We’ve all grown accustomed to the convenience of a dishwasher. After a long day of work, the last thing you want to do is spend hours washing dishes by hand. However, if your machine doesn’t fill with water, it won’t do its job well. It would only leave your dishes just as dirty as they were before.
In this article, we will cover the top 7 possible reasons why your dishwasher isn’t filling with water. Understanding these reasons can help you troubleshoot the issue and determine whether you need to call a professional dishwasher repair service, such as C&W Appliance Service, to fix the problem.
7 Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Filling With Water
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Faulty Drain Solenoid
The drain solenoid opens the drain valve to empty the dish washing machine of water after a cycle. When it’s malfunctioning, it can block the dishwasher from filling with water. To test the solenoid, turn off the power supply and access it. Once again, you can use the multimeter to test the continuity – if you’re not sure what to do, contact a commercial dishwasher repair service.
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Spray Arm Blockage
The spray arm rotates and sprays water throughout the machine to clean the dishes. If it’s blocked or clogged, it can prevent water from reaching the dishes. To check for blockages, remove the spray arm and inspect it for any debris or food particles. Next, clean the spray arm with warm water and a toothbrush. It’s also one way of keeping it clean. Then, reinstall the spray arm and test the dishwasher.
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Malfunctioning Float Switch
It’s the safety feature that prevents the dishwasher from overflowing with water. So, if it’s malfunctioning, it can prevent water from entering the dishwasher. To check it, locate it at the bottom of the dishwasher and gently lift it up and down. You should hear a clicking sound. If not, it’s malfunctioning and needs to be adjusted or replaced. It’s a simple repair you can do yourself or call a technician to perform this service for you.
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Damaged Water Supply Line
The water supply line carries water to the dishwasher. If it’s damaged or clogged, water won’t be able to enter the dishwasher. To check for damage:
- Turn off the water supply and inspect the supply line for kinks or tears. If the line is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- If it’s clogged, disconnect it from the dishwasher and use a straightened coat hanger to clear the blockage.
- Reconnect the line and turn on the water supply.
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Broken Door Switch
When the door is closed, this switch signals the dishwasher to start filling with water. It can stop the dishwasher from filling with water if it’s faulty. To test it:
- Turn off the power supply and access the switch.
- Use a multimeter to test its continuity. The switch is defective and needs replacing if there’s no continuity when the door is closed.
- Hire a dishwasher repair service to assist, if necessary.
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Defective Water Inlet Valve
This valve regulates the water flow into the machine. When it’s defective or clogged, water won’t be able to enter it. These valves are inexpensive, and most people can repair them themselves. You’ll find it in the panel below the door of your dishwasher.
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Leaks
A leak can prevent it from filling with water and is one of the dishwashers’ most common problems. To check for leaks, inspect the door gasket, tub gasket, and spray arm assembly for any cracks or damage. Replace any damaged parts. If there are no visible leaks, there may be an internal leak that requires professional diagnosis and repair.
How to Prevent Your Dishwasher from Not Filling with Water
Prevention is always better than cure — the same applies to your dishwasher. So here are some tips to prevent your dishwasher from not filling with water:
- Run hot water before starting the dishwasher: Running hot water before starting your dishwasher can help ensure that hot water enters the appliance, preventing clogs and washing your dishes properly.
- Use the right detergent: Using the wrong detergent can cause buildup in your dishwasher, leading to clogs and preventing water from entering the appliance. Use a detergent specifically designed for dishwashers to avoid this issue.
- Keep the water inlet valve clean: Over time, hard water deposits can build up in the valve, causing it to malfunction. To prevent this, clean the valve regularly using a soft brush and vinegar.
- Check the water supply line regularly: Periodically check it for damage and replace it if you notice any cracks or leaks.
- Refrain from overloading your dishwasher: Overloading it can prevent water from circulating properly, leading to clogs. Be sure to load it correctly to avoid this issue.
Final Thoughts
If your dishwasher doesn’t fill with water, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to figure out what’s causing the problem. However, by understanding the possible reasons for this, you can troubleshoot the issue and determine whether you need to call a professional dishwasher repair service, such as C&W Appliance Service, to fix the problem.
We have years of experience repairing dishwashers of all makes and models. Our expert technicians can diagnose and fix any issue with your dishwashing machine, whatever it may be from the above. So, if you need dishwasher repair services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We provide reliable and affordable appliance repair in any of these locations. We also offer dishwasher parts repair, so you can keep your appliance running smoothly for years to come.
