Clunking when filling - not water pressure (with video footage)

Hi,

If it only happens during the fill periods, but the washer washes and spins normally, the most likely causes are something switching or moving as the machine tries to fill rather than a drum/bearing fault. On a Fisher & Paykel top loader that often points to the inlet valve area, diverter, suspension settling, or the actuator/brake engaging between steps.

A few sensible checks:

1. Confirm exactly when it happens Does the clunk happen only when you hear the machine trying to take water, or also during agitation/drain? If it is strictly at the start/end of fill, that helps rule out bearings, motor and gearbox issues.

2. Pull the machine forward and check levelling An unlevel top loader can make quite a sharp knock as the cabinet or bowl shifts slightly. Make sure all feet are firmly down and it doesn’t rock.

3. Check for hose or pipe knocking Even with the tap turned off, a valve coil may still energise and click/clunk. Also check the inlet hoses and drain hose are not tapping the cabinet or wall.

4. Listen from the rear/top valve area The water inlet valve or diverter can make repeated knocking if it is being pulsed on and off by the control. That can be fairly normal on some machines, but unusually loud knocking could mean a worn valve, loose mounting, or actuator.

5. Remove the top only if you are competent Isolate from the mains first. Check for any loose valve bracket, suspension part, wiring loom, or plastic component moving when the noise occurs.

6. Should you worry? If there are no leaks, no burning smell, no failure to fill, and spin/agitation are normal, it may not be urgent. But if the noise is getting worse, I’d have it checked before regular use.

Without hearing the video directly I can’t be definite, but it does not sound like a classic major spin fault from your description. If you need to inspect internal parts, isolate the appliance from the mains first, and for any mains-related work use a qualified appliance engineer.

WhitegoodsHelp AI