Low Water Level - Knob Control - Top Load Washer (2024)

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Possible Solutions

Selecting Cycles and Options (on some models)

Select the cycle and options most appropriate for the load being laundered.

CLICK HEREfor more information on how to use the cycles and options.

Does your washer have a Water Level option?

If your model has the option to choose a water level, you can choose to have a deep water wash or auto-sensing.

If you would like the machine to automatically sense theappropriate water level for the load size and type, turn theWater Level knob to the Auto Sensing setting.

If you would like to add the maximum amount of water toyour wash cycle, turn the Water Level knob to the DeepWater Wash setting.

NOTE: Expect longer cycle times due to extended fill timeswhen using the Deep Water Wash option.

Cleaning with Less Water


The most striking difference in this washer is the low-water wash platewash system. The washer automatically adjusts the water level to the load size; no water level selector is needed.For best performance, it is recommended to load items in looseheaps evenly around the wash plate. Leave the center of the wash plateuncovered for the best results.

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As the washer dampens and moves the load, the level of the items will settle in the basket. This is normal and does not indicate that more items should be added.

IMPORTANT: Do not add more water - it is important that there is the engagement of the impeller and the clothes. If there is too much water, the clothes will float and the cleaning action will be lessened due to the design of the cycles.

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Automatic Load Size Sensing

Once you start the cycle, the lid will lock, and the washer will begin the sensing process to determine the correct water level for the load.Initially, the basket will start to spin before adding water. This is part of the sensing process and is normal. This low-water wash method uses less water and energy compared to a traditional agitator-style washer.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Use only High-Efficiency detergents. The package will be marked “HE” or “High Efficiency.” Low-water washing creates excessive sudsing with regular non-HE detergent. Using regular detergent will likely result in longer cycle times and reduced rinsing performance. It may also result in component failures or the buildup of residue in the washing machine. HE detergents are made to produce the right amount of suds for the best performance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount of detergent to use, and do not fill the detergent cap over the "max" line when adding detergent.

Which detergent should you use?

Maytag recommends usingSwashLaundry Detergent. It is designed to work in both high-efficiency (HE) and non-HE washing machines. With an 8x concentrated formula, you’ll use about a quarter of the detergent you’d need with a traditional 2x concentration detergent. It may look like a small amount, but you’ll be amazed at its effectiveness.

The Smart Way to Wash

From our Precision Pour Cap to our ultra-concentrated formula, Swash®delivers the results you want in a compact, intelligent bottle design.

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Improved Cleaning

Low-water cleaning means concentrated cleaning. Ratherthan diluting detergent as done in an agitator-style washer,this washer delivers the detergent directly to the soil. This low water wash also allows the clothing to move more effectively to remove soil.

Were you using the Bulky Cycle (available on some models)?

Cycle timemay be longer during water fill when using the Bulky Cycle, depending on theload size. The Bulky Cycle uses a series of fills while agitating.Itmay appear thatthere is not enough water to wash a bulky load, but the washerwill continue to add water while itssensors monitor the load. It could take up to 10-12 minutes to completely fill.

This process also increases the cleaningperformance.The benefit of agitating while filling resultsin improved mechanical action for a wide variety of loads. The Bulky Cycle is recommendedfor a lot of different types of items (jackets, rugs, comforters, etc.), all of which have different optimal water levels for load motion, depending on load size. Executing agitation during fill improves the washer's ability to reachthe optimal wash water level. During theBulky Cycle, the fill will occasionallypausefor the washerto provide additional mechanical action at a variety of water levels.

Clean Washer Cycle

If you feel that the washer level is lower than when you first started using this washer, try running a Clean Washer cycle. This cycle re-calibrates the control and resets it back to the factory-set water levels. This cycle should be run approximately 1 time per month (using the affresh® Washer cleaner).

If you would like to download or view product literature for your appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.

Cleans even where you can't see

affresh®cleans deep inside your appliances reaching components such as thetub, racks, pump, valves, drain,and recirculation hoses.

Cleaners are available at many retailers or can be purchasedhere.

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Still need help? Contact usor schedule service.

Please contact us or click below to make an appointment from our preferred list of service providers for service on your appliances.

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Low Water Level - Knob Control - Top Load Washer (2024)

FAQs

Can you adjust the water level in a top load washer? ›

If you would like the machine to automatically sense the appropriate water level for the load size and type, turn the Water Level knob to the Auto Sensing setting. If you would like to add the maximum amount of water to your wash cycle, turn the Water Level knob to the Deep Water Wash setting.

Why is the water level low on my Maytag top load washer? ›

If you feel that the washer level is lower than when you first started using this washer, try running a Clean Washer cycle. This cycle re-calibrates the control and resets it back to the factory-set water levels. This cycle should be run approximately 1 time per month (using the affresh® Washer cleaner).

Which washer setting uses less water? ›

Quick Wash or Express Wash will be a minimum fill - only a few inches of water in the bottom of the washer. Bulky cycle will result in a complete fill wash - the washer will be completely full. Rinse Cycle, some cycles use a spray rinse. However, by using the Fabric Softener option, the washer will use a full rinse.

What is the water level switch on a washing machine? ›

Water Level Switch Function

The water level switch sends power from the timer control to the water inlet valve and the temperature switch each time the tub needs to be filled during a wash cycle.

Can you override the water level in a washing machine? ›

Quick Water Level Bypassing Formula For Washing Machine

Before commencing the wash cycle, pour 4 lbs of water over the clothes and let water to soak into the fabric. Start the wash cycle. The machine will think the load is 6 lbs instead of 2 lbs and it will fill water for 6 lbs cloth loads automatically.

How to adjust water level on Maytag washer? ›

If you would like the machine to automatically sense the appropriate water level for the load size and type, turn the Water Level knob to the Auto Sensing setting. If you would like to add the maximum amount of water to your wash cycle, turn the Water Level knob to the Deep Water Wash setting.

Why is my Maytag washer not filling all the way with water? ›

Generally if your washer is not filling correctly then either the level sensor tub is plugged or the level pressure switch has failed. First pull the plastic tube off your pressure switch and blow through it to clear it.

What is the auto water level sensor on a Maytag washer? ›

Auto Sensing cycles sense how much water is needed based on load size and fills accordingly, while the Deep Fill option fills the wash basket with your choice of deep water levels. Another difference between these two settings is the duration of the wash cycle.

Do washing machines automatically adjust water level? ›

Did you press the Water Level button right after pressing the Power button? Fully automatic washing machines set the water level automatically by detecting the load of clothes [weight of the laundry] during the washing operation.

Where is the water level switch? ›

The water level switch is usually found behind the control panel, but it can also be found at the sump area below the tubs. Before replacing the switch, first eliminate the air dome hose as the problem. Remove the hose and submerge it in water. Then, seal one end, blow air into the other, and look for bubbles.

Where is the water level valve on a washing machine? ›

The inlet valve is located around the back of the washing machine, and it's function is to control the amount of water that goes into the machine, and at what times, during the wash cycle.

Why is my top-load washer not filling with enough water? ›

One possible culprit could be a faulty water inlet valve. Over time, these valves can become clogged with debris, preventing the free flow of water. A malfunctioning valve requires replacement. A faulty pressure switch could also cause the washer not fill.

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