Why Dishwasher Hums and Not Getting Water?

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).

When your dishwasher is working normally you should be able to hear the water spraying inside the machine.

Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons that you might not hear the water spraying inside despite the fact that you might hear a humming sound.

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. 

4 Most Common Causes When A Dishwasher Hums And Not Getting Water            

• Clogged inlet valve by calcium deposits
• Bad float switch
• Stuck or frozen water inlet valve
• 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 might not be filling up with water, despite the fact that it appears to be running.

Without the prescribed amount of water inside the tub of the dishwasher, it will not operate properly without the water actually being inside.

So, one of the most logical causes is the part that is supposed to allow the water to enter the tub is not working. 

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

If the area that you live in has a known hard water issue than it is highly possible that the inlet or outlet side of the valve could be clogged with calcium deposits.

Since the buildup happens over time and you likely don’t have x-ray vision so you cannot see through the hoses and valve to see that it is happening. 

If you know that it could possibly be caused by a buildup of calcium from your house’s hard water, the repair is not that difficult of expensive. 

The check to see if the if it a blockage you first should shut the power off at the breaker panel.

Open the front access panel at the bottom of the dishwasher and locate the water hoses and you should be able to find the water inlet valve.

You should also shut the water off briefly to ensure that you don’t end up with water all over your kitchen.

Remove the hose clamps on both the inlet and outlet sides of the valve in order to inspect it.

If you find that one or both sides are heavily clogged you can use a number of tools to remove the calcium buildup.

If you are unable to remove it, you should go ahead and replace the water inlet valve.

Once your repairs are complete, button everything back up, turn the water back on and check for any leaks.

Turn the breaker back on and check to see if the water is once again flowing into the tub. 

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.

You can contact the Appliance Parts Store or you can get it from Amazon in order a replacement float switch.

You will want to test the float switch before you spend the money on the switch.

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. 

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

The water is the most important part of the operation of the dishwasher.

There are has to be the right amount of water inside the dishwasher in order for it to properly clean all of your dirty dishes.

The water that is in the dishwasher comes directly into the dishwasher via the Water Inlet Valve. 

Since the only way the water can get into the dishwasher is through the water inlet valve and water hose it is very important that it is operating optimally.

The first thing you will want to check is that the filters and not clogged.

If there is any debris on the filters, you will want to be sure that you clean everything. 

If the filters are clean there is a strong possibility that it is the water inlet valve itself on the solenoid(s) depending on the model.

Locate the water valve which is located behind the front kickplate and remove the screws.

Check the two (inlet and outlet) water hoses for kinks and disconnect the two wire leads.

You will need to purchase a water inlet valve for cheap.  Once you replace the water inlet valve you will need to button everything up and test the washer. 

Damaged door switch

Safety and keeping the water from getting out all over the kitchen is very important.

So, to ensure these two issues are taken care of all dishwashers come with a door interlock switch.

This basically prevents the dishwasher from turning on or automatically shuts it down if the door lock is opened.

This allows for a quick shut down in case of an emergency. 

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

If the switch fails the water inlet valve will open allowing the water to flow 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.

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

Be sure that the power is turned off to the dishwasher at the breaker panel.

Open the inside panel of the door to gain access to switch and disconnect the wires and mounting screws.

To reinstall, just reverse the process. Button everything back up and turn the power on and test the dishwasher.