DISHWASHER NOT GETTING WATER: POTENTIAL CAUSES AND FIXES

When you’re mixing up pie filling, experimenting with a new cake recipe or making your favorite homemade pasta, your dishwasher is there to quickly clean up the mess. This leaves you with more time to focus on your culinary creations. If you notice your dishwasher isn’t getting water, it is not only inconvenient, but it can also delay your process. Read on to learn some possible reasons your dishwasher may not be getting water and potential solutions you can try before calling for professional help.

WHY IS MY DISHWASHER NOT FILLING WITH WATER?

There could be a few reasons why your dishwasher won’t fill with water. It could be an improperly positioned drain hose, a door that’s not fully closed, a water supply that’s turned off or an overfill protection float that’s got something stuck in it. You may be able to solve these issues on your own using one of these potential fixes. Consult your owner’s manual first to determine if you need to call a professional.

1. IMPROPERLY POSITIONED DRAIN HOSE

To help prevent siphoning in your dishwasher, make sure the loop at the end of the drain hose is positioned at least 20 inches above the floor or subfloor. Connect the drain hose to the waste tee or disposal inlet, ensuring it is placed at the proper height. This may help the dishwasher tub fill properly.

2. DOOR OPEN OR UNLATCHED

To help ensure the dishwasher fills with water, make sure the door is closed properly. If you see a flashing START/RESUME light, it usually means the door is open or unlatched. Simply close the door and press the START/RESUME button to continue the cycle.

3. BLOCKED WATER INLET VALVE

The water inlet valve controls water flow into the dishwasher. It is usually located at the base of the inner left panel. Clean any buildup around the valve using towels and check for blockages with a flashlight. If everything appears fine, a professional may be needed to address any electrical or mechanical issues with the valve.

4. OBSTRUCTED OVERFILL PROTECTION FLOAT

To ensure proper filling, the overfill protection float must be in place in the dishwasher. On some models, it is located in the front right corner. If your dishwasher is a newer model, it’s recommended to have a professional inspect it.

To check the float, move it up and down to ensure it moves freely. Remove any obstructions, if necessary. See your owner’s manual for more information about locating and checking the float.

5. WATER SUPPLY VALVE CLOSED

If your dishwasher isn’t filling with water, make sure the water supply valve is open. Locate the water supply valve for the dishwasher under the sink and twist it open to allow water to flow freely through the supply line into the dishwasher. Refer to your appliance’s user manual to ensure this step is applicable to your specific model.

WHY IS MY DISHWASHER TOP RACK NOT GETTING WATER?

If the top rack of your dishwasher is not getting water it could be due to an issue with the dishwasher’s spray arm. Mineral deposits from hard water can build up on parts of your dishwasher like the spray arms. To help remove this residue and clean your dishwasher, you can use a dishwasher cleaning product like affresh^® dishwasher cleaner¹ once a month. 

Improper loading of the dishwasher can also hinder the spray arms’ effectiveness. Ensure that no items are blocking or obstructing the spray arms from rotating. If taller items placed in the bottom rack are causing the issue, consider adjusting the top rack to allow the spray arms to move freely.

_{1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.}

EXPLORE KITCHENAID® DISHWASHERS

KitchenAid^® dishwashers provide a range of features to help ensure your dishes are thoroughly cleaned. Select models offer features such as the 360º Max Jets^™ Third Rack, Fan-Enabled ProDry^™ System and Advanced Clean Water Wash System. With these options, you can find a KitchenAid^® dishwasher that suits your cleaning needs and helps you get back to creating quickly.