Zanussi Cold Water Inlet Valve

The difference between a hot and cold water valve is usually in the flow restrictor, which should be fitted into the cold valve behind the filter. However, it is possible for the flow restrictor to be fitted right at the other end of the valve once the water has passed through. As cold water pressure is usually far higher they tend to fit flow restrictor to the cold valve but not into the hot, which in the UK at least has traditionally been quite low water pressure gravity fed from a tank.

In theory they are interchangeable but a cold water valve fitted onto a hot water supply may reduce the flow of water far too much, and conversely hot water valve fitted to a cold water supply could result into higher water pressure causing potential leaks from the soap dispenser.

The solenoids can sometimes be swapped over if the fault is on the solenoid though not all valves are designed to make this easy. If you try swapping the valve over have a look to see if there is a flow restrictor fitted behind the filter on the cold valve which isn't fitted on the hot.