Does Low Water Pressure Affect Front-Loading Washers?

Filling the Machine

• Low water pressure can affect all washing machines, whether they are front-load or top-load machines, because it affects the rate at which the machines fill with water. As a result, this can cause an error code to display in front-load machines with LED displays. Typically, nothing can be done to keep the error code from occurring. This could pose a problem for machines that won't allow you to bypass the error code and begin the wash cycle, even though the machine is just slow to fill and has adequate water to wash the load.

Programming

• One of the main reasons that low water pressure causes problems for front-load washing machines is that they use more sophisticated technology than traditional, top-load machines. Front-load machines are controlled by a software program that is time sensitive and generally allots a specific period in which the washer should be filled. If the required water level is not reached within the period, this can cause the error message to display and prevent the washer from working properly. Machines with less-sophisticated controls do not begin until the water reaches the proper level.

Purpose

• While it may be difficult to understand why manufacturers would create machines that are overly sensitive and prone to error messages given the increased technological sophistication, there is good reason for them to do so. A minimum amount of pressure is required to get the washing machine fill valves to eventually shut off. Without this control measure in place, machines could overfill and flood the laundry area.

Troubleshooting

• While little can be done to fix the water pressure going through your pipes, you can take steps to ensure that your pressure is at its maximum level when filling the machine. You should check your hose filters to ensure that no sediment has built up inside to impede the flow of water into the machine. If that does not help, you may have to consider installing a pressure-activated booster pump to increase water pressure to the machine.