LG & Kenmore Elite Washer Water Inlet Valve Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your LG or Kenmore Elite front-load washer won't fill, or it's filling way too slowly. Nine times out of ten, that's your inlet valve assembly calling it quits. This 5221ER1003M valve controls water flow into the drum — when it fails, you're either waiting forever for a wash cycle to start or staring at an error code. This hub covers the replacement valve for 20+ LG and Kenmore Elite models from the WM3000-WM8000 series.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Check your washer's model number before ordering. On LG front-loaders, you'll find it inside the door frame (open the door and look at the front edge of the opening) or on the back panel near the bottom. Kenmore Elite models have the same valve setup — look for model numbers starting with 796417. This 5221ER1003M valve replaces older part numbers AP6334246, PS12579227, and 5220FR2075V, so if you're seeing those in your service manual, you're good to go.

About This Replacement Valve

The inlet valve assembly sits at the back of your washer where the fill hoses connect. It's got dual solenoids that open and close to control hot and cold water flow. When one solenoid burns out (usually the cold side first), you'll notice fills taking twice as long or the washer just sitting there humming. Some LG models throw an IE error code when the valve's stuck partially closed. This valve works across multiple LG series including the WM3700, WM3600, WM3500, WM3400, and even the high-capacity WM8900 models. The Kenmore Elite cross-reference models use the exact same valve — Kenmore just put their badge on LG-manufactured washers during this generation.

Common LG Front-Load Series Using This Valve

The WM3000-series washers (like the WM3700HWA and WM3600HVA) dominated the market from 2010-2016, and they all share this inlet valve design. If you've got a WM3500CW or WM3400CW, you're looking at the same part. The commercial GCWM1069 units in laundromats use it too. Kenmore Elite models 79641782710, 79641782810, 79641783710, and 79641783810 are rebadged LG washers with identical internal components. Even LG's own replacement part numbers (5221ER1003U, 5221ER1003A) interchange with this valve — they updated the suffix letter but the valve itself didn't change.

Compatible Models

This valve fits the following LG and Kenmore Elite front-load washers:

• WM3700HWA — LG front-load washer
• WM3700HRA — LG front-load washer
• WM3700HVA — LG front-load washer
• WM3600HWA — LG front-load washer
• WM3600HVA — LG front-load washer
• WM3500CW — LG front-load washer
• WM3400CW — LG front-load washer
• WM8900HBA — LG high-capacity front-load
• GCWM1069CS7 — LG commercial washer
• GCWM1069CD7 — LG commercial washer
• TCW2013CS3 — LG commercial washer
• 79641782710 — Kenmore Elite front-load
• 79641782810 — Kenmore Elite front-load
• 79641783710 — Kenmore Elite front-load
• 79641783810 — Kenmore Elite front-load
• 5221ER1003U — LG (alternate part number)
• 5221ER1003M — LG (this part)
• 5221ER1003A — LG (alternate part number)

Note: This list covers the most common models. If your model number isn't listed but starts with WM3xxx, WM8xxx, GCWM, or 796417, check the part number on your existing valve to confirm compatibility.

What You Need to Know Before Ordering

This valve comes as a complete assembly with both hot and cold solenoids, mounting bracket, and electrical connectors. You don't need to buy anything separately. Make sure you shut off both water supply lines before you start the repair — those connections are under constant pressure even when the washer's off. The valve mounts with two screws on most models, and you'll need to disconnect four things: two water hoses, one drain hose routing clip, and one wiring harness. Takes about 30 minutes if you've done it before, maybe an hour if it's your first time. The fill hoses use a captured washer design, so don't overtighten them or you'll crack the plastic housing.