The present invention is a valve and valve housing designed for controlling the flow of water into washing machines comprising a molded plastic housing (1) with an inlet coupling (2) connecting the valve to the water supply, and an outlet coupling (3) connecting the valve to the washing machine; a poppet valve (4) located between said water inlet and outlet couplings normally remains closed with respect to its seat (5); the stem (4a) of said poppet valve (4) is associated with a leaf spring (8), and actuated by a piston (7) projecting from a casing (6) containing a wax with high thermal dilative properties; said casing (6) is in contact with one or more thermistors (9) (PTC) electrically powered through terminals (10) connected to the washing machine's timer, and having the purpose of opening the valve when the thermistor(s) is/are energized causing the wax contained in the casing (6) to expand inducing the axial movement of the piston (7), the leaf spring (8), and the poppet (4) of the valve, which retracts from its seat allowing water to enter the washing machine; said poppet is integral with the small diameter passage restrictor.