Don’t rush to call a technician — or shop for a new machine. Most of the time, the culprit is one tiny part: the mesh filter inside the water inlet. Follow the five pictures below and fix it yourself.
Why is the water coming in slowly?
Sand, rust and limescale from your tap water gradually build up on the inlet filter mesh. Over time the mesh gets so densely clogged that water can barely squeeze through — like a mask on your water pipe that grows tighter every month.
How to tell it’s the filter?
Filling is slow but draining is fine, the sound is softer, and every other tap in the house flows normally — nine times out of ten, the inlet filter is clogged.
The good news: this needs no expertise and no special tools. A cloth, an old toothbrush, and five simple steps — that’s all it takes.
Let’s get started, step by step.
Five illustrated steps to fix it yourself
One picture per step — just follow along.
STEP 01 Turn off the water tap
Safety first. Before touching anything, turn the tap connected to your washing machine fully clockwise to shut off the water — this keeps things from spraying everywhere when you loosen the hose.
STEP 02 Unscrew the inlet hose, pull out the filter
At the joint where the hose meets the machine, loosen the coupling nut counter-clockwise and detach the hose. The small white mesh screen inside the fitting is the filter — gently pull it out with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
STEP 03 See — it’s completely clogged
Hold the filter up to the light and you’ll usually find it caked with yellowish-brown grit, rust and limescale, clogged solid. This is the real culprit behind your slow filling.
STEP 04 Give it a good clean
Rinse it under the tap and scrub the mesh with an old toothbrush or a small brush. For stubborn limescale, soak it in white vinegar for ten minutes first, then scrub until the mesh is clearly visible and water runs straight through.
STEP 05 Put it back and done
Slot the clean filter back into the fitting, tighten the hose nut, and reopen the tap to test. You’ll hear that satisfying full-flow rush return.
Maintenance：Tips to stay ahead of the problem
Check it regularly
Check the inlet filter every 3–6 months.
Hard water? Be more diligent
Homes with hard water or older pipes may want to do it every 1–2 months.
Do the drain outlet too
While you’re at it, clean the filter at the drain outlet as well.
FAQ .
Questions you might have
Do I really need to turn off the tap first?
Yes. The inlet valve often has its own stop, but closing the tap is the safest way — it prevents spraying when you detach the hose.
What if the filter won’t come out?
Use needle-nose pliers to grip the edge and ease it out. If it’s stuck, don’t force it — rinse it with water to loosen it, then try again.
Still slow after cleaning?
Then check whether the inlet valve itself is blocked, water pressure is low, or the solenoid valve is faulty. In that case, it’s best to call a professional.
FixFlow · Home Repair Tips
For general reference only — take care while working.