Dishwasher not filling with water: troubleshooting common causes
Having a dishwasher that doesn’t function correctly is a major inconvenience to any home. Your dishwasher is a staple appliance that you expect to keep mealtime cleanup moving and bring your family together. If your dishwasher appears to be running but will not fill with water, there are a handful of solutions you can try before contacting a professional. While problems typically occur in older appliances or machines that are not used according to guidelines, Whirlpool brand offers warranties and professional installation to avoid future issues.
Why is my dishwasher not getting water?
There are several reasons why your dishwasher may not be filling with water. An incorrectly positioned drain hose, open or unlatched door, shut off water supply or obstructed overfill protection float may be responsible. Read on to learn about solutions you can try to correct these issues on your own.
Drain hose is not positioned correctly
If the loop in the end of your drain hose is not positioned at least 20 inches off the floor or subfloor, your dishwasher could be siphoning. Locate the drain hose and connect it to the waste tee or disposal inlet above your house plumbing’s drain trap at a minimum of 20 inches above the floor to ensure the tub fills properly.
Dishwasher door is open or unlatched
An open or unlatched door will prevent the dishwasher from filling with water. A flashing START/RESUME indicator light typically suggests that this is the problem. If this is the case, make sure the dishwasher door is closed and press the START/RESUME button to continue the cycle.
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.
Overfill protection float is obstructed
The overfill protection float prevents the dishwasher from overfilling and must be correctly in place to allow the appliance to fill. On some models, the float is typically found in the front right corner. Newer models that are experiencing filling difficulty should be inspected by a professional.
Locate the float, and check for obstructions by moving it up and down to see if it moves freely. Remove the obstructions as needed.
What if my dishwasher fills with water, then stops?
If your dishwasher fills with water but stops before reaching the wash cycle, a technical issue such as a shorted-out thermal fuse or electronic control board could be to blame. You can contact a professional to correct these issues by scheduling Whirlpool® Service and Repairs.
Shop Whirlpool® dishwashers
If your dishwasher needs to be replaced or if you’re ready to upgrade your appliance, Whirlpool brand offers several options to help keep mealtime cleanup moving smoothly.
Learn more about how to fix dishwashers
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Leaking Dishwasher? 6 Common Causes & Fixes If your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom, door, or underneath, here are the common reasons why and how to fix that leaky dishwasher.
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