Dishwasher Not Getting Water? 5 causes and easy how to fix it

Do you hear a humming sound when you start the dishwasher, but the dishwasher not getting water? When your dishwasher is working normally, you should be able to hear the water spraying inside the machine.

For the most part, all dishwashers work exactly the same way, they hold dishes is two sets of racks and they clean the dishes by spraying hot soapy water all over your dishes. While the internals will vary depending on the capacity of the washer, the configuration of the sprayers and the type of cleaning power (strength).

Without the prescribed amount of water inside the tub of the dishwasher, it will not operate properly and your dishes will not be clean. In addition, you could harm other working parts of the machine (such as the motor) by running it dry. Let’s fix it!

Below is a list of the four most common causes for when the dishwasher may appear to be working, but water is not actually going into the dishwasher. 

5 Most Common Causes for A Dishwasher Not Getting Water            

• Clogged inlet valve by calcium deposits
• Bad float switch
• Stuck or frozen water inlet valve (esp. during winter)
• Dishwasher door not closing properly
• Damaged door switch

Clogged inlet valve by calcium deposits

Since no homeowner has x-ray vision, it is impossible to tell precisely why the dishwasher not getting water, despite the fact that it appears to be running.

Let’s begin with the first piece on the path of the water’s journey to your machine. The water inlet valve is the part that is supposed to allow the water to enter the tub. 

The water inlet valve is placed between the house’s water supply and tub inside the dishwasher.

If you live in an area with hard water, it is probable that the inlet/outlet side of the valve could be clogged with calcium deposits.

This buildup happens over time and you cannot see it through the hoses or valve. The humming sound is a good indicator that this is your problem. Thankfully, the repair is not that difficult or expensive. Follow these steps to check the inlet valve for blockage:

1. Shut the power off at the breaker panel.
2. Open the front access panel at the bottom of the dishwasher and locate the water hoses. You should be able to find the water inlet valve as pictured above.
3. Shut the water off to your dishwasher (temporarily) to ensure you don’t end up with water all over the kitchen. Have towels handy, just in case.
4. Remove the hose clamps on both the inlet and outlet sides of the valve. Inspect the valve and tubes for blockages.
5. If you see a clog, use a brush or pipe cleaner (or similar) to clean the calcium buildup. Be careful not to damage anything with aggressive scrubbing.
6. If you are unable to remove the buildup, just go ahead and replace the water inlet valve. See below.
7. Once your repairs are complete, reinstall the inlet valve, clamps and hoses. Turn the water on and check for leaks.
8. If there are not leaks, turn the breaker back on and run a cycle. If the humming sound is gone and you hear water flowing, you’ve fixed your problem. If not, keep reading below.

Water inlet valves start around $12 on Amazon. Click here. Be sure to check your model number for compatibility before ordering.

Note: we may receive a small commission off your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Read also: 4 Dishwasher Problems Caused by Hard Water

Bad float switch

The dishwasher needs water in order to operate properly and in order to accomplish this a float switch is used to actuate the water inlet valve.

The float switch is connected to the float assembly to control the level of the water coming into the dishwasher.

As the float reaches the proper water level it actuates the switch and shuts off the water inlet valve. 

If you have tested or replaced the float assembly and the water still is not filling up the inside of the dishwasher, chances are the float switch is not working.

For a replacement float switch, you can contact the Appliance Parts Store or get it from Amazon for around $10-15. Click here.

You will want to test the float switch before you buy a new one.

To access the switch you will need to remove the lower cover of the dishwasher and test the switch for continuity. If it fails the test, you can contact the manufacturer and purchase a new switch. 

Once you get the new switch and get it swapped out and get everything buttoned backup and turn the breaker back on in the electrical panel.

Test to see if the water starts to fill up and the washer runs through a full cycle.

Then you test whether or not it works with a full load of dishes. 

Stuck water inlet valve or frozen water hose (during winter)

As discussed above, water gets into the dishwasher through the water inlet valve and water supply hose. After checking and cleaning the filters on the valve, you might determine that it is the solenoid inside the actual valve causing problems.

If your dishwasher not getting water, the solenoid might simply be stuck shut (especially with cold water in the winter).

Follow the steps above to inspect and replace the water inlet valve. Check the two (inlet and outlet) water hoses for kinks and disconnect the two wire leads.

Depending upon where your water pipes lead under the house, the water supply hoses might freeze up during the winter. Check to make sure the pipes are well insulated, and leave your cabinet doors open during extreme deep freezes. This will allow warm air from the house to circulate near the cold pipes.

If you will not be using the dishwasher during winter, read: How to Winterize a Dishwasher

Dishwasher Door Not Closing Properly

If your dishwasher not getting water, you may have a simple issue with the door not closing all the way to activate water flow.

If the door does not close properly, the water inlet valve will not open to allow water into the dishwasher. This is a safety feature and is related to a damaged switch discussed below.

Open the door fully to inspect for obstructions and functionality. The rubber seal could be interfering, or a loose screw could be preventing proper alignment with the tub. If you’ve been placing a lot of weight on the door, it could impair proper function. The dishwasher is designed to “know” the door isn’t closed all the way, and may prevent the cycle from starting.

Read for more detail: 4 Reasons Why Dishwasher Door is not Closing Properly.

Damaged door switch

The door interlock switch keeps water from getting out all over the kitchen, and ensures safety while the cycle is in process. This basically prevents the dishwasher from turning on, or automatically shuts it down if the door lock is opened.

Opening the door allows for a quick shut down in case of an emergency. 

If your dishwasher not getting water, you might have a problem with the door switch.

The door switch is a very simple operation. If the prongs of the switch become worn or damaged, the switch will not function properly.

If the door switch fails, the water inlet valve will not open to allow water into the dishwasher.

A quick inspection of the switch can show damage, but you should also check it for continuity with a multimeter. 

If it is faulty, you can contact the manufacturer of the dishwasher and purchase a new switch. Door switches can easily be ordered from Amazon for around $15-25, depending upon the model. Double check part compatibility before ordering!

Replacing the door switch is relatively easy since it is located in the door itself.

1. Be sure that the power is turned off to the dishwasher at the breaker panel.
2. Open the inside panel of the door to gain access to switch and disconnect the wires and mounting screws.
3. To reinstall, just reverse the process. Button everything back up and turn the power on to test the dishwasher.

Note: we may receive a small commission off your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

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