HELP!!!

I will start by giving my units model number which is 11020942992 , It is a Kenmore Elite Washer, I think around 5 years old.

Here is the problem. I turn the timer to the proper spot so that the unit fills with my detergent in of course, it agitates the clothes for 12 minutes or so, and then right before coming to the drain cycle it starts to fill with more water. If I let it keep filling I have water that has overflowed in the floor out over the top of the barrel. It will finally pass to the drain cycle and finish the load with no more problems, but what a mess I have. I feel like it's something simple. I took the bleach hose loose and blew threw it and it was clogged a bit, but that wasn't the problem as it overflowed again after I tried this fix.

Any help someone can give will be greatly appreciated!!!

Credendovidis

The max water height in the tub is controlled by a 1.5 thick and 3 inch circular pressure switch that is controlled by air pressure. When the water level in the tub rises, the air in the top of the tub get trapped and pressurized. High up in the tub is a small exit, and a thin rubber hose connects that to the pressure switch.
At a preset pressure the switch turns the electric water valve off.
If either the hose is lose, or broken, or leaking, or blocked, the pressure switch can not close the water valve, and the tub overflowes.
It is also possible that the switch is faulty, or that some water is trapped in the tube, changing the pressure switch operation (either of these seems the problem here).

Advice :
FIRST disconnect the power lead from the socket, and put the cable on the ground in front of you : safety first!
Remove the rear cover.
Locate the pressure switch and carefully free it from it's location : if possible do not remove the wiring. Otherwise write down which wire is connected to which contact.
Carefully remove the hose connected to the pressure switch lose from the tub. If not possible, remove the hose from the pressure switch instead.
Check if there is any water in the tube, and if so remove it.
Blow on the hose (or on the switch hole) : when you increase the pressure you have to hear the click of the switch activating. If not, the switch is faulty.
If you hear the click : again make sure that no water is left in the hose, and reinstall everything again. The problem should be solved now.
Success!
As always : if this solves your problem, please rate the answer provided! Feed back is always appreciated!

CowboyFan1

OK, first I would like to thank you for a prompt response.

I checked all you told me as far as the pressure switch goes and I didn't see anything that would obstruct the flow of air. I blew threw the hose and all seemed fine, I heard the click you were speaking of. I decided while I had this thing apart to look into it further and I am thinking that my problem stems from the bleach dispenser. Is this possible? I am thinking that right around the time the bleach should dispense is when I am having the gush of water over my tub, and the clamp that holds the hose on the bottom of the dispenser is rusty, so it has been getting water around this area for some time. What do you think about this theory? Is this possible, and if so please explain.

Thank you so much for your help! You rock!!!

Credendovidis

I based my advice on what you stated in the first post.
You stated "If I let it keep filling I have water that has overflowed in the floor out over the top of the barrel." That meant that the water flow would not stop. But THAT can not happen with a faulty bleach dispenser, as the tub fills, and the pressure switch stops the incoming water from filling and overflow the tub.
You may well be right : there may something be wrong with the bleach dispenser. A lose tube perhaps. Or the plastic holder broken. In can not be the soap holder, as than the water had been leaking already from the start. (May be it did, but you did not notice that ...)
But that you must be able to see :
First make sure that everything is reconnected as before. I assume you already have the top cover off.
Empty the drum, close the door, plug in the power cord, make sure the tap is open, and start the washing cycle again, as per your first post.
Keep around and see what is happening, where the leak occurs!
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Once you know : FIRST switch off (that always should stop incoming water), and disconnect the power cord from the wall socket. Normal people like you and I only live only once ...
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You can always contact me if this does not solve the problem.
Success!