Here’s Why Your Dishwasher Is Not Filling With Water

From time to time, a dishwasher can break down and will need to be repaired. One of the most common problems people have with their dishwashers is that they stop filling up with water.

In this article, we are going to give you step-by-step instructions on how to fix a dishwasher that isn’t filling with water. Simply start with step one and work your way down the steps until you’ve managed to get it working again.

Step 1 – Make sure the water is turned on.

Before going any further, make sure the water supply to your dishwasher is turned on and water is flowing into your appliance. If you find any of the water valves turned off, turn them back on and check if that solves the problem. If the water is fine, proceed to step 2.

Step 2 – Check the float switch.

The next step is to check the float switch. This component is in your dishwasher to make sure the right amount of water flows into it during a wash cycle. If the switch stops working as intended, your dishwasher might not fill up with the right amount of water.

This is how to check the float switch:

1. Switch the power off to your dishwasher.
2. Remove the lower rack from your dishwasher and place it out of the way. If your dishwasher has a kickplate, remove that too.
3. Locate the float switch (it can be found at the bottom of the dishwasher).
4. Make sure the float switch isn’t stuck. If so, move it around to make it unstuck, and then turn your dishwasher back on to check if your dishwasher can now fill with water.
5. If the dishwasher still doesn’t work, turn the power back off, and remove the float switch.
6. Test the float switch with a multimeter to ensure it has continuity.
7. If defective, replace it. If it’s fine, put it back into your dishwasher and proceed to step 3.
8. Once a new switch is installed, check if your dishwasher is now filling up with water. If not, proceed to step 3.

Step 3 – Check the water inlet valve.

The next step is to check the water inlet valve. The purpose of the water inlet valve is to open up and let water into your dishwasher. If your dishwasher isn’t filling up, the problem might be caused by a faulty water inlet valve.

This is how to check the water inlet valve:

1. Switch the power off to your dishwasher.
2. Remove the kickplate if you haven’t already.
3. Locate the water inlet valve and check that the hoses that are attached to it aren’t crimped or bent out of shape. If they are, repair or replace them.
4. If the hoses are fine, turn the water supply off and disconnect the hoses (use a bucket to put the hoses in so water doesn’t drip out onto the floor).
5. Make sure nothing is blocking the valve and if so, remove the debris.
6. Next, test the water inlet valve with a multimeter to ensure it has continuity.
7. If defective, replace it. If it’s fine, reattach the hoses and proceed to step 4.
8. Once a new valve is installed, turn the water back on and check if your dishwasher is now filling up with water. If not, proceed to step 4.

Step 4 – Check the door switch.

The door switch is in your dishwasher to make sure the door is securely shut so water doesn’t leak out during a cycle. If the switch becomes faulty, it might stop water from entering your dishwasher.

This is how to check the door switch:

1. Switch the power off to your dishwasher if you haven’t already.
2. Locate the door switch (check your user manual for instructions if required).
3. Remove the door switch.
4. Test the door switch with a multimeter to ensure it has continuity.
5. If defective, replace it. If it’s fine, put it back into your dishwasher and proceed to step 5.
6. Once a new door switch is installed, check if your dishwasher is now filling up with water. If not, proceed to step 5.

Step 5 – Check the drain valve and solenoid.

If you still haven’t identified the reason why your dishwasher is not filling with water, the next step is to check the drain valve and solenoid. Not all dishwashers have a drain valve that is regulated by a drain solenoid, so you’ll need to check your user manual to ensure your washer does. When the solenoid becomes faulty, the drain valve will fail, and your dishwasher will not be able to fill up with water when you turn it onto a wash cycle.

This is how to check the drain valve:

1. Switch the power off to your dishwasher.
2. Locate the drain valve (consult your user manual if necessary).
3. Remove the drain valve from your dishwasher.
4. Test the drain valve with a multimeter to ensure it has continuity.
5. If defective, replace it and then check if your dishwasher is now filling up with water. If your dishwasher is still not working correctly, you will need to get a qualified technician to come and inspect it to see if they can find the cause of the problem. If your dishwasher is filling up with water again, you can start using your dishwasher again.