How to replace a water inlet valve in washing machine?

Question

I am trying to replace a water inlet valve in my washing machine. Should have been easy peasy but the connectors that should have disconnected easily have become hard to do in an eight year old top loader washing machine.

I have tried pulling the connector (not the wires), wiggling them, they just won’t budge. I have read not to use silicon spray, so I need suggestions please.

EricL · Answer

Hello @grantd

Just a friendly reminder to all our members that household appliances contain 240V electrical components, which can present a serious shock hazard if handled incorrectly. In the interest of health and safety, it's best to engage the services of a registered electrician for safety and compliance.

Eric

MikeTNZ · Answer

Hi @grantd,

From your very good pictures, you will notice that these terminals have Blue Lok-tite applied to them, this is to stop the terminals coming loose under vibration.

That is probably extreme, given that if you look closely at the actual terminals, there is a small pin that holds the sliding connector to the tab of the valve connector, if you press down on that small pin, with a small pair of long nosed pliers or even a pin punch, that will release the sliding connector part.

This is done with all appliances that vibrate during their operation.

Should you need further advice, by all means, let us know.

Cheers,

Mike T.

R4addZ · Answer

Hi @grantd

The spade terminals seem to have a sealing spray on them so I would insert a flat blade screwdriver between the main body of the valve and the ends of the two rollover sides of the connector and try levering it out. Dont be too forceful with it as it may need something like acetone to remove the sealant. At the end of the day, they are a push fit connector and the sealant is probably on there because of the vibration of the machine. When you put them on the new valve, you could use a spot of nail varnish to achieve the same end.