Why won't water go into my dishwasher?

Author: Jermaine D'Amore IV  |  Last update: Friday, June 27, 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 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 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.

Why is my dishwasher not pumping water into the spray arms?

Clean the spray arm: Check for any blockages, such as food particles or debris, that may be clogging the spray arm holes. If so, remove them with a toothpick or a small brush. If the spray arm is damaged or worn, it may need to be replaced.

How do I get water into my dishwasher?

Your dishwasher is supplied with water through a water inlet hose. It is located under the sink. If it's not properly connected or there are kinks in the hose, water may not get to the appliance. The tap on the hose should be set to open.

Dishwasher Won’t Fill With Water — Dishwasher Troubleshooting

Why is no water going 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. You may be able to solve these issues on your own using one of these potential fixes.

How do I unblock water in my dishwasher?

You can clean your drain hose using a drain cleaner solution or you can make your own. Baking soda and vinegar is commonly used as a natural drain cleaner and can be a great solution for weaker clogs. However, you may want to use a stronger drain cleaner for clogs that need to be dissolved right away.

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.

How to fix water inlet malfunction on dishwasher?

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Why isn't water going into my dishwasher?

There are several potential reasons for a dishwasher not getting water. Common issues include a stuck float, dirt on valve screens, drain solenoid malfunctions, water supply line kinks, or problems with the dishwasher door indicator.

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.

How do you check if your dishwasher is clogged?

How can you tell if your dishwasher is clogged? If it's not draining very well or if an inch or more of standing water consistently collects in the bottom of the tub, you likely have a clogged dishwasher.

Why is my dishwasher not draining but no blockage?

Reasons why your dishwasher might not be draining

We recommend checking the filter first, because that's quite easy to solve yourself. If the filter isn't blocked, the other potential reasons are: A blockage in the dishwasher's drain hose. Debris in the dishwasher's drain pump.

How do I fix the water flow in my dishwasher?

Water supply valve is closed

In order for your dishwasher to fill, the water supply valve must be turned to the open position. Locate your kitchen's water supply and twist the valve open as needed to allow water to flow freely through the water supply line and into the unit.

Will boiling water unclog dishwasher?

Pour Boiling Water: This is an excellent way to unclog your dishwasher and help break up any built-up grease that causes a clogged dishwasher drain. Fill a pot with boiling water and pour it over the dishwasher drain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before running a cycle.

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