The dishwasher is one of the most frequently used appliances in any household; it makes it easier for us to take care of dirty dishes after a delicious meal.
The dishwasher depends on filling with water, whether it’s cold or hot water, to clean the plates and dishes. Therefore, if the dishwasher cannot fill with water due to an unknown reason, it can be a very frustrating experience.
However, you don’t have to worry because, in this article, I will discuss all the possible reasons why your dishwasher is not filling with water. In addition, I will help you with a suitable solution to each cause.
Why Is Your Dishwasher Not Filling With Water?
There are several reasons why your dishwasher is not filling with water: a faulty float switch, clogged valve screens, malfunctioning drain solenoid, kinked water supply, or defective door system, to name a few.
All of the mentioned reasons can be why the appliance is not getting enough or any water supply at all. We’ve compiled the following troubleshooting steps to help you better understand each reason in more detail and the signs to look out for.
1. Faulty Float Switch
The float switch is responsible for shutting off the water supply through sensors when the float reaches the assigned level. This way, the dishwasher prevents the chance of any leak from happening due to overfill.
If the float switch is faulty, it can get stuck in the off position, cutting off the water supply even when the dishwasher is not filled. Therefore, the right solution here is to repair or replace the float switch to return the water supply to the appliance.
2. Clogged Valve Screens
The water is supplied to the dishwasher through a water valve; the valve has a screen that purifies the water from any foreign object or debris. Over time, the accumulation of debris and dirt increases in the filter screens, resulting in a weak or no water supply to the appliance.
The filter screens can also get damaged over time, blocking the water flow. Therefore, the easiest solution is to either clean the filter screen or replace it if it’s damaged.
3. Malfunctioning Drain Solenoid and Valve
The drain solenoid and valve are the components in the dishwasher that drain any excess water. If the drain valve or solenoid is malfunctioning, it can trigger the float switch, cutting off the water supply to the appliance.
A sign that the drain valve or solenoid is malfunctioning is when the water flows into the dishwasher; the drain valve will start to drain the water; as a result, the water won’t rush into the dishwasher. Another sign is when the solenoid activates the float switch, preventing you from hearing the water flowing into the dishwasher when the wash cycle begins.
4. Defective Door System
The door system can play a role in the problem of the dishwasher not getting water. The door system has sensors that detect when the door is closed, so if the door is not closed properly, the system sends a signal to cut off the water supply, protecting the appliance from any leaks or damages.
If the door system or sensors are defective, then they might send a wrong signal that the door is not closed. As a result, you will hear no water being supplied into the dishwasher even when you have closed the door; check to see if it’s damaged and needs to be replaced or just needs to be cleaned.
5. Kinked Water Supply Line
The problem might not be with the dishwasher itself; it might be something else, such as the water supply line. If the hoses have any kinks or signs of damage, they can block the water supply or result in a weak water supply.
So, always check the water supply hoses to ensure you’ve checked all potential defects and that there’s no problem. The water supply line can be either repaired or replaced to fix the issue.
How To Fix A Dishwasher Not Filling With Water?
Now that we’ve covered all the possible reasons why the dishwasher is not filling with water, we can now discuss how you can fix each cause and get your dishwasher back to working order.
1. Check the Water Inlet Valve
The first part of the water supply process is the water valve; therefore, always check the valve to ensure it has no signs of damage which might be the reason for the issue. Simply use the following steps:
- Power off the appliance and unplug it from the power source.
- Locate the water inlet valve – you can use the user manual or check the lower-left corner of the dishwasher.
- Remove the access panel to get access to the inlet valve.
- Search for any damage signs on the valve.
- Replace the water inlet valve if it’s damaged.
2. Clean the Valve Screens
Sometimes you just need to clean the valve screens if the water supply valve is in good condition and doesn’t need replacement. Take out the valve and clean the screens by placing them under running water.
Ensure all the debris and dirt are removed so water can flow easily through the valve.
3. Inspect the Water Supply Line
The water supply line is responsible for carrying the water from the source to the appliance, so ensure that the water supply line isn’t damaged or kinked.
If the water supply is twisted or has kinks, try to straighten it, but if the line is damaged, you need to replace it to ensure it supplies water adequately and you don’t face leaks in the future.
4. Test the Float Switch
The float switch is the second part to check because, as previously mentioned, a faulty switch will always cut off the water supply before the water level reaches the highest peak. To resolve this, simply use the following steps:
- Power off the appliance and unplug it from the power source.
- Locate the float assembly inside the dishwasher tub.
- Remove the float assembly cover if found.
- Gently lift the float; if you hear a clicking sound as you lift the switch or the switch drops on its own, then the switch is in good condition.
- If the switch stays up and doesn’t drop down, then it’s faulty.
- Clean the switch if there is debris accumulation and test it again.
- Replace the switch if it doesn’t work after cleaning it.
5. Check the Door System
The door system can also play a role in the issue of water not being supplied to the dishwasher. Therefore, you must ensure that the door system is in good condition by using the steps below:
- Power off the appliance and unplug it from the power source.
- Locate the door’s latch assembly on the door panel.
- Remove the door’s latch assembly.
- Test the component using a multimeter.
- Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
- Place the actuator at rest.
- Touch the probes.
- The reading should be infinity.
- Press the actuator.
- The reading should be zero.
- If the reading is different, it’s defective and needs to be replaced.
- When connecting the new door switch, ensure no wires are loose.
6. Check the Drain Solenoid and Valve
The drain solenoid and valve are the final components to check; if the solenoid or valve is faulty, it can affect the float switch. A defective solenoid will push the drain valve to drain the water as soon as it’s supplied to the machine, so you need to ensure it’s in good condition, and these steps can help you do just that:
- Power off the appliance and unplug it from the power source.
- Locate the drain solenoid – you can use the user manual.
- Remove the drain solenoid.
- Use a multimeter to test the solenoid for continuity.
- Adjust the multimeter to the ohms setting.
- If the solenoid shows no signs of electrical continuity, it’s defective.
- Replace the solenoid with a new one.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
