LG Top Load Washer Water Inlet Valve Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your LG top loader won't fill with cold water, or it's filling way too slowly during the wash cycle. The water inlet valve controls the flow of cold water into your washer drum — when it fails, you're stuck waiting forever for a fill cycle that never completes, or dealing with a washer that won't start at all. This hub covers the AJU72911001 cold water inlet valve assembly that fits LG WT-H550 series washers and compatible Kenmore models manufactured by LG.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

The AJU72911001 valve fits multiple LG top load washer series, including the WT-H550, WT-H550W1, and WTG6534W models. You'll also find this same valve in Kenmore 795.716 series washers (model numbers starting with 79571602, 79571603, 79571604, and 79571606). Before ordering, check your washer's model number — it's typically located inside the washer lid opening on a silver or white sticker, or on the back panel near the water inlet hoses.

About This Replacement Part

The AJU72911001 is a direct replacement for the cold water inlet valve assembly on LG direct drive top load washers. This valve is a solenoid-operated component that opens when the washer control board sends power during fill cycles. When it fails, you'll typically see one of two scenarios: either no water enters the washer at all (complete valve failure), or water trickles in extremely slowly because the valve screen is clogged with sediment or the solenoid coil has weakened. Some failures happen gradually — the washer takes progressively longer to fill over weeks or months. Others are sudden — the valve works fine one load, then completely stops the next. This part is also sold as WT-H550 replacement valve and works interchangeably with the original LG factory component.

Compatible LG & Kenmore Models

This valve assembly works across both LG-branded and LG-manufactured Kenmore top load washers from the same generation. The WT-H550 series represents LG's direct drive top loader design with electronic controls and sensors. If your model number appears in the list below, this AJU72911001 valve is the correct cold water inlet replacement.

LG Models Using This Valve

• WT-H550
• WT-H550W1
• WTG6534W
• 71602
• 71606
• 71609

Kenmore Models (LG-Manufactured)

• 79571602013
• 79571602015
• 79571603013
• 79571603014
• 79571603015
• 79571604013
• 79571604014
• 79571604015
• 79571606013
• 79571606014

What This Part Does

The inlet valve sits at the back of your washer where the cold water supply hose connects. Inside the valve housing, there's a solenoid coil and a spring-loaded rubber diaphragm. When the washer needs cold water, the control board energizes the solenoid — this creates a magnetic field that pulls the diaphragm open against spring pressure, allowing water to flow through the valve body and into the washer tub through the dispenser housing. When the control board cuts power, the spring pushes the diaphragm closed, stopping water flow. The valve also contains a fine mesh screen at the inlet port to catch sediment from your home's water supply.

Signs You Need This Replacement

A failing cold water inlet valve shows specific symptoms that are pretty easy to identify. Here's what to watch for:

• Washer won't fill or fills extremely slowly: The most obvious sign — you start a cycle and either no water enters the drum, or it takes 10-15 minutes to reach the proper water level when it should take 2-3 minutes.
• Error codes related to water fill: Many LG washers will display an IE or 1E error code (water inlet error) when the fill cycle takes too long or doesn't complete.
• Valve hums but no water flows: You hear the valve buzzing or humming during the fill cycle, but water doesn't enter the washer — this means the solenoid is getting power but the valve mechanism is stuck closed.
• Water leaks from valve body: If the valve housing cracks or the internal diaphragm tears, you'll see water dripping from the valve even when the washer isn't running.
• Intermittent fills: Sometimes the washer fills normally, other times it doesn't — this usually indicates a failing solenoid coil that works when it's cold but stops functioning once it heats up.

Installation Overview

Replacing the cold water inlet valve is straightforward on LG top load washers — it doesn't require removing the entire washer cabinet. You'll need to unplug the washer and shut off the cold water supply valve at the wall. Remove the water supply hose from the back of the washer, then remove the two screws holding the valve to the washer frame. Disconnect the wire harness from the valve solenoid and the internal hose going to the dispenser. The new valve installs in reverse order — connect the wire harness, attach the internal hose, secure the valve with the mounting screws, and reconnect the supply hose. Total time is usually 15-20 minutes for someone with basic tool skills.

Ordering the Right Valve

When you order the AJU72911001 valve, verify your model number matches one of the compatible models listed above. This is specifically the cold water valve — if you need the hot water valve or both valves, check which positions have failed before ordering. The valve comes as a complete assembly with the solenoid coil already installed, so you don't need to purchase additional components. Some sellers also list this part as WT-H550 valve or DD Top Loader cold water valve — these are all the same AJU72911001 component with different naming conventions.

Need Help Finding Your Model Number?

LG top load washers have the model and serial number tag in one of two places. Open the lid and look along the top edge of the washer opening — you'll usually find a silver sticker with the model number starting with "WT" or a number series like "71602". If it's not there, check the back panel of the washer near the water inlet connections. For Kenmore models manufactured by LG, the model number will start with 795.716 and is located in the same positions. Write down the complete model number before ordering to ensure you're getting the correct replacement valve.