Why does my dishwasher run but no water comes in?

Author: Ashton Dietrich  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

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.

How do you fix a dishwasher that won't fill with water?

Be sure your water supply valve is not leaking or blocked. If there is a leak coming from the valve, try to fix it by ensuring that all connections to the valve are secured tightly. To tighten, place a bucket beneath the valve in case any water escapes and use a wrench to secure all connections to the valve.

Why is my dishwasher making a sound but no water?

If your Dishwasher is making a humming sound but is not filling with water, this could be due to the pump motor not running for a week or longer. This can cause the Dishwasher pump seals to dry out and stick. Operating the Dishwasher at least once a week keeps the seals from drying out and sticking.

How do I know if my dishwasher inlet valve is clogged?

Signs pointing to a faulty inlet valve include: Leaks that fill the dishwasher when it's off. Inadequate water for a cycle. The dishwasher fills too slowly or not all.

Why is my dishwasher not washing with water?

If your dishwasher fills with water but does not wash dishes, there are 2 common reasons caused by a malfunctioned circulation pump (wash motor) or by clogged holes on the spray arm.

Dishwasher Won’t Fill With Water — Dishwasher Troubleshooting

Why is there no water when my dishwasher runs?

Why is my dishwasher not getting water? If your dishwasher isn't filling with water, it could be due to various factors involving different dishwasher parts. An incorrectly positioned drain hose, open or unlatched door, shut off water supply or obstructed overfill protection float may be responsible.

How do you fix a dishwasher that isn't washing?

Off hand:
  1. clean the filter.
  2. clean the arms.
  3. make sure you use separate rinse aid (even if the detergent claims to do it, you still need it)
  4. make sure you scrape all the food scraps off the plates.
  5. run a dishwasher cleaner once a month.

How do I fix my dishwasher water inlet malfunction?

A few options you can explore include:
  1. Test the water inlet valve for continuity using a multimeter.
  2. Check for debris blocking the valve and clean if necessary.
  3. Replace the inlet valve if it's faulty or not functioning properly.

How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve?

It usually costs around $80 to $125 to replace the water inlet valve.

How do you unclog a dishwasher water line?

A mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar may unclog dishwasher drains. Pour the solution into the basket at the bottom and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, pour hot water down the basket and run the rinse cycle.

Why is the water not circulating in my dishwasher?

Pump and motor issues: The circulation pump pulls soapy water from the drum and shoots it throughout your dishwasher. If the pump gets clogged by a large food particle or long-term build-up, it will stop circulating and compressing the water. Additionally, the motor can also wear out over time.

How to reset a dishwasher?

Some models require you to shut off the power to the dishwasher either by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker. Others are reset by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button on the control panel, then waiting a few moments before attempting to start a wash cycle.

Why is water not coming in my Kitchen Aid dishwasher?

The most common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher has no water are a broken detergent dispenser, defective electronic control board or a clogged water valve.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain pump is clogged?

About five seconds after you start running a dishwasher cycle, the drain pump will start making a low humming noise. This will be due to a piece of glass blocking the impeller from turning, resulting in the dishwasher pump not working properly. When this happens, you'll need to remove the blockage.

What happens when a dishwasher float switch goes bad?

A malfunctioning dishwasher float

Your dishwasher float is located on the bottom of your appliance's tub. This component is designed to prevent your machine from filling up with too much water. If the float isn't working correctly, it could be telling your dishwasher not to fill up when it actually needs to.

How long should a dishwasher last?

However, dishwashers don't last forever. The life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, according to manufacturers surveyed by Consumer Reports.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a dishwasher?

You're better off putting the money toward a new $500 appliance. But for a $1,000 dishwasher, a $140 repair is often worth pursuing for the better part of a decade. Most appliances are covered under warranty in their first year.

How do I know if the pump has gone on my dishwasher?

The motor drives an impeller to force water out of the drain hose. If the motor runs during the drain cycle, check for a blockage in the drain line. If the motor won't run during the drain cycle or if it just hums when it should be running, the pump and motor assembly might need to be replaced.

Why is there no water coming into my dishwasher?

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.

What is the most common failure on a dishwasher?

Issues like leaks, poor drainage, unclean dishes, foul odors and overall appliance operation, though infrequent, can be the most common problems with a dishwasher that isn't operating properly. In some cases, you can resolve these issues with a little elbow grease and the help of your product manual.

Can a dishwasher inlet valve get clogged?

If your dishwasher takes forever to fill, a clogged inlet screen restricting the water flow might be the culprit.

Why is my dishwasher not washing the dishes?

Improper loading, a clogged or blocked spray arm or a clogged filter may cause your dishwasher to perform poorly. If your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes on the bottom rack, check for these issues and consult your owner's manual. Consult a professional for repairs if you're still having issues.

What is the most common problem with a Whirlpool dishwasher?

Most common problems with Whirlpool dishwashers

The dishwasher does not drain properly. The detergent cup is not working properly. The dishwasher is not filling with water. The dishwasher door is leaking.

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