Blocked solenoid valve on washing machine.

Question

My tenant reports a "clanking noise" when the washer fills. She reports that it goes away when she runs the tap. My normal plumber says its a blocked solenoid; won't touch it and says I should call an appliance repair company.

A couple of questions:

Approximate repair cost?

Normal wear and tear or other cause? The washer is 3.5 years old and was problem-free and only ever used by me prior to a few months ago.

Answer 1

The solenoid valve on a washing machine can go at any time for no apparent reason.  Having said that, if it is really "blocked" it can only be blocked by something that came in through one of the two fill lines (hot or cold).  Since these lines almost always have a screen on one or both ends, it is almost impossible for anything to come into the valve that way. -- i.e.  it is very unlikely that your valve is "blocked".

I think the "clanking" noise your tenant reports is more likely a water line in the building that is not properly clamped to the joists or studs.  A long run of copper pipe will "clank" when water runs through it at a particular flow rate that sets up harmonic vibrations for that particular length of pipe.  When the tenant turns on the tap, the flow rate changes and so the pipe no longer vibrates.  If you can get at the pipes an install a few extra plastic clips to shorten the undampered length of pipe, the problem will likely disappear.

If however you are convinced the problem is with your solenoid valve, they're cheap to buy and easy to change.  Take the make and model of the washer to your local appliance parts store and buy a solenoid for about $12.00.

Unplug then open the top of the machine.  The fill hoses are connected to the solenoid right where they enter the machine.  Turn off the water, and disconnect the fill lines.  Take note of how the colored wires are attached to the solenoid.  Remove the old solenoid -- usually attached to the back of the washer with two screws,  Attach the new solenoid.  

Attach the wires with the same colors to the same connections on the new solenoid.   Inspect the hose ends and clean any debris from the screens in the hose ends.  Reconnect the hoses.  Close the machine.  Plug it in and turn on the fill taps.

The new solenoid is in place.  -- But I still don't see how even a faulty solenoid would cause a "clanking" sound.  My first bet still stands.

Answer 2

Sounds like the water valve and the valve cost about 10.00 dollars, now if you call a company to repair it the cost will be much higher 95-150 dollars.