High-efficiency washers are great when it comes to conserving water and energy. Thanks to the built-in water level sensor, your machine will calculate the amount of water needed for washing based on your load weight.
Unfortunately, sometimes the assigned amount of water isn’t enough to deliver the best washing results. This may result in:
- Annoying soap scum and residue on the clothes
- Smelling as if the clothes didn’t get washed
- Pieces of clothing that feel dry even after going through the washer
- Having to put the clothes back in for a second cycle
If you’re frustrated with such issues, then the solution may lie in knowing how to bypass washing machine water level sensor. Below is a full guide on the different ways you can do the job.
Option 1: Add More Weight
Since the water level sensor weighs your load to determine the amount of water it needs to use, adding extra weight is one easy way to trick your sensor.
You can do this by throwing in some thin towels with the load, dumping a few cups of water on your clothes when loaded, or combine both methods by adding wet, thin towels.
Doing any of these will cause your washing machine to release more water so your clothes will come out adequately clean.
Option 2: Install a Water Hose
If you’re up for a mini-DIY project, then you may want to consider installing a water hose to bypass the washing machine water level sensor. Despite how it sounds, this procedure is actually pretty simple.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A splitter
- A couple of plastic hose caps
- A 6-foot hose
Here are the steps:
- Turn off the hot and cold supply to your washing machine.
- Attach the splitter to the temperature water terminal you prefer to use for washing.
- Make sure the splitter is securely screwed into the main channel.
- Connect the wash cycle hose to one of the openings via the splitter.
- Join the 6-foot hose to the third channel in your splitter.
- While your washing machine is filling with water, open the valve to let the water enter through the hose. Be sure to cap the hose to keep it clean when not in use.
Option 3: Use the Bulk Setting on Smaller Loads
Another way you can trick the machine’s water level sensor is by using the bulk option for washing smaller loads.
If you load too many articles of clothing, you still may end up with a lower than required level of water. Bit if you throw in a smaller load, your clothing will get a more thorough wash.
As a rule of thumb, keep the number of clothing articles under 15 per cycle under the bulk setting.
Option 4: Adjusting the Pressure Switch
You can try this method only if your drain is higher than the highest water level mark, otherwise, the water will simply waste into the drain.
To adjust the pressure switch, you will need to locate it first. It’s typically behind the water level switch with a screw that’s factory sealed on top of it.
Once you find the pressure switch, use a screwdriver to tighten the screw. This will push the disc inward.
Wrap Up
There you have it, 4 different ways to guide you on how to bypass a washing machine water sensor level.
