How to Fix a Dishwasher Not Filling with Water

Overview

A dishwasher that won't fill with water cannot start a cycle. This guide covers diagnosing and fixing fill issues.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. First, locate the stopcock or isolation valve for your dishwasher's water supply, typically under the sink or behind the appliance. Ensure it's fully turned counter-clockwise to the 'open' position, as a partially closed valve will restrict water flow. Confirm that water is definitely available by briefly opening an adjacent tap.
2. Next, turn off the water supply to your dishwasher and unplug it from the mains electricity for safety. Disconnect the water inlet hose from the tap or stopcock connection and carefully remove the small mesh filter you'll find inside. Rinse this filter thoroughly under a running tap to remove any debris or sediment before reattaching it.
3. With the water still off and the dishwasher unplugged, visually inspect the entire length of the water inlet hose, which connects the stopcock to the dishwasher. Look for any sharp bends, twists, or kinks that could be obstructing the water flow, and gently straighten them out. Ensure the hose isn't pinched behind the appliance or by other items.
4. Before testing, switch off the mains power to the dishwasher and pull it out carefully to access the rear. Locate the inlet valve where the water hose connects to the machine, then disconnect the electrical wires from its terminals. Using a multimeter set to read ohms (Ω), touch the probes to the valve's terminals; an infinite reading or zero reading indicates a faulty valve, whereas a reading of 200-1000 ohms suggests it's likely working correctly.
5. If your multimeter test indicated a faulty inlet valve, or if you're certain it's the issue after ruling out other causes, you'll need to replace it. First, turn off the water and unplug the dishwasher, then disconnect the old valve from the water hose and the machine's internal piping. Install the new valve, ensuring all connections are secure and watertight, before carefully reconnecting the electrical wires.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions