pressure hose. The hoses are usually clear plastic lines that sometimes become brittle with age, especially near the ends. The most common failure point is right on the end of the stub from the water level diaphram switch where the hose attaches.

Begin by checking the hose were it attaches to the pressure diaphram. Look for small cracks in the hose that would allow the air to leak out slownly.

Normally their is quite a lot of slack in those hoses and if you find the end bad you should be able to just cut it back a bit and reset it on the diapram.

Examine the bottom of the hose tooo. If it is leaking on the bottom there should be evidence of water. Again, if you suspect it is leaking you should be able to cut it back a bit. If not, cut a short sample of the hose and go to your local hardware store. They usually carry small diameter plastic tubing in bulk and should be able to supply you enough to replace the hose.

[kitab]

Thanks very much for the reply. I investigated the problem more, and it appears the tub is not overfilling as I originally stated. Near the end of the wash cycle (I believe this may be when the liquid bleach is added to the wash cycle), I hear a water valve operating, and water spilling onto the floor. I suspect there may be an obstruction or leak in the water line to the chorine bleach cup. I'll check that out further.

Has anyone else encountered this problem?

Thanks,
Paul

[LazyPup]

check the water line to the bleach dispenser, it may have a crack similar to the one you suspected on the level control.

[kitab]

Is it possible to disable the bleach dispense cup flush which is causing my leak? We never use the bleach cup anyway. It doesn't appear to be an option on the front panel, but perhaps a jumper setting or a wire can be disconnected.

[LazyPup]

Normally repairing a leak in the dispensers is very easy.

First, unplug the machine for safety.

Examine the front of the machine and you will see the slot where the machine top meets the base cabinet. Insert a flat putty knife into that slot about 5 inches in from the outer edge of the cabinet (approximately in line with the edge of the loading door on top.) As you slide the putty knife sideways you will feel an obstruction. That is a metal spring clip used to hold the top down. Put the end of your putty knife against that clip and push inwards and lift gently, you should see the top of the machine start to lift up. Repeat that process on the opposite side of the lid to release the second clip and you should be able to lift the top of the machine like the hood of an automobile.

you will need an assistant to hold the lid up as you examine the soap and bleach dispensers. You will see a small diameter plastic water line attached to the dispenser and probably held in place with a metal spring clip. Examine the end of the line and you will probably find it has dried out and become brittle or cracked. Normally you can just disconnect the line, cut it back a bit and re-attach it. Examine where the dispenser is attached to the machine. If you see evidence of leaks you can usually seal it with silicone caulking.

Also examine the lower end of the water line where it attaches to the pump, if may be leaking there and if so it can be repaired in the same manner, or you may elect to get a new piece of tubing and replace the line.

[kitab]

Just a final note on this problem. I opened the washer up again last night and found the spring clip for the hose to the bleach cup was badly rusting, and rust flakes had clogged the holes where the bleach / water solution go into the tub. So the leaking was actually rust clogging these holes causing the water to overflow onto the floor. I cleaned out the rust and replaced the spring clip and I'm back in business.

By the way, the washer is not yet 5 years old.

Thanks much LazyPup for the advice.