Why the Indesit washing machine fills and drains water without stopping: 7 reasons and repair

Washing machine Indesit started to behave strangely: it turns on the water supply, then immediately drains it without starting to wash? Or has the wash cycle turned into an endless “gurgling” with constant liquid dumping? This problem occurs in models Indesit IWSC 5105, WISL 86, EWC 6105 and other series - both new and well-established. In 80% of cases, it is not electronic failures that are to blame, but simple blockages or sensor failures, which can be fixed independently in 20-40 minutes.

But why does the machine behave as if it “doesn’t understand” that water has already been filled? The point is that the control system focuses on signals from the pressure switch (water level sensor) and supply valve. If at least one of these elements does not work correctly, the washing program is lost. For example, if there is a blockage in the drain pipe, the controller “thinks” that the tank is empty and turns on the set again. What if it's broken? intake valve, water can flow continuously, causing an emergency drain. Next, we will analyze all the possible reasons - from the simplest to the complex ones that require replacement of parts.

1. Clogged drain filter or pipe

Let's start with the most common reason - clogged drain system. If the filter or pipe is clogged with lint, threads or coins, the water drains too slowly. Controller Indesit perceives this as a malfunction and turns on the emergency drain, and then draws in water again, trying to “reach” the desired level. This cycle can be repeated endlessly.

How to check? Open the bottom panel of the machine (usually secured with latches or screws) and locate the round filter on the right. Place the container - when unscrewing the filter, up to 0.5 liters of water may spill out. Inspect it for debris. Also check drain pipe (rubber tube from the tank to the pump): often lumps of dirt accumulate there, which are not visible from the outside.

• 🔧 Signs of a blockage: the machine drains the water for longer than 1-2 minutes, the hum of the pump is heard, but the water drains in jerks.
• 🛠️ How to clean: rinse the filter under running water, remove debris from the nozzle with wire or tweezers.
• ⚠️ Be careful! Do not use sharp objects - you can damage the rubber of the pipe.

If the problem remains after cleaning, proceed to the next step. But in 30% of cases, blockage is the only reason for the “endless” collection and drainage.

2. Malfunction of the pressure switch (water level sensor)

The pressure switch is the “eyes” of the washing machine: it determines how much water is in the tank and signals to the controller when it’s time to stop loading or start draining. If the sensor stuck in the "empty tank" position or its tube is pinched, the machine will think that there is no water and turn on the supply valve again. And then, when the level exceeds the norm, an emergency drain will work.

How to diagnose:

1. Remove the top cover of the machine (unscrew the 2 screws from the back and slide it back).
2. Find the pressure switch - this is a round part with connected wires and a tube (usually located in the tank).
3. Remove the tube and blow it out - if you hear a whistle, it means it is not pinched.
4. Check the sensor contacts with a multimeter (resistance should change with pressure changes).

Critical Information: Models Indesit 2015-2020 model years often have a factory defect in the pressure switch - a crack in the housing, due to which the sensor “lies” to the controller. In this case, replacement is required.

How to temporarily deceive the pressure switch if there is no replacement?

If the sensor is broken and you need to wash it urgently, you can manually add water to the desired level (look at the viewing window) and start the program without adding water. But this is risky: if there is overflow, the emergency drain will trigger, and the controller may become blocked.

3. Intake valve failure

The inlet valve is responsible for supplying water to the tank. If he doesn't close completely Once set, water will flow continuously - even when the machine needs to wash or spin. The controller will detect the overflow and turn on the drain, creating the illusion of an “endless loop.”

Signs of valve failure:

• 💧 Water is collected even when the machine is turned off (check by disconnecting the hose from the sewer).
• 🔊 You can hear the sound of water in the supply hose when the machine is not working.
• 📉 An error may appear on the display F05 or F11 (code depends on model).

How to check the valve:

1. Unplug the machine and turn off the water.
2. Remove the top cover and locate the valve (usually in the upper left corner).
3. Disconnect the wires and check the resistance of the coils with a multimeter (should be 2-4 kOhm).
4. If there is no resistance, the valve is burnt out and must be replaced.

4. Control board (electronics) failure

If all mechanical elements are in good order, but Indesit still collects and drains water, the problem may lie in electronic module. Most often this happens due to:

• 🌊 Moisture gets on the board (for example, when the powder receiver leaks).
• ⚡ Power surges in the network.
• 🕰️ Natural wear and tear of capacitors (relevant for cars over 7 years old).

Signs of electronic failure:

• 🔄 The machine “freezes” at one stage, then suddenly drains the water and starts dialing again.
• 📱 All indicators flash on the display or random errors appear (F08, F18).
• 🔌 Programs turn on by themselves (for example, the machine starts washing without pressing buttons).

What to do:

1. Disconnect the machine from the network for 10-15 minutes (sometimes “rebooting” helps).
2. Inspect the board for blackened elements or swollen capacitors.
3. If you have a soldering iron and experience, replace the burnt parts. Otherwise, contact service.

5. Problems with the sewer or siphon

Sometimes the reason lies not in the car, but in drainage system. If the siphon or sewer pipe is clogged, the water leaves the tank too slowly, and the machine “thinks” the drain is not working. As a result, it turns on the emergency mode: set → drain → set.

How to check:

• 🚰 Disconnect the drain hose from the siphon and direct it into a bathtub or bucket.
• 🔄 Launch the drain program. If the water drains quickly, the problem is in the sewer system.
• 🧹 Clean the siphon manually or using a plumbing cable.

Also make sure that the drain hose is not kinked or pinched. Models Indesit with vertical loading (WISL 86 and the like) the hose is often pinched by the back wall if the machine is standing close to the wall.

6. Malfunction of the pump (drain pump)

If the drain pump does not develop the required power or its impeller is blocked by debris, the water will drain too slowly. The controller will regard this as a malfunction and initiate an emergency cycle. At the same time, you can hear the pump humming, but almost no water is drained.

How to diagnose a pump:

1. Remove the bottom panel of the machine and locate the pump (usually on the lower right).
2. Disconnect the wires and check the winding resistance with a multimeter (should be 150-200 ohms).
3. Turn the impeller by hand - if it does not rotate, it means it is jammed.

Frequent causes of pump failure:

• 🧶 Winding threads or hair onto the impeller shaft.
• 🔋 Wear of bearings (the pump hums, but does not pump water).
• 💥 Short circuit in the winding (the machine knocks out the machine when draining).

If the pump burns out, it needs to be replaced. For models Indesit pumps with article numbers are suitable C00088701 (original) or Askoll 100W (analog).

7. Connection or installation errors

Sometimes the machine fills and drains water due to incorrect connection. Here are the most common mistakes:

• 🔌 Drain hose connected without siphon — the water leaves by gravity, and the machine “does not see” the level in the tank.
• 📏 Drain hose is too low (below 50 cm from the floor) - a siphon effect occurs, and the water leaves on its own.
• 🚫 Water supply hose is pinched — the valve does not close completely and water flows constantly.

How to fix:

1. Connect the drain hose to the siphon with check valve (sold in plumbing stores).
2. Raise the hose to a height of 50-60 cm from the floor and secure it to the wall.
3. Make sure the water supply hose is not kinked or pinched by furniture.

Cause of malfunction	Signs	Remedy	Repair cost (independent/service)
Drain filter clogged	Slow drainage, pump noise	Cleaning the filter and pipe	0 rub. / 800-1500 rub.
Faulty pressure switch	Constant water supply, error F04	Replacing the sensor or tube	500-1200 rub. / 1500-2500 rub.
Broken intake valve	Water is being drawn without stopping, error F05	Valve replacement	600-1300 rub. / 1800-3000 rub.
Control board failure	Random errors, spontaneous launch of programs	Flashing or replacing the module	1000-2000 rub. / 3500-6000 rub.
Sewer blockage	The water leaves in spurts, there is a smell from the siphon	Cleaning the siphon or pipes	0 rub. / 1000-2000 rub. (plumber)

⚠️ Attention! If after checking all the elements the problem remains, it is possible that the controller firmware may have failed. In this case, only flashing it at a service center will help - independent manipulations with the software can completely damage the board.

⚠️ Attention! Never start the car with the tank cap open (even for diagnostic purposes). In models Indesit With front loading, when the drum rotates, water can get on the electronics, which will lead to a short circuit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The machine fills with water and immediately drains without starting the wash. What's the matter?

Most likely broken pressure switch or its tube is clogged. Also check if the drain hose is pinched - if the water drains by gravity, the machine “thinks” that the tank is empty and turns on the set again. Start by cleaning the filter and checking the level sensor tube.

Indesit shows error F05 and constantly fills with water. What to do?

Error F05 means a problem with intake valve. Disconnect the machine from the mains and water, then check:

1. Is the mesh filter at the inlet (at the hose connection) clogged?
2. The serviceability of the valve itself (check the coils with a multimeter).
3. Integrity of wires going to the valve.

In 70% of cases, replacing the valve helps (costs 600-1300 rubles).

Is it possible to replace the pressure switch with Indesit yourself?

Yes, this is one of the simplest operations. You will need:

• New sensor (eg Indesit C00093753 for models 2015-2020).
• Phillips screwdriver.
• Pliers for removing clamps from the tube.

Algorithm:

1. Remove the top cover of the machine.
2. Disconnect the tube and wires from the pressure switch.
3. Unscrew the sensor and install a new one.
4. Connect the tube and wires, check for leaks.

The main thing is not to mix up the wires and make sure that the tube is not pinched.

After draining, the machine again takes in water and drains again. The cycle repeats endlessly. What is this?

Typical sign clogged drain pipe or malfunction pumps. Open the bottom panel, drain the remaining water through the emergency hose (if equipped), then:

1. Clean the filter and the pipe from the tank to the pump.
2. Check the pump impeller - it should rotate freely.
3. If the pump hums but does not pump water, replace it.

If the pipe is clean and the pump is working properly, check the pressure switch or control board.

The Indesit washing machine draws water even when it is turned off. Is it dangerous?

Yes it is emergency! Turn off the water supply valve immediately. Reason: faulty intake valve, which does not close after turning off the machine. If you do not replace it, the following are possible:

• Flood (valve may open completely).
• Controller failure due to short circuit.
• Pouring water through the powder receiver.

The valve cannot be repaired - only replaced (cost of part: 500-1200 rubles).