If you cut the water supply to the house in the middle of a washing machine cycle, the washing machine will likely stop working as intended. In a typical washing machine cycle, water is crucial for several stages of the process, such as filling the drum with water, agitating the clothes with detergent, and rinsing them afterward.
When the water supply is interrupted, the washing machine may pause the cycle and display an error or warning message indicating that it cannot continue due to the lack of water. Some washing machines might attempt to proceed with the rest of the cycle without water, but they could encounter various issues:
Poor cleaning: Without water, the detergent won't be able to effectively clean the clothes, and the agitator or drum may not be able to distribute the soap properly.
Potential damage: If the washing machine continues to operate without water, it may put additional stress on the motor, pumps, and other components, leading to potential damage.
Incomplete cycle: If the washing machine doesn't receive water for rinsing, the detergent will not be adequately removed from the clothes, leaving them soapy and requiring another rinse cycle.
Overheating: Some washing machines might have safety mechanisms that shut them down to prevent damage caused by operating without water.
To avoid potential issues, it's best not to interrupt a washing machine cycle by cutting off the water supply. If you need to stop the cycle midway, it's advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions to pause or cancel the cycle appropriately. If you're experiencing issues with your washing machine, it's a good idea to consult the user manual or contact a professional technician for assistance.