it takes forever to fill, like 15 minutes just to get enough water to start washing.

Diagnosis

The slow fill time on the GE GTW685BSLWS is almost always caused by a restriction in the water flow, typically occurring at the inlet valve screens. Over time, calcium carbonate (scale), rust from galvanized piping, or sediment from municipal water lines accumulate in the fine mesh filters located inside the water inlet valve ports. This restricts the volume of water entering the tub, forcing the machine to run the fill cycle for an extended period before the pressure switch triggers the start of the agitation phase. You can confirm this is the issue by observing the flow of water into the tub. If the water enters as a trickle or a very thin stream rather than a powerful rush, the blockage is physical. If you hear the valve humming or clicking but no water is flowing, the screen is likely completely occluded. In rarer cases, if only one temperature (e.g., only cold) is filling slowly, the problem is isolated to that specific valve solenoid or its corresponding screen.

How to Fix It

To clear the obstructions and restore full water pressure, follow these precise steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the 120V outlet and completely shut off the hot and cold water supply faucets located on your wall.
2. Use a pair of channel locks or a wrench to unscrew the large plastic nuts connecting the fill hoses to the back of the washer. Keep a shallow bucket or towel handy to catch the residual water remaining in the hoses.
3. Inspect the intake ports on the back of the machine. You will see small, circular plastic mesh screens recessed inside the valve openings.
4. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers or a small pick, gently grip the edge of the mesh screen and pull it straight out. Be careful not to tear the mesh or damage the plastic housing of the valve.
5. Place the screens in a small bowl of white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral scale. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining grit or sand.
6. Rinse the screens under high-pressure tap water to ensure they are clear.
7. Reinsert the cleaned screens firmly into the valve ports.
8. Reconnect the hoses, ensuring the rubber washers are seated correctly to prevent leaks. Tighten the nuts firmly but avoid over-tightening, which can crack the plastic threads.
9. Turn the water supply back on and run a "Quick Wash" cycle to verify the fill speed.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Home Supply Valves: Ensure the wall faucets are turned fully to the "open" position. Sometimes a partially closed valve or a failing washer inside the wall faucet restricts flow before the water even reaches the machine.
• Inspect the Fill Hoses: If you are using old rubber hoses, they can internally collapse or develop "kinks" that restrict flow. Replace old hoses with braided stainless steel hoses to eliminate internal collapse and prevent future bursts.
• Replace the Water Inlet Valve Assembly: If the screens are clean but the flow is still weak, the internal solenoid or the diaphragm inside the valve assembly (Part #WH01X22413 or similar depending on the specific build date) has likely failed. This requires removing the top panel of the machine and replacing the entire dual-valve manifold.
• Verify Water Pressure: If other fixtures in the house have low pressure, the issue is with your home's plumbing or the pressure regulator. The GTW685BSLWS requires a minimum of 20 PSI to operate the valves efficiently.

Heads Up

• Avoid Over-tightening: The inlet valve housings are plastic. Using a heavy-duty wrench to overtighten the hose connections can cause the plastic to hairline crack, leading to a flood.
• Annual Maintenance: If you live in an area with "hard water" (high mineral content), clean these screens every 12 months to prevent the machine from timing out during the fill cycle.
• Leak Check: After cleaning the screens and reconnecting hoses, run the machine for 5 minutes while watching the connections with a flashlight to ensure there are no slow drips.
• Avoid Chemical Cleaners: Do not use harsh acids or bleach to clean the mesh screens, as this can degrade the nylon mesh and allow sediment to flow directly into the machine's internal plumbing.