Dishwasher Won’t Fill With Water: Top 5 Reasons & Fixes (With Video!)

Is your dishwasher refusing to fill with water, leaving your dirty dishes piling up? This common issue can seem daunting, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to diagnosing and fixing the problem yourself. Plus, you’ll find a handy how-to video just below to walk you through each step of the repair process.

Once you have identified the part needed for your dishwasher, search below using your specific dishwasher model number to identify the exact part needed:

When your dishwasher won’t fill with water, it’s impossible for the machine to complete the cycle and get your dishes spick and span.  If you notice that your dishwasher isn’t filling with water, you should perform diagnostic tests to identify the issue and get it spinning again. To help you out, our experts at Appliance Parts Pros.com have put together this guide to determine why your dishwasher won’t fill with water and what part you’ll need to buy for a full repair.

How to buy the correct dishwasher parts

As you repair your dishwashing machine, you may need to buy a replacement part. To get the right one for your model, you can find the perfect OEM replacement part with the following steps:

• Type in your model number into the search bar above
• Find your part on the easy-to-read diagram.
• Match it to the numbered parts listed below.
• Click on the item for photos and a repair video.
• Click “Add to Cart,” purchase the item and receive it within 1-2 business days!

Alternatively, you can also go straight to our dishwasher parts section and browse items as needed. Simply use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down your options.

What you’ll need to identify the issue & fix your dishwasher

Time: 1 hour or less

Parts

• You may need a replacement part, such as a water inlet valve, float switch, float, door switch or main control board. All these items you can find on Appliance Parts Pros.com.

Tools

• Multimeter to check continuity
• Screwdriver and/or socket wrench to open the panels of your dishwashing machine (check your operator’s manual for exact size)
• Flat-head screwdriver to remove wiring from terminal points
• Work gloves

How to identify why your dishwasher isn’t filling with water

Warning: Unplug your dishwasher and turn off the water supply under the sink

It’s important to stay safe as you work on your dishwasher. Before getting started, be sure there’s no risk of electrocution or water leaks by unplugging your machine and turning off the water supply under the sink.

Want to follow a video guide to this dishwasher repair? Check out our diagnostic video for a dishwasher not filling with water from our experts at AppliancePartsPros.com. You will also find it above in this article.

1. Water inlet valve

The water inlet valve controls the entry of water into the dishwasher. Every valve has three main parts: a bracket, valve body and solenoid. If the valve is clogged or failing, it could prevent the dishwasher from filling up.

Where to find it:

• The water inlet valve is located in the lower front of the machine, behind the access panel.

You should check:

• Water pressure: Make sure that there’s good water pressure going to the dishwasher and that the valve under the sink is all the way open when the dishwasher runs.
• The valve screen (if applicable): Not every valve has one, but if you do, check it carefully. If the screen on the valve is clogged, it could halt function. Inspect and clean the screen by taking the water line off.
• The solenoid for continuity: Check the valve’s solenoid for continuity. If the solenoid has failed, you’ll need a new water inlet valve. To test it, you should:
  • Use your multimeter and set it to continuity.
  • Touch the two probes together to make sure it’s working.
  • Remove the wires to the valve and touch a test probe to each terminal.

Solution:

• If you don’t get a continuity reading, then the solenoid has failed and you’ll have to buy a new water inlet valve and replace the old one.

2. Float switch

The float switch is the safety device that shuts off the water once the tub is full. This switch is usually micro-sized, like the examples pictured above. It’s made out of plastic with two wire terminals and a button on the side that activates the contacts inside.

Where to find it:

• The float switch is located on the lower front left or right corner of your dishwasher. If you open up the dishwasher door, you’ll see the float in either corner. The switch is located directly below it, but behind the access panel.

You should check:

• The float switch for continuity. If the contacts inside the switch have failed, power won’t be sent to the valve. To test it:
  • Open the access panel to reach the switch.
  • Take the wires off the terminals. Depending on the dishwasher design, you may be able to test directly. If not, you can remove the switch from its holder by using a flat-head screwdriver to pop it out.
  • Touch a probe to each terminal. Now press the button down that controls the contacts inside (as if the tub was empty). In this case, the switch should have continuity.
  • Remember that when you let the button up (as if the tub was full), it shouldn’t have continuity.

Solution:

• If the float switch doesn’t have continuity when the button is down, buy a new one and replace it.

3. Float

The float moves up and down with the water level and tells the dishwater if it’s full or empty. This part is typically made out of plastic and has a dome shape, with a shaft that reaches down to the float switch. Typically, the float can cause the dishwasher to not fill up because it’s missing or stuck in the up position.

Where to find it:

• The float is usually located on the front left or right corner of the dishwasher when you open the door.

You should check:

• The float for free motion: Make sure the float can move up and down freely. If it’s gunked up, clean it so it can move around.

Solution:

• If the float is simply clogged, you can clean it. However, if it’s damaged or missing, you should buy a new one and replace it.

4. Door switch

The door switch is a safety device that won’t let the dishwasher start unless the door is closed. It’s a micro switch with a button on one end and wire terminals on the other. Inside, it has a set of contacts.  Depending on your dishwasher, there may only be one door switch, but most models have two. Some door switches are sold as kits, while others are sold as separate units.  Door switches can cause problems when they’ve failed and the dishwasher thinks that the door is open instead of closed.

Where to find it:

• The door switches are usually mounted in the latch assembly, which is located in the console. To get to the console, you’ll have to open the inside of the dishwasher door. You may need to loosen a screw to open it and access the door switches.

You should check:

• The door switches for continuity. Once the console is open, you can access the latch. Simply remove the wires to test each terminal. If you have trouble accessing it, you may need to take the switch out using a socket wrench and pop the wires using a flat-head screwdriver.
  • Once you have access, put a probe on each terminal and push down on the button.
  • When the button is pressed, you should get a continuity reading. Make sure you test both switches.

Solution:

• If one or both of the door switches has failed, buy new ones and replace them.

5. Main control board

The main control board sends power to the dishwasher components. It’s a computer board that collects data from all the sensors in the dishwasher and controls various functions. Most commonly, if the main control board fails, it will stop sending power to the valve, causing the dishwasher to not fill up.

Where to find it:

• The main control board is usually mounted in the control panel, which is located in the console within the dishwasher door.

You should check:

• Diagnostics for your control board. There are many different designs for control boards, so we can’t show you how to test them all here. You should look at your operator’s manual and follow the steps to test the board. Often you’ll have to enter the diagnostic mode and follow the steps to verify that power is being sent to the valve.

Solution:

• If you discover during diagnostic tests that power isn’t being sent to the valve, you’ll have to buy a new control board and replace it.

Maintain your dishwasher with AppliancePartsPros.com

Nice work! You’ve now identified why your dishwasher won’t fill with water and what part you’ll need to buy to complete a full repair.  For best results with your dishwasher, you should also do yearly maintenance on the machine. Some red flags that it’s time to do maintenance is that your dishes aren’t getting clean, or there’s a funny smell coming from inside the machine.

Key maintenance tasks you should perform on an annual basis include:

• Check water temperature: Most manufacturers recommend a water temperature of 120°F to clean properly. Check the temperature with a thermometer. In addition, you should run the water in the sink until it comes out hot before you run the dishwasher, so that there isn’t any cold water in the lines.

• Clean spray arms: It’s important for the spray arms to be clear of dirt and soap residue, as clogged arms can prevent water from spraying out as intended and cause your dishes to remain dirty. Take a small nail or toothpick and check all the holes in the spray arm. If any are clogged, make sure to clean them out. Remember not to use anything that will deform the holes.

• Inspect your dishwasher filter: A clogged filter can prevent water from cycling through the machine properly. Be sure to clean and examine your dishwasher filter regularly.

• Wipe down the interior walls and gaskets: Clean up the interior walls and gaskets, so that water flows properly in the machine and cleans the dishes better.
• Use a dishwasher cleaner on a regular basis: This will help keep your machine clean and reduce stress on the motors and pumps, since they won’t have to work as hard to clean.

And remember: if you need any other dishwasher parts for the maintenance tasks above, you can get whatever you require on AppliancePartsPros.com!

Dishwasher repair FAQs

When my dishwasher won’t fill with water, does it mean it’s broken?

Not usually. When your dishwasher won’t fill with water, it’s typically a problem with a dishwasher part, such as a float switch or a door switch. Simply use our guide above to identify where the issue is coming from and then replace the faulty part. Easy-peasy!

How can I be sure to buy the correct dishwasher part for my machine?

Dishwasher parts may seem complicated, but you can get the right one by looking at your operator’s manual for your machine model number or part number. From here, you can type in the model number or parts number in Appliance Parts Pros.com, find the diagrams you need and check out the list of relevant parts for purchase.

Where to find us

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, US-based customer support team!