You loaded it, added detergent, hit start, and walked away, assuming it would wash your dishes as usual. But when you heard that telltale end-of-cycle beep, you opened up your dishwasher only to find filthy dishes that weren’t the least bit wet.
What happened? The dishwasher failed to fill with water, so even though it ran the cycle you set it to, it didn’t actually clean the dishes. But why would this kind of issue suddenly occur when everything worked properly the last time you ran it?
Continue reading to learn about several possible reasons why your dishwasher isn’t filling with water and what you can do to fix it.
1. Insufficient Water Pressure at the Inlet Valve
If the dishwasher does not fill with water, the first point to check would be the inlet supply valve to verify that there is sufficient water pressure.
Is there power going to the valve during the fill portion of the cycle? This is usually the first part a plumber will inspect to ensure there is sufficient water supply to the dishwasher.
2. Faulty Float
Another frequent problem area is a float that doesn’t, well, float. The job of this small, plastic piece is to trigger the switch when the water level reaches a certain height, stopping the excess water flow. It works the same way that the float in your toilet tank works to stop water flow into the tank after you flush.
Sometimes, though, a problem with the float mechanism — a warped stem, a failed guide tube, or a dirty float — can prevent the float switch from activating as it should. And that might be the culprit behind the dishwasher’s inability to fill.
Usually, however, a faulty float will prevent the float switch from activating while the dishwasher is filling with water.
When that happens, the dishwasher can fill with too much water or may fail to drain when it should, which can also cause problems.
3. Flawed Float Switch
The float switch sits just below the float in the bottom of the dishwasher’s tub. This switch is responsible for signaling the water inlet valve to open, which is the valve through which water enters the dishwasher.
But if the float switch somehow breaks, gets stuck, or becomes disconnected, it won’t signal the inlet valve, so the valve won’t open, and water will not be able to enter the tub.
If the switch activates before the water fills to the level required to run the dishwasher, the appliance will also malfunction.
4. Defective Door Switch
Your dishwasher’s door switch sits between its inner and outer door and prevents the appliance from running while the door is open.
Quite obviously, this mechanism is designed to prevent you from inadvertently flooding your kitchen floor. But when the door switch malfunctions or breaks, the dishwasher will not fill with water.
5. Damaged Solenoid
Some dishwashers have a solenoid connected to the drain valve, which stores power to operate the valve that allows water to enter and drain from the dishwasher. When the solenoid works properly, the tub fills and drains as it should while proceeding through its wash and rinse cycles.
When the solenoid goes bad — or if the wiring that feeds it breaks or corrodes — it can no longer control the lever that opens and closes the water valve. Depending on when the malfunction occurs, the dishwasher may not fill with water or may fail to drain in the middle of a cycle.
6. Dirty Filter Screens or Clogged Inlet Valve
If your dishwasher’s filter screens are caked with gunk or the water inlet valve is clogged, the tub may not fill with water because debris is blocking water flow into the appliance.
This can also happen if your dishwasher has limescale buildup from hard water that interferes with normal water flow through the valve.
How To Fix a Dishwasher That Doesn’t Fill With Water
Although diagnosing and fixing a faulty dishwasher on your own might feel a bit overwhelming, it’s possible. But you must have a few screwdrivers and a multimeter on hand to get the job done.
To figure out what’s causing the problem, you’ll need to troubleshoot each of the components mentioned above until you find the one that isn’t working as it should.
Here’s what you can do.
Inspect the Water Inlet Valve
This is usually somewhere on the lower left side of the appliance, and you’ll need to remove the lower access panel to get to it. If you see any signs of damage, replace the valve and test the dishwasher to see if it fills.
Test Float Arm Functionality
Unplug the dishwasher and locate the float arm. Manually lift the float until it’s level with the top of the water heater to see if the arm mechanically activates the float switch. If it doesn’t, replace the float switch and then test the fill.
You’ll also want to make sure the wiring that feeds the switch is connected and in good condition. If it’s not, you may need an electrician to repair or replace the wires.
Test the Door Switch
You’ll need a multimeter for this job. If you have one, unplug the dishwasher, open the door, and unscrew its inner panel. You should be able to locate the latch assembly somewhere in the middle portion of the top of the door.
Locate the catch that normally inserts into the latch assembly. Manually insert it into the assembly to close the latch. Make sure that when you close the latch, it activates the door switch. If it does, use your multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If you get a bad reading, your switch is defective and must be replaced.
When Should You Replace a Dishwasher That Doesn’t Work Properly?
Like all appliances, dishwashers have a lifespan during which they function optimally. And when a dishwasher approaches or passes the tail end of that lifespan — which is usually around 10 years — investing in a replacement is smart.
Not only will a new dishwasher run more efficiently, thereby reducing your power bills, but it’s also far less likely to require frequent repairs. What’s more, new dishwashers typically come with a warranty of at least a year, which will cover any necessary repairs and/or a replacement unit.
Need Dishwasher Repairs Near Wisconsin Rapids?
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we understand how frustrating it can be when your dishwasher doesn’t work properly.
And if you believe your plumbing system might be to blame or you’re ready for new dishwasher installation, we can help. We specialize in plumbing repair, drain maintenance, and plumbed appliance installation for homeowners throughout Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding cities and have proudly served the area for more than 25 years.
To learn more about our services or get a quote, call us at 715-421-1800 or request an estimate online, and we’ll get in touch promptly with more information.