Water that keeps flowing through an Amana NTW4516 when it should be idle is siphoning through the drain hose, and Amana's Product Help gives the three ways to stop it: the drain hose must not extend more than 4.5 in (113 mm) into the standpipe, it must not be sealed with tape so that an air gap breaks the suction, and the top of the standpipe must be at least 30 in (76.2 cm) from the floor, since a lower drain lets gravity start a siphon. The guide adds that the drain hose must be no higher than 96 in above the floor.
Differential
Likely causes of “Amana NTW4516 top-load washer fills with water while turned off”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe
What separates it Water siphons out as the tub fills because the drain hose is pushed too far into the standpipe
How to confirm Cut back to 4.5 in with the drain hose form
- 2
A hose taped into the drain pipe
What separates it The suction continues because a hose taped into the drain pipe leaves no air gap
How to confirm Remove the tape; the hose should be loose but secure
- 3
A standpipe below the minimum height
What separates it Gravity keeps water flowing from the tub because the standpipe is below the minimum height
How to confirm Check the drain top is at least 30 in high
- 4
Inlet valve or hose leak
What separates it Water rises with the washer off because of an inlet valve or hose leak
How to confirm Turn off both faucets and see whether it stops
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- How far the hose sits in the standpipe and whether taped
- The height of the standpipe above the floor
- Whether the water stops when the faucets are closed
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck hose length
ReversibleNo more than 4.5 in (113 mm) inside the standpipe; use the drain hose form.
Untape the hose
ReversibleUntape the hose, by removing any tape, since the hose should be loose but secure, so that air can enter.
Measure the standpipe
ReversibleIts top must be at least 30 in from the floor; the drain hose must be no higher than 96 in.
Close the faucets
ReversibleClose the faucets, since if water still enters, the inlet valve or the hoses are the cause.
Run a short cycle
ReversibleRun a short cycle, and watch a fill and drain, to confirm that the tub keeps its water.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Standpipe and hose numbers in one place
- Amana's articles for this washer give the drain figures as: hose end no more than 4.5 in into the standpipe, standpipe top at least 30 in from the floor to prevent gravity siphoning (39 in is quoted as the minimum in its fill and spin articles), and hose end no higher than 96 in above the floor. The drain hose form supplied with the washer sets the hose length.
- Parts for this problem on the NTW4516 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- water inlet valve, part number W11210459, at $66.77.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the NFW5800 front-load washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the tub fills with the faucets closed, unplug and call Amana service; a valve may be stuck
- !If the household drain backs up, call a plumber
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Amana's own table of top-load washer codes and resolutions.
Amana's own symptom articles for top-load washers, each.
A dealer listing giving the NTW4516FW's capacity, cabinet size and feature list.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my Amana NTW4516 keep filling?+
A drain hose too far into the standpipe, taped in place, or a low standpipe can siphon water through the tub.
How far should the hose go into the drain?+
No more than 4.5 in (113 mm).
What is the minimum standpipe height?+
At least 30 in (76.2 cm) from the floor for siphon prevention; Amana's fill and spin articles quote 39 in as the minimum height.
What is the maximum?+
96 in (2.4 m) above the floor.
Should I tape the hose?+
No; leave it loose but secure for an air gap.