Is your dishwasher not filling with water? Here’s how to fix it.

If your dishwasher does not fill with water, it could be because something is wrong with the water supply system or some parts are failing. With no water coming in when you run the dishwasher, you cannot wash your dishes. This problem can be frustrating. To resolve it you should establish the cause of the problem, starting with some simple troubleshooting steps. Then in most of the cases, you will be able to fix the problem by yourself.

Follow these simple tips to get your dishwasher working properly:

  • Inspect the water supply line

The water supply line leads from the water supply system to the appliance. Inspect it for any damage or obstructions. The line may no longer feed into the dishwasher properly. If the water supply line is kinked or bent, straighten it out or buy a new one.

  • Check the float

The float is a small plastic dome or cylinder located inside at the tub’s base. It rises when water fills the dishwasher. Once the float reaches a pre-set level, the water switches off. Sometimes the float can stick in the wrong position. It can prevent your dishwasher from filling. To check the float unplug the dishwasher, remove the lower rack and the float cover. Try to lift and drop the float. It should move easily. Remove any objects that may be caught under the float. Rinse off the float, replace it in the tube, and make sure it moves up and down freely. Restart the dishwasher and check to see if water now enters the tub.

  • Check the float switch

A float switch is device located below the float, beneath the dishwasher tub. When the float switch is triggered by the float, power to the water inlet valve is interrupted and it stops the flow of water into the dishwasher. A malfunctioning float switch may prevent the dishwasher from filling at all. Verify that the mechanical action of the float to the switch is operating properly and that the wire connections are secure. To check that the float switch is working properly, remove the wires and test for continuity with a multi-meter. If the meter indicates no continuity, then the switch will need to be replaced.

  • Check the water inlet valve

The water inlet valve allows water to enter the dishwasher during operation cycle. It is located behind the panel below the door of your dishwasher. If the water inlet valve is clogged or defective, the water will not be able to enter the appliance. It is not recommended to clean the water valve due to the risk of part failure after repair. It is better to replace it with a new one. The inlet valve requires at least 20 pounds of water pressure per square inch to operate properly. If your home’s water pressure is too low, the dishwasher may not fill. Use a multi-meter to check the solenoid on the valve to see whether the valve has the electrical continuity to open. If it is not functioning as it should, it would be wise to delegate the valve replacement work to professional technician.

  • Check the door switch

The door switch is a mechanism located behind the door panel at the top of the door. It does not allow the dishwasher from operating when the door is open. If the door switch is faulty, dishwasher will not fill with water. To test the operation of the door switch you should separate the inner door from the outer door, remove the wires from the switches and check for continuity with a multi-meter. You should have an infinity reading until you press down on the prong. Then the reading should move to zero. If this does not happen, unscrew and replace the door switch.

Things that might be causing the issue:

  • Defective water inlet valve

The water inlet valve allows water to enter the dishwasher at various times during operation. If the valve is clogged or defective, the water supply will not be able to enter the appliance. A defective inlet valve should be replaced with a new one. Trying to clean out an old valve is not recommended due to the risk of part failure after repair.

  • Water supply problem

The inlet valve requires at least 20 pounds of water pressure per square inch to operate properly. If your home’s water pressure is too low, the dishwasher may not fill. You should inspect the water supply line for any damage or obstructions.

  • Malfunctioning float switch

Some dishwasher models have a float switch that will shut off the water supply if the appliance is over filling. A malfunctioning float switch may prevent the dishwasher from filling at all. You can use a multi-meter to test the float switch for continuity, which will determine if there is a continuous electrical path present in the switch. If the meter indicates no continuity, then the switch will need to be replaced.

Clean your dishwasher from time to time and do not place iron, crystal, fine china or hand painted dishes in the dishwasher

According to Energy Star research, dishwashers save almost 230 hours per year compared to hand washing dishes. That is enough time to:

  • take a 10-day vacation
  • drive cross-country six times
  • fly cross-country 47 times
  • bike the Tour de France three times
  • spend two hours gardening every weekend for four years
  • take your family to 93 baseball games

So, do not waste your time to wash dishes by hand, call us (818) 600-2559 to schedule an appointment with qualified technician who will fix the dishwasher for you within the shortest possible period of time.

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