# Problem with washing machine.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-washing-machine/672381>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 27, 2013, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-washing-machine/672381 "2013-10-27T16:55:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-washing-machine/672381/1 "2013-10-27T16:55:23Z")

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We have a Maytag Performa clothes washing machine. I’d say it’s about 15 years old. ([Pic](http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g471/ohio_rifleman/SDC10010-1.jpg).)

When we set the dial to cold water, the water just dribbles out, and it takes a long time to fill. When we set the dial to hot water, it comes out fine.

Does this mean the valve/solenoid for the cold water is bad? If so, how do I replace it? Is it accessible from the back?

We are on a well, so if the valve/solenoid for the cold water is bad, I am wondering if it’s due to iron buildup.

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**Author:** ![Big\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/51bf81/32.png) [@Big\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Blue)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-washing-machine/672381/2 "2013-10-27T16:59:17Z")

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The screen that covers the water intake on the back of the machine may be blocked with sediment. I’ve had to replace mine before and afterwards everything went back to normal. We have hard water, not well water, but it is worth a look. Might be the easy fix. Just unscrew the hoses and see what you see.

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**Author:** ![Big\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/51bf81/32.png) [@Big\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Blue)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-washing-machine/672381/3 "2013-10-27T17:00:41Z")

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Like this:

> **[How to Clean a Washing Machine Inlet Screen](https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-inlet-screen/)**
>
> A washing machine that takes forever to fill may have an inlet screen clogged with mineral deposits and tiny particles of debris. The fix is simple.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2013, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-washing-machine/672381/4 "2013-10-29T02:01:19Z")

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> [@Big\_Blue](#):
>
> The screen that covers the water intake on the back of the machine may be blocked with sediment. I’ve had to replace mine before and afterwards everything went back to normal. We have hard water, not well water, but it is worth a look. Might be the easy fix. Just unscrew the hoses and see what you see.

That was it! I removed the screen filters and both were full of crud. Cleaned them and reinstalled them, and water is now flowing. Thanks.

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**Author:** ![Big\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/51bf81/32.png) [@Big\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Blue)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2013, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-washing-machine/672381/5 "2013-10-29T02:59:40Z")

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Right On! 🙂

Glad to have helped!