4 Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Getting Water

Inside a loaded dishwasher
If your dishwasher is not getting water when you start a cycle, your dishes will not be properly cleaned. Having this essential kitchen appliance not work is a huge inconvenience.

Thankfully, there are a handle of solutions you can try to troubleshoot the issue. Explore this article to learn why your dishwasher may be running but not filling with water:

Reason 1: Water inlet valve is closed
Reason 2: Broken float switch
Reason 3: Drain solenoid failure
Reason 4: Malfunctioning door switch
FAQs about dishwasher maintenance
Our technicians can repair your dishwasher

Reason 1: Water Inlet Valve is Closed

A defective water inlet valve is usually the reason your dishwasher is not getting enough water. It’s responsible for filling your appliance with water and is controlled by a timer or electric control.

If the valve is closed, however, this stops water from getting into the dishwasher altogether.

How to Fix the Issue

The valve is located in the front door of the dishwasher behind the lower access panel. It contains one hose that’s connected to the water line and another coming out of the valve to the tub of the appliance.

To inspect the valve, you’ll need to unplug the dishwasher and turn

off the water supply. Then check it for any signs of damage, wear, or cracking. If the valve is broken, you’ll need to replace it.

If it’s closed, twist the valve open to let water flow through the water supply line and into the dishwasher.

Reason 2: Broken Float Switch

Below the float assembly, at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, there’s a float switch that activates the water inlet valve. If the switch is broken, the valve may not open. This would prevent your dishwasher from getting water.

How to Fix the Issue

It’s important to unplug your appliance before you inspect the float switch. It’s located below the float assembly, which is found inside

the dishwasher’s tub, on the bottom. Make sure that the wires coming out of the float switch are not loose. If the wires are loose, fix them. If you’ve adjusted the wires and the float switch is still malfunctioning, it’s usually a sign that a larger issue is at play.

Reason 3: Drain Solenoid Failure

The drain solenoid works to drain excess water from a dishwasher. If it starts too quickly or is faulty, the appliance’s float switch may be triggered and not fill your dishwasher with enough water. The float switch is responsible for monitoring how much water is in your dishwasher to ensure it doesn’t overfill.

How to Fix the Issue

It’s important to listen at the beginning of a wash cycle to accurately

confirm whether the solenoid is functioning properly. If the solenoid is damaged, you’ll either hear the sound of water drain out as fast as it came in or hear it activate the float switch. Either way, the part will need to be replaced.

Reason 4: Malfunctioning Door Switch

The door switch prevents a dishwasher from starting when the door is open. If it’s broken, your dishwasher will not fill with water.

How to Fix the Issue

We recommend first examining the prong rack attached to the inside of your dishwasher tub before testing the door switch. That’s because the prong comes in direct contact with the door switch and activates it when

the dishwasher door is closed.

If the prong is missing or broken, it may not be able to activate the door switch.

If that’s not the issue, it’s vital to call a service technician to conduct a multimeter test, which uses a tool to measure two or more electrical values in a door switch.

FAQs about Dishwasher Maintenance

Why is there no water getting into my dishwasher?

There may be a number of reasons your dishwasher is not filling with water. Whether it’s a closed water inlet valve, a broken float switch, or any of the other reasons listed above, troubleshooting the problem is crucial to prevent further issues. Your local Mr. Appliance experts are here to help.

What is the average lifespan of a dishwasher?

The average lifespan of a dishwasher is about 10 years.

Should I repair or buy a new dishwasher?

If the repairs are going to cost at least half the cost of buying a new dishwasher, you should probably replace your machine. Also, if you’ve made repairs several times in the last year, this may be an indication that you should replace it.

Our Technicians Can Repair Your Dishwasher

Identifying the underlying cause of why your dishwasher is not getting water can be tricky if you don’t have the proper training. Fortunately, we can confidently say that our trained technicians can troubleshoot and fix the issue.