If, like me, you or your wife likes to get the washing machine going right before you leave the house or go to bed, you might want to stop doing that.

10 year old top-loading LG was on the final spin cycle this morning when the tub started filling. I only realized it happed when I heard the dryer ding and could hear water filling the washing machine tub as I approached the laundry room. The timer on the washer only had about 7 min left when I checked it about 15 min prior, so I knew there shouldn't have been any running water.

Then I stepped in water.

Machine was off but Niagara Falls was coming from the water fill. I unplugged it and water kept coming. I couldn't get the valves at the wall to budge so I turned the water off in the garage.

It's amazing how quickly water can make a mess! Thankfully we got it all cleaned up, but it would have been MUCH worse if I hadn't been home or if I'd been asleep.

Repair guy is coming this afternoon. When I called to see about an appointment, the gal who put in my ticket said I'm the 3rd or 4th person in the last few weeks to call with this same problem.

Are you on public water or a well ?


I would check your water pressure at the hose bib outside and see if it is under 80 psi


Also this can happen if there a pressure reducing valve that is failing on the water main.


I have this seen this happen a few times. One was an lg top loader, one was a kenmoore and the other I think was a whirlpool.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/FloodStop-FS3-4H90-Washing-Machine-FloodStop-w-90-Degree-3-4-Ball-Valves

I'm in a MUD, so public water.

Can you explain how the water pressure at the main supply line would cause this? Would I notice issues with any other water-using device?

Asking because when I looked at the machine when it had 7 minutes left, it was just spinning. No water was flowing. So I'm curious how the main water pressure would cause the water to start flowing again at a point in the cycle when there isn't supposed to be any water.

I was having a hard time turning off the water valve in the garage (that one has always been really stiff), so I did go out to the main supply by the street, and that box was filled with mud. So I went back to the garage valve and finally got it closed.

We had a washer flood our laundry/dining room about 10 years ago. The timer failed so it stuck on filling.

Bad solenoid valve. Replacement is a fitting that contains 4 valves all attached to a base. Looks like it just snaps in.
$150 for the part, $200 for the "labor".

I suspect we could have replaced it ourselves, if we'd taken the time to figure it out.

Save this for when it happens to you and save yourself $200.

Still curious about the main valves causing problems, though.

If the pressure reducing valve fails at the main line at the curb, then over pressurized water enters your home and can damage equipment, IE like a solenoid-controlled valve in a washing machine or a dishwasher.

Good to know! So far no other issues besides the washing machine. However, I am going to apply the same rules of use to my dishwasher.

Corps_Ag12 said:

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If the pressure reducing valve fails at the main line at the curb, then over pressurized water enters your home and can damage equipment, IE like a solenoid-controlled valve in a washing machine or a dishwasher.

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as well as every other supply line and fill valve and cartridge in the house


I would still get a pressure gauge and check your hose bib outside and make sure it's under 80 psi.

there is also a solenoid fill valve on the refrigerator if you have an icemaker

also, they can get damaged by debris. They make filter screens that you can put inside on the washing machine hoses

There was debris in the inlet of the solenoid valves. What I saw didn't pass the filter, but I'm sure there are plenty of particles that do.

This washing machine is probably 10+ years old (I'm guessing 11), so it's probably at an age where something was bound to fail.

$350 repair is still better than a new machine.

Another tip: Buy a pack of those water sensors that make lot of noise and put one under your washer.

Use the rest under sinks, toliets, dishwasher, water heaters or anywhere else that would leak water, and be sure to check the batteries periodically.

This. I have a Moen Flo on my water line right before my water softener and Moen leak detectors behind my fridges, washing machine and dishwasher (i.e. catastrophic risk areas). The FLO will shut off the water automatically if it detects a leak and the leak detectors will communicate leaks the FLO to also shut off the water. I get alerts on my phone as well. I also use Govee leak detectors under every sink and behind every toilet. They have loud alarms and will send me phone alerts. The Moen products are expensive but certainly cheaper than any water leak issues. Govee is much cheaper and has been reliable.