Your dishwasher not letting water in? You’re likely feeling frustrated and looking for answers. Rest assured, this is a common issue that many people face, and it is typically solvable with a few easy steps. This article will guide you through diagnosing and fixing the problem so that your dishwasher can get back to doing its job.
Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Letting Water In
The following are some of the common reasons why your dishwasher might not be letting water in:
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
Malfunctioning Float Switch
Loose or Broken Hose Connections
Defective Door Latch
ThingsYou Will Need
Before you start, gather the following tools:
How to Check the Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve controls the water flow into your dishwasher. If this valve is faulty, your dishwasher will not let water in. To check it, first, unplug your dishwasher from the electrical outlet for safety reasons.
Locate the water inlet valve: Open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom dish rack to get a better view of the bottom of the dishwasher. The water inlet valve is usually located at the bottom, either towards the left or right side.
Remove the kickplate: The kickplate is a panel at the bottom of the dishwasher. Use a screwdriver to unscrew and remove it.
Disconnect the valve’s wire harness: The wire harness is a plastic connector that provides electrical connectivity to the valve. Carefully pull it apart to disconnect.
Test with a voltmeter: Set your voltmeter to the Ohms setting and touch the probes to the valve’s terminals. If the reading shows no continuity, then the valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Replace if necessary: If the valve is defective, consult your dishwasher’s manual for the correct part number and replace it accordingly.
Testing the Float Switch
The float switch prevents the dishwasher from overfilling with water. If this switch malfunctions, it can prevent water from entering the dishwasher.
Locate the float switch: Open the dishwasher door and look towards the bottom of the tub. You should find a small dome-shaped float switch.
Check its movement: Lift the float switch up and down gently to see if it moves freely. If it’s stuck or sluggish, clean around it to remove any debris.
Test for electrical issues: Use a voltmeter to test the float switch for electrical continuity. A lack of continuity means the switch is faulty and needs replacing.
Inspect Hose Connections
Loose or damaged hose connections can also be a reason why your dishwasher is not letting water in.
Locate hose connections: These are usually found at the rear or bottom of the dishwasher. You may have to pull the dishwasher out slightly for better access.
Secure all connections: Use an adjustable wrench to tighten all hose connections. Make sure not to overtighten, as this could cause additional damage.
Look for leaks: If you find any leaks or notice that a hose looks damaged, it’s best to replace it.
Examine the Door Latch
The door latch ensures that the dishwasher door is securely closed, allowing the cycle to start. If it’s not working properly, water may not enter the dishwasher.
Test the latch: Open and close the dishwasher door multiple times to observe the mechanism.
Listen carefully: When closing the door, you should hear a distinct ‘click’ sound, indicating the latch has engaged.
Replacement: If the latch doesn’t make a clicking sound or feels loose, you’ll need to replace it. Consult your dishwasher’s manual for the correct part number.
For more articles on dishwashers, click here: Dishwasher Problems and Solutions: Your Ultimate Guide to Hassle-free Dishwashing
Please note that specific steps to access and replace damaged parts will vary depending on the model of your dishwasher. Check your manual or consult a technician for more information.
Dishwasher Not Letting Water In: Conclusion
If you’ve tried the above steps and your dishwasher is still not letting water in, it may be time to consult a professional. A skilled technician can provide a more in-depth diagnosis and solution for the issue.