Whirlpool Electric Dryer Water Inlet Valve Replacement

**NOTICE**
Due the danger and complexity of electronic equipment repair, the following technical tip is intended for professional reference only. Please refer to manufacturer’s recommendations as Encompass does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or safety of this information. 

Whirlpool electric dryers are equipped with steam function for better drying, but if the steam function suddenly stops working, the water inlet valve may be the cause. To repair, order the replacement valve part (#W10815373) and follow these steps to access and replace the part with just a few hand tools and half an hour’s time:

1. Unplug dryer and turn off cold water supply. You should always shut off  power to appliances during inspections and repairs, especially if they involve water.
2. Remove water supply line and external venting from back of machine to access rear components. There may be some water already in the supply line, so be sure to have a bowl and cloth on hand to remove water.
3. Remove top part of rear panel and slide top panel off completely. Remove rear panel, which will provide full access to dryer’s internal parts.
4. Disconnect water inlet valve wires and unscrew mounting bracket. Valve will be at bottom of machine and is a blue piece connected
to wires and its own mounting bracket. If you’re unfamiliar with dryer wiring, take picture of wires’ colors and orientation before disconnecting  to assist as a guide during reassembly.
5. Once mounting bracket is free, unlock supply line from water inlet valve by turning and depressing locking mechanism around supply tube.
6. Replace valve. Add new valve by adding water supply tube and putting locking mechanism back into place. Reattach new part’s
mounting bracket with old screws and reconnect wires to terminals.
7. Reattach rear and then top panels, and then attach vent and water supply lines.

Steam function should work again now that machine can correctly introduce water to the system. Dryers can be tricky to repair, especially since there are a few steps to take before getting to the inner workings.

Special thanks to Fred’s Appliance Academy for this helpful tip!