What would cause a washing machine to overfill onto the floor?

Question

I'm trying to fix my daughter's Kenmore washing machine (1999 model) 80 series.

When she tries to wash a load of clothes it will start to filling with water and will not stop and will overflow onto the floor and down the floor drain.

If you unplug it from the electric, the water will stop coming into the tub and stop overflowing....or she can advance the timer to the "wash" cycle (agitate cycle) and the water will stop....but she has to advance the timer manually.

I'd greatly appreciate some guidance on this problem. Thank you.

I have checked the clear plastic hose that attaches to the water level switch and it is firmly in-place.

I also bought a short piece of the same size hose and attached it to the switch (where the long one was) and blew into the hose and could hear the switch open and close with a "click".

I'm now ready to remove the washer's case to check the entire length of the hose for leaks.

Can the water level switch be checked with an ohm meter to determine if it's defective?

Finally, will a defective "Timer" cause the incoming water to overflow the washer tub? If so, how can I determine this without replacing the Timer?

I appreciate all of these comments guys.....especially the Sears tech. He gave me an excellent, on target, response. Thank you and please add more if you can. I have not isolated the problem yet.

Thanks to everyone I found the problem. It was a crack/split in the small clear plastic hose that runs from the water level switch down to the side of the washer tub. It is now working fine. This split prevented the water that was coming into the washer tub to put enough air pressure on the "water level switch" in order to activate it to turn the water off and to begin the agitation (washing) process. I had to remove the entire washer cabinet in order to access this hose at the bad site. But, the cabinet was a breeze to remove....but a tad tougher to get back on....just had to keep wrestling with it....until it fell into place.

Answer 1

This happened to my washing machine and my husband took the front off and there is a tube looks like a long straw and it came off. He put it back on and it worked great. Good luck

Answer 2

Washing Machine Overflow

Answer 3

I think the problem is the switch which is operated by the dial with which you select the various wash cycles. The switch controls the period of time during which the water flows into the tub. Call a major appliance parts house and ask the opinion of one of the clerks. If the switch is the problem step one is to unplug the washer. You can access the switch by removing the sheet metal cover on the back of the washer. There are several wires attached to the switch. Sketch or digi-photo the switch and connections before removing any wires. The switch is secured to the washer housing by screws. Take the old switch to the parts house to make certain you get an exact duplicate. Remove and replace the switch, minding that all wires are re-attached per the sketch/photo.

Answer 4

The clear tube going to the pressure switch is off either at the switch or on the tub. It is located on the right side at he bottom of the tub. To check, remove the two screws on the front corners of the console. (You might have to remove the two plastic end caps to expose the screws) Flip the console back to check hose on the switch. Pop off the 2 clips and un plug the lid switch harness. The cabinet will lean foreward and can be lifted off . If the tube is in place at both ends check for cuts or nicks. Air pressure operates the switch . If there is a air leak in the tube the tub will defenitly overflow. If you are sure the tube is ok, replace the pressure switch. Sears tech. for 35 years.

Answer 5

this is hilarious! wouldn't paying a maid be more money than a couple of loads of the wash? go in after your underpants. have someone else turn it on while you spin up and down untill the black hole comes. get your underpants and come back. Make sure you have a rope tied to yourself so you can get back! and NO a washing machine can not cause a black hole.

Answer 6

There's probably a set of sensors vertically along the basin (low one for small loads, mid-height one for med loads, high one for big loads, etc.) I would guess that this sensor array has a problem. They tell the machine how much water is in it and advance to the next cycle.

Answer 7

theres a thin hose inside that tells the sensors whatssappening

Answer 8

THERE IS A SWITCH THAT TELLS WATERVTO SHUT OFF. IT MIGHT BE NEXT TO THE BARREL OR LIMIT SWITCH. OR IT COULD BE THE TIMER ( WHEREYOU TURN ON AND OFF)