A pressure balanced solenoid operated valve includes a solenoid portion having a coil. A valve member portion is connected to the solenoid portion. The valve member portion has a body including: first and second valve seats; a first cavity positioned between the first valve seat and a valve outlet port. A valve member slidably disposed in the body has a resilient valve element positioned between the first and second valve seats, the resilient valve element when in direct contact with the first valve seat defining a valve closed position. A bleed port created in the body between the first valve seat and the valve outlet port and opening into the first cavity provides a flow path for a pressurized fluid present at the second valve seat in the valve closed position to continuously flow out through the valve outlet port.