How to Check Water Level Control on Washing Machine

Why Water Level Control Matters in Your Washing Machine

Let’s be real: no one wants their washing machine overflowing like Niagara Falls or worse—filling a measly splash and calling it a day. Your washing machine’s secret weapon for getting that balance right is the water level control, also known as the pressure switch. It tells your machine exactly how much H2O to pour in for your laundry load, keeping things neat, tidy, and moderately wet.

So, if your washer isn’t filling correctly, or water levels seem to be playing a game of hit-or-miss, the water level control is a prime suspect. Good news: checking and testing it is not rocket science, though it does require some detective work and a trusty multimeter.

Locate the Water Level (Pressure) Switch: The Mission Begins 🕵️‍♂️

First things first — find that little guy! The water level control switch usually hides behind the control panel or near the tub’s sump area. It’s connected to the tub by a small, clear air hose (pressure hose) which detects the water pressure and helps the switch make the call.

If you’re feeling adventurous, tip your washing machine or remove the top control panel to peek inside. Just be sure your machine is unplugged—safety first, always.

Step 1: Inspect Pressure Hose for Blockages or Damage

This small, unassuming tube often gets ignored, but it’s where the magic starts—or stops. A kink, clog, or disconnection here usually means your washer is getting the wrong signals.

  • Look closely: Is the hose cracked, squished, or full of lint and grime?
  • Remove it gently and blow into it to ensure it’s clear and unobstructed.
  • Reconnect it securely. A loose hose can fool the switch into thinking the tub is filled or empty.

Blocked hoses are a surprisingly common culprit behind faulty water level readings. Fix this little hiccup, and your machine might spring back to life like a charm.

Step 2: Mechanical Check – The Click Test

Want a quick physical test? Blow gently into the pressure hose connected to the switch. If the switch is alive and kicking, you should hear a faint “click” or feel a tiny diaphragm moving inside.

No clicking? That’s a strong hint the switch is faulty or stuck — time to get your multimeter out.

Step 3: Electrical Testing with a Multimeter

Now we get technical—but in a manageable way. This step confirms whether the electrical contacts inside the switch are behaving properly as the pressure changes.

  • Unplug the machine for safety and remove the control panel to access the water level switch.
  • Disconnect wiring connectors from the switch terminals. Take a photo beforehand—trust me, your future self will thank you.
  • Set your multimeter to the continuity or resistance test mode. If you don’t have one, snag one like this Global or India option on Amazon.
  • Test across the switch terminals for continuity with no air pressure applied. Typically, there should be either continuity or none depending on the washer model.
  • Gently blow air into the hose again, simulating the water pressure. The multimeter readings should change as the internal contacts open or close in response to pressure.

No change in readings? The water level switch is likely defective and needs swapping.

For visual learners, check out this detailed video tutorial on testing a water level pressure switch, showing the full process step-by-step.

Step 4: Replacing a Faulty Water Level Switch

If your tests point to a dud switch, don’t despair. Replacement isn’t rocket surgery but does involve a bit of fiddling:

  • Remove mounting screws holding the switch in place.
  • Disconnect the pressure hose and wiring connectors.
  • Swap in the new switch (make sure it’s the correct model for your washer brand).
  • Reconnect everything securely and test your machine.

Here’s a no-nonsense replacement guide for Whirlpool top-load washers that also works as a solid general reference for other brands.

Pro Tips and Common Pitfalls

  • Check your washer’s manual or model-specific guides to understand wiring colors and switch specs precisely.
  • Look out for water leaks near the pressure hose and switch—sometimes the problem’s plumbing, not electronics.
  • Beware of electrical shock. Always unplug before opening panels.
  • Test your multimeter on a known circuit first to ensure it’s working correctly.

If this sounds too techy, professional repair services are always just a phone call away. But if you’re a weekend warrior, these steps empower you to diagnose and fix the problem yourself.

Extra Reading for Washing Machine TLC

While you’re in repair mode, why not check out some of our other handy guides?

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Water Level Woes Sink Your Laundry Day

Checking and diagnosing your washing machine’s water level control is a surprisingly satisfying DIY project. With a bit of patience and the right tools, you can keep your washer from becoming a mini swimming pool or a sad dry tub.

Remember, it’s all about the pressure switch and its trusty air hose sidekick — test those, and you’re halfway to a perfectly washing machine again.

Happy laundry fixing!