How to Clean the Water Supply Line Screens on Your Washing Machine

I'm told the well water that supplies my house is naturally filtered through a bed of sandstone. That's why, unfortunately, along with the water, comes small amounts of sand. The sand is snagged in the hot water tank so none of that reaches the washing machine. The screen in the cold water supply line, however, catches the sand so it can't get into the water pump and cause damage. As the sand builds-up and clogs the screen, the cold water runs slower and slower into my washing machine. It only takes a few minutes to fix the problem, and anyone can do it.

1. Start with the cold water screen since this is the most likely to get clogged. Shut off the cold water supply valve to your washing machine. It will be located either behind your machine, or at least somewhere nearby.

2. Pull your washing machine away from the wall so you can access the back panel. Watch the electrical cord and the connected hoses and drain line so you don't pull it out too far. Look for the metal connector that attaches the cold water supply line to the washer. It looks like the threaded end on a garden hose. Set a bucket on the floor under the connector.

3. Use a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen the metal connector. Remember- righty tighty, lefty loosey. When it's loose enough, quickly unscrew the metal connector and place the end of the hose in the bucket to drain the water from the supply line.

4. Use a flashlight to look inside the connector on the back of your washing machine. You'll see a metal water supply line screen. If it's removable, you can pop it out with a flat-blade screwdriver. Carefully push the tip of the blade against the side of the screen and pull it towards you to remove it. Rinse the screen off clean under a running faucet. Place it on the end of your finger and push it back into the connector. Push all around the sides of the screen until it's seated again.

If the screen isn't removable, carefully rub the head of a cotton swab completely over the screen to remove sand and sediment. As one swab becomes soiled, replace it with a clean one. Continue to clean the water supply screen until you can't feel any more debris, and a swab comes out clean.

5. Wipe out the inside of the connector on the washer with an old rag to remove additional sand and sediment. Wipe off the threaded outside as well. Grab the cold water supply line out of the bucket and

clean off the inside of the metal connector.

6. Place the metal connector back on the washing machine connector so the threads are properly aligned. Make sure the connector is straight. Screw it back on until it's finger-tight. Use the pliers or adjustable wrench to finish tightening the connector on the water supply line. Be careful not to over-tighten it. Turn the cold water valve back on and check for water leaks.

Repeat this process with the hot water supply line screen if the water is running into your washer slower than normal.

Resources

Kassidy Emmerson

http://www.thefrugallife.com/washing_machine.html

http://www.masterplumber.net/washing_machine/washing_machine.html