Kenmore Dishwasher Not Spraying Water - What To Do?

The dishwasher is one of the most used appliances at home. Because it collects food residue from the dishes, it is not surprising when it becomes troublesome at times. One common problem you may encounter with the dishwasher is it doesn't spray water. If you have a Kenmore dishwasher that has this issue, then stay on this page. We researched the solution to the problem, and here's what we found.

If your Kenmore dishwasher is not spraying water, do the following.

Ensure that the spray arms, inlet valve, chopper blade, filter system, and impeller are clog-free. Replace these parts if needed.
Do not overload the dishwasher.
Check your general water pressure.

Often, a dishwasher not spraying water boils down to poor maintenance. The dirt it collects may block the water passages. Ordinary wear and tear can also cause damage to some parts. Improper use can also cause problems. Read further for an in-depth guide on how to fix this problem with your Kenmore dishwasher.

Eliminate Clogs From The Dishwasher's Components

Water passes through specific components of the dishwasher. These components must be clog-free to ensure smooth flow. However, food residue can be deposited in these components, given the nature of the dishwasher's work. This leads to the dishwasher being unable to spray water.

To eliminate these clogs, you should:

Wash The Top and Bottom Spray Arms

The spray arms are responsible for the water distribution inside the dishwasher. Clogged nozzles cannot release enough water. This will negatively impact the cleaning result.

Cleaning the spray arms is vital to maintaining their peak spraying performance. To clean the top spray arm, do the following steps:

Remove the dishwasher's top rack and place it on a flat surface upside down.
A locking nut secures the spray arm. Rotate the nut to the left to unlock it.
Remove the spray arm and wash it under running water. Make sure to eliminate all the debris obstructing the spray nozzles.
Reinstall the spray arm and secure it by turning the locking nut clockwise.
Return the top rack inside the dishwasher.

To clean the bottom spray arm, do the following steps:

Remove the bottom rack from the dishwasher. You should see the spray arm positioned on the dishwasher's floor.
Hold the spray arm and lift it upwards with minimal force.
Remove any obstruction in the nozzles. Then wash the bottom spray arm under running water.
Put the bottom spray arm back into the dishwasher properly. Press to secure.
Return the bottom rack inside the dishwasher.

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Address Problems With The Water Inlet Valve

Water flows into the dishwasher through the water inlet valve. However, foreign particles in the water may build up and later clog the valve. Needless to say, a clogged inlet valve prevents successful water inflow. When your dishwasher is not spraying water, a clogged inlet valve should be a suspect.

To clean the inlet valve, do the following:

Unplug the dishwasher from the power source and shut off the water source.
Unscrew the lower kickplate panel in either the right or left corner of the dishwasher. The inlet valve should be the component that connects the dishwasher to the water source.
Disconnect the hose and wires attached to the inlet valve using a pair of needle-nosed pliers.
Remove all the screws that secure the valve to the dishwasher.
Check on the valve. If it is clogged, clean it right away with water. However, if the valve has signs of damage, such as burn marks, you have to replace it, as it is not repairable.
Reinstall the valve and reconnect the wires as well as the hose properly.
Plug the dishwasher back in and turn on the water source.
Check the connection and make sure there are no leaks.
Reinstall the kickplate panel.

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Remove Food Stuck On The Chopper Blade

The chopper blade turns food residue into tiny bits for easier disposal. However, hard objects may jam the small blade. From there, food particles may accumulate and clog the chopper blade entirely.

A clogged chopper blade can lower the water pressure from the spray arm. To clean the chopper blade, do the following steps:

Remove both the top and bottom racks of the dishwasher.
Disengage the bottom spray arm.
Release the tower assembly by pressing the clips that hold it at the top of the dishwasher and twist the tower's foot clockwise to disengage it.
Remove the center spray bearing and unscrew the covers of both the filtration system as well as the trapper assembly.
Clean the chopper blades and remove stuck-on food debris. A damaged chopper blade needs replacing.
Reinstall all the dismantled parts properly.

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Clear The Filter System Of Debris

The filters are responsible for trapping food debris inside the dishwasher, so they don't make it through the water supply. As the debris accumulates in the filter, the filter may become clogged.

If this happens, the water can not get through the filter as smoothly as it should. Obstructed water flow may cause the spray arms to spray inadequate water.

It is important to clear the filter system of debris regularly. Here are the steps.

Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.
Remove the bottom rack.
Unlock the assembly by turning it counterclockwise. Then lift the assembly upwards.
Turn the assembly upside down and tap it to remove obstructing objects.
Wash the cylinder filter under running water until it is free of any particulates.
Reinstall and secure the filters properly.

Inspect The Circulation Pump Impeller

The circulation pump pushes water to the spray arms during a wash cycle. A faulty circulation pump can not put out sufficient pressure, so the water cannot reach the spray arms.

Inspect the circulation pump of your dishwasher. Your dishwasher's problem may be due to a clogged impeller. The pump may also become faulty with the dishwasher's ordinary wear and tear.

The circulation pump is only accessible at the bottom of the dishwasher.

Disconnect the dishwasher from the power outlet and shut off the water source.
Remove the dishwasher from the shelf and lay it on its back to expose the bottom part. The pump cover should be visible by this time.
Take the pump out of the dishwasher. You may need extra tools to disconnect the wires and unmount the screws.
Remove any residue that clogs the impeller.
Replace the pump if you see signs of damage.

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Do Not Overload The Dishwasher

Kitchenware may block the nozzle of the spray arms if you overload the dishwasher. Furthermore, too many dishes inside the dishwasher prevent the spray arms from spinning.

You should follow the standard maximum load stated in your dishwasher's manual.

Check Your Water Line

You may become so preoccupied with how to fix your dishwasher that you forget to check your general water line.

If your water line's pressure fails, every appliance connected to it is affected, including your Kenmore dishwasher.

How To Check If The Inlet Valve Is Working

The multimeter tester will tell you whether or not the inlet valve is working. There's no need to remove the inlet valve from the dishwasher. Just make sure the appliance is disconnected from power.

To test the inlet valve, set the tester to ohms x 1 and attach the probes to a terminal. An infinity reading indicates a faulty solenoid, so the valve needs replacement. Still, a leaky valve can pass a continuity test.

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In Closing

A Kenmore dishwasher that doesn't spray water can be solved by removing clogs obstructing the water flow. These clogs can be present in the spray arms, inlet valve, filtration system, chopper blade, and impeller.

Overloading the dishwasher can also prevent the spray arms from discharging water, as excess dishes may block their nozzles. Before you start troubleshooting the dishwasher, make sure the problem is not in your home's water line.

For helpful troubleshooting guides for your Kenmore dishwasher, visit the following posts:

How To Clean A Kenmore Dishwasher? [Inc. The Filter]

How Long Does A Kenmore Dishwasher Run