Posted by: eric w on September 29, 2004 at 13:39:29:
In Reply to: Re: Maytag washer leak Posted by: Ted Sundin on February 17, 2001 at 15:03:49:
The fill spout is in series with the hose leading from the water inlet valves to the washer tub and basket. The fill spout seems to mix air with the water coming into the machine. I have never understood why it is necessary. Sometimes this part gets plugged up and water flows out the air inlet and dribbles down on the floor in the left, rear corner. I have never found any adverse affects from simply replacing it with a short piece of rigid plastic tubing or a hose barb.
I got some e-mail the other day from the Maytag repairman and he had this to say about the fill spout: "We put this device on the machines to aerate the incoming water so it sprays actively into the tub. This increased aeration helps the detergent dissolve evenly and quickly, and improves washability of the load. Also, during rinse, it keeps water from splattering onto the load during the purge cycle. The unit has four 15 second spray rinses which are affected. Removing the injector valve may solve your leak, but will cause other deficiencies. For $3.70 you can replace the rubber valve, saving the inner plastic core for use on the new valve. They leak due to hard water stress on the rubber, similar to the flapper valve on a commode. Hope this helps!"
Fill Spout Replacement Procedure
Unplug the washer.
Remove the two screws down at the bottom of the front access panel. Swing the panel out from the bottom until the two clips at the top release it. Set it aside.
Use a 3/8 inch socket to remove the two big sheet metal screws in the upper left and right hand corner that hold the washer top down on the side panels.
If you have a bleach dispensor, unclamp the hose so that you can rais the top of the washer.
Tip the top back against the wall and locate the fill spout areator down in the left, rear corner on top of the tub. As per the Maytag repairman above, go out and get a new water injector and install it.
Lower the lid and replace the big sheet metal screws holding the top down. Replace the front panel and check for proper operation.