Why Is My Dishwasher Not Filling with Water

Help & Advice > Why Is My Dishwasher Not Filling with Water

Dishwashers are essential appliances in modern kitchens. But what do you do when your dishwasher won’t fill with water? You’re stuck with dirty dishes and you may be wondering what to do. Luckily, there are several common causes of this issue, which include a dishwasher water inlet valve issue or a dishwasher water supply problem. Both of these and others, could be the reason why your dishwasher is not filling with water. But there are solutions you can try out yourself to resolve the issue. Let’s take a closer look.

Common Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Filling with Water

It’s natural to be concerned when your dishwasher won’t fill with water. However, be aware that this is one of the most common dishwasher problems and it’s also relatively easy to try and fix yourself. In the troubleshooting guide below, we outline a few potential causes of the issue and ways in which you can address them.

Blocked or kinked water supply line

The very first sign of trouble could be related to a water supply hose issue where you are dealing with a water hose kink. Such kinks instantly mean that your dishwasher water supply line is blocked and that it needs to be unblocked for your dishwasher to get a sufficient amount of water inside to get your dishes clean. Here are a few steps you can take yourself to diagnose the issue:

• Inspect the water supply hose for kinks or damage.
• Ensure the hose is properly connected to the water supply valve.
• Replace the hose if it’s damaged or if a blockage cannot be cleared.

If your dishwasher isn’t filling with water, it could also be the reason why your dishwasher isn’t cleaning the top rack properly.

Faulty or blocked water inlet valve

Another potential issue that is a bit more serious is if you’re facing a water inlet valve malfunction. When the dishwasher inlet valve is blocked, your wash cycle will be affected. As such, a faulty water inlet valve affects your wash cycle and prevents the dishwasher from supplying enough water to get your dishes washed. A few options you can explore include:

• Test the water inlet valve for continuity using a multimeter.
• Check for debris blocking the valve and clean if necessary.
• Replace the inlet valve if it’s faulty or not functioning properly.

Float assembly or float switch issue

If you’re facing a dishwasher float switch problem, you’re undeniably dealing with a water level detection issue. When you are dealing with a float assembly that’s stuck, you should consider taking the following steps to try to resolve the issue:

• Ensure the float can move freely and is not obstructed by debris.
• Clean the float assembly and surrounding area.
• Test the float switch for proper operation and replace it if necessary.

Dishwasher door is open or unlatched

A further potential cause that’s quite simple to identify is a dishwasher door switch problem. This is the first sign that your dishwasher is not starting and hence, no water will be drawn from your water supply. A door latch issue could be easy to fix or more serious, depending on the situation. However, you should first do the following before taking steps to have your door latch replaced:

• Inspect the door latch for any signs of damage or wear.
• Test the door switch with a multimeter to ensure it’s working correctly.
• Replace the door switch or latch if it’s defective.

Mispositioned drain hose or faulty drain solenoid

The final potential reason for your dishwasher not filling with water and hence not working properly could be related to a dishwasher drain hose issue or a drain solenoid problem. It’s very likely that water is not filling due to drain issues and affecting your wash cycle, but there are ways around this. Consider the following as you diagnose this issue:

• Check that the drain hose is positioned correctly and not too low.
• Inspect the drain solenoid for signs of damage or malfunction.
• Replace the drain solenoid if it’s not functioning properly.

How to Fix a Dishwasher That’s Not Filling With Water

Resolving dishwasher water issues may seem like a challenge, but there are some DIY repair steps you can take when fixing dishwasher water problems. Take a look at our advice below.

How to unblock the water supply line

Unblocking the dishwasher water supply is the first step you should take when fixing a dishwasher hose blockage. This is one of the fastest ways to restore the water flow to your dishwasher.

• Disconnect the water supply hose and check for kinks or blockages.
• Use a wire or pipe cleaner to clear any obstructions.
• Reconnect the hose and ensure it’s securely attached to the water supply valve.

How to replace the water inlet valve

Replacing a water inlet valve is another key step to restoring the functionality of your dishwasher. However, fixing a dishwasher water valve and restoring water flow don’t have to be too challenging to do. If the water inlet valve is faulty or blocked, replacing it may be necessary. Here’s how to do it.

• Turn off the power and water supply to the dishwasher.
• Remove the access panel to reach the water inlet valve.
• Disconnect the wires and hoses from the old valve and install the new one.

How to fix the float assembly or float switch

Repairing float assembly or fixing a float switch is a good way for restoring the water level detection in your dishwasher. So, if the float assembly or float switch is causing your dishwasher to not fill with water, these steps will help you resolve the issue.

• Remove the lower dish rack to access the float assembly.
• Clean the float and the surrounding area to ensure it moves freely.
• Test the float switch and replace it if it’s not functioning properly.

How to replace a faulty door switch

You may have to either focus on replacing a dishwasher door switch or on fixing a door latch. This will aid in ensuring proper door closure. Remember that a faulty door switch can prevent the dishwasher from filling with water. Follow these steps to replace it:

• Remove the screws securing the inner door panel to access the switch.
• Disconnect the wires and remove the faulty switch.
• Install the new switch and reassemble the door.

Preventing Future Dishwasher Water Issues

Preventative maintenance can help you avoid future issues with your dishwasher’s water supply. It’s important to carry out regular dishwasher care to ensure your appliance functions optimally for as long as possible. Here are some dishwasher maintenance tips for preventing water supply issues and to keep your appliance running smoothly.

• Regularly clean the water supply line and filter screens.
• Inspect the float assembly and water inlet valve periodically.
• Ensure your dishwasher is level to prevent float assembly issues.
• Check water pressure to ensure it’s adequate for your dishwasher.

When to Call a Professional Dishwasher Repair Engineer

If you’ve tried all these options and your Whirlpool, Miele, Beko, Samsung, Lamona, Baumatic, Bosch, or other brand dishwasher is not getting water, professional dishwasher repair can help. With Domex, you get an expert appliance service when hiring a technician, which comes with an impressive 12-month guarantee on spare parts fitted and/or faults repaired.

Remember to get in touch with a professional if:

• You’re unsure about diagnosing the issue.
• The problem persists after attempting repairs.
• Your dishwasher is under warranty and you want to avoid voiding it.