Last update September 3rd, 2022
Your dirty dishes are in the machine, you start it and the dishwasher does not fill with water?
The failure of the dishwasher not taking water is quite common and here we will help you diagnose the failure, and in most cases, fix it yourself.
Causes of a dishwasher that does not take water
Before any intervention, remember to unplug your dishwasher, turn off the water and remove the water inlet hose.
Check the water supply
It may seem obvious, but a water shut-off or plumbing problem may be the cause of your dishwasher not taking water. Disconnect the water hose from the machine, place it in a bucket and turn on the faucet to make sure the water is coming to the machine. If it doesn’t, you need to call a plumber.
Softener tank is dirty
It can become clogged with lime or if you put detergent in it instead of salt. Just wash it thoroughly and it will let the water circulate again.
Check that no safety devices are engaged
Make sure that no leakage safety device is activated, this would explain why the dishwasher does not fill with water.
The filter in the water inlet pipe is clogged
If the filter in the water inlet pipe is full of dirt or lime scale, it prevents water from reaching the machine’s tank. Simply clean it with a brush and soak it in white vinegar to remove the scale.
The solenoid valve is defective
To check if the solenoid valve is still functional, it must be tested with a multimeter in ohmmeter position.
Let’s start by dismantling the dishwasher to access the solenoid valve:
- tilt the dishwasher;
- Remove the rear baseboard and remove the hose from the solenoid valve;
- unscrew the panel on the bottom of the machine;
- remove the connectors from the overflow float;
- Disconnect and remove the solenoid valve from its housing;
- take the opportunity to clean the filter which may be clogged and prevent water from circulating;
- Remove the water inlet hose.
To test the solenoid valve, place the tips of the multimeter on its terminals, you should find more than 3 k (kiloohms): if you don’t find this value, you should change it for a new one.
Dishwasher drain pump is defective
This is the valve that sprays water into the tank to wash the dishes. If it is defective, it blocks the start of the dishwasher. As a result, the water does not get into the dishwasher.
Turn the dishwasher on its side and remove the panel under the machine. Disconnect the overflow protection. Disconnect the pump connection and remove the drain hose, checking that it is not blocked.
Unscrew the pump and test it with an ohmmeter, you should measure between 130 and 350 ohms ( ) depending on the make and model of dishwasher.
If you do not measure these values, the pump must be replaced.
The dishwasher’s cycling pump is damaged
If you have checked the drain pump and it is functional, take the opportunity to test the cycling pump with the multimeter. You must measure a value that you will find in the manual of your machine (often around 100 ohms). Check the propellers, they must turn without forcing
Insert a screwdriver into the motor shaft, it should turn without forcing.
Dishwasher pressure switch no longer works
It detects the presence and quantity of water in the dishwasher. If it is defective, it no longer detects the water and prevents it from reaching the dishwasher.
It is usually on the side panels or under the washing machine. To help you identify it:
- it is oval or round in shape;
- it is connected to the tank by a grey, black or red tube.
Remove the top and side panels. Once you have located the part, test it with a multimeter.
The dishwasher pressure switch has 4 terminals, one common, one for the down position, one for the up position and one for the overflow protection (optional). Observe the diagram in the operating instructions to identify the terminals.
Measure the resistances between the common and the high or low position, then redo the operation by blowing on it, you should measure different values. If this is not the case, you must replace the pressure switch with a new one.
Repairing a dishwasher that won’t fill
Change the solenoid valve of the dishwasher
You have tested your solenoid valve and it is defective: buy a new one and simply refit it in place of the worn one.
Changing the dishwasher pressure switch
Once the dishwasher has been disassembled and the pressure switch dislodged and disconnected, simply replace it with a new one and then proceed to reassemble the dishwasher.
Changing the drain pump in a dishwasher
Once the dishwasher has been disassembled and the old pump dislodged, attach the new pump, replace the gasket and screw it back onto the bracket. Replace the drain hose and the pump power connector. Finish by refitting the panel and feet.
Changing a dishwasher’s cycling pump
When the dishwasher is disassembled and the old pump dislodged, attach the new one and reconnect it. Take pictures during disassembly to help you do this. Then reassemble the dishwasher panels and feet.
My dishwasher still doesn’t take water, what can I do?
If you have tested everything, it is possible that the problem comes from the electronic board of the dishwasher. To change it you have to disassemble the dishwasher. The board is in a box type housing that is behind a side panel or behind the inner front of the door that needs to be removed.
Once located, remove the case from its chassis, open it and disconnect the card. Take pictures of the connections of the card, because they have multiple, it will help you to reassemble.
Put in the new board, reconnect it completely and put the case back on. Reassemble the dishwasher panels, it is ready to operate.
