KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Getting Or Filling With Water—What To Do?

As a homeowner, you may have noticed that your KitchenAid dishwasher is not getting or filling with water, but you are unsure how to fix the problem. Luckily, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.

The following are the steps to do when your dishwasher is not getting water:

  • Check the water inlet valve.
  • Check the float switch.
  • Examine the float.
  • Check the door switch(es).
  • Inspect the main control board.

Once you discover that your KitchenAid dishwasher is not getting water, it is important to deal with the problem as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Read on for detailed information on what to do when your dishwasher is not getting water.

Open dishwasher with clean dishes in the white kitchen, Kitchenaid Dishwasher Not Getting Or Filling With Water—What To Do?

What Should I Do If My KitchenAid Dishwasher Is Not Getting Water?

Man repairing a dishwasher with tools

When your dishwasher does not get filled with water, it could be due to different problems. However, this should not make you panic. You can easily fix this problem without calling a professional. Here are some things you can do:

Check The Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve of your KitchenAid dishwasher can be found on the left or right corner of the body, behind the lower access panel.

It is an important component. Sometimes sediment can block the valve and prevent the dishwasher from filling with water. 

The water inlet valve comprises the bracket, valve body, and solenoid. When the valve is clogged with sediment, there will be restrictions on the flow of water.

Without water in the tub, the dishwasher can't run a complete cycle. Ensure the valve underneath the sink is open and that good water pressure goes into the dishwasher. If your valve has a screen, you should inspect and clean the screen.

When there is sufficient water pressure and the screen is clean, but the dishwasher is not filled with water, conduct a continuity test using a multimeter to check if the solenoid has failed. These are the steps to follow:

  1. Set the multimeter to continuity. Once set, touch the probes together to ensure they are working.
  2. Take off the wires on the valve and touch the test probe to each terminal. If there is no reading, then the solenoid is faulty.
  3. Replace the water inlet valve.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A KitchenAid Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve?

The component of the KitchenAid dishwasher that is responsible for supplying water is the water inlet valve. The water inlet valve can develop a fault.

When this happens, it is necessary to replace the valve. It can cost between $80 to $125 to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve.

Check out this water inlet valve replacement on Amazon

Check The Float Switch

A float switch, often made of plastic, is a safety device that shuts the water off once the tub is full. It has wire terminals and a button to activate the contacts inside. 

When the contacts inside the switch fail, power won’t be sent to the valve, causing your dishwasher to not get filled with water. You should test for continuity using a multimeter to see if the float switch has failed.

To do this, take off the access panel to see the switch. Also, remove the wires and touch a probe to each terminal.

Next, push the button down as if the tub is empty and check for continuity. Also, let the button up as if the tub is full and check for continuity.

If there is continuity when the button is pushed down, then the switch is good. Otherwise, the switch is bad.

Check out this float switch replacement on Amazon

Examine The Float

A float, made of plastic, moves up and down to indicate when the dishwasher is full or empty. The float may be missing or stuck in the up position. When this occurs, it is unlikely that the dishwasher will get filled with water.

Simply inspect and make sure the float is moving freely. If it is damaged or missing, you will need to replace it.

Check The Door Switch(es)

A door switch is a safety device that stops the dishwasher from starting its cycle when the door is still open. It has a button and wire terminals (with a set of contacts inside).

When you discover that your dishwasher is not getting filled with water, it could be that the door switch has failed.

The door switch is usually located in the latch assembly found in the control panel. When it fails, the dishwasher assumes the door is open instead of closed. It is necessary to carry out a continuity test.

To do this, retrieve the latch from the control panel and get to the wire terminals for testing. Touch a probe to each of the terminals. Then push the button on the switch.

There should be a continuity reading to show that the switch is good. Otherwise, replace the switch with a new one.

Inspect The Main Control Board

The main control panel controls the various functions of the dishwasher components. In addition, it sends power to all dishwasher components. 

Like the door switch(es), the main control board is located in the control panel. When the main control board fails, the dishwasher will not be filled with water. Therefore, the main control board should be tested.

There are different designs of main control boards, so there is no general way of testing them. All you have to do is grab the tech sheet for your dishwasher and follow the steps to test the board of your dishwasher.

Your dishwasher should be working perfectly once you have solved the problem.

How Do I Reset My KitchenAid Dishwasher?

Adult Woman Unloading Dishwasher In The Kitchen

KitchenAid dishwashers are known to be reliable and durable. However, as with every other home appliance, you may experience functional issues with them.

You may find that your dishes don’t get clean anymore. When this occurs, a simple reset may be needed. Here is a guide to carrying out a simple reset or reboot:

  1. Turn off the switch.
  2. Turn off the dishwasher and disconnect the power cord.
  3. Wait for about five minutes.
  4. Reconnect the dishwasher to the power source.
  5. Put on the circuit breaker and the dishwasher.

How To Prolong the Lifespan Of Your KitchenAid Dishwasher

Two Movers Placing Dishwasher In Kitchen

Generally, dishwashers can last up to 12 years. However, with good maintenance, you can expect your KitchenAid dishwasher to last up to 10 years. Here are things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your dishwasher:

Clean The Filter Regularly

If you fail to clean your dishwasher’s filter, debris will accumulate on it, causing it to smell. Therefore, it is recommended to clean your filter every month.

This process takes just a couple of minutes. You can determine the type of filter in your dishwasher with the help of your owner’s manual.

Check out this dishwasher filter replacement on Amazon

Load Your Dishes Appropriately

This is very important. Loading your dishwasher properly makes a great difference in how it cleans your dishes. So make sure to load your dishes well.

What Are The Common Problems With KitchenAid Dishwashers?

Flooded Floor In Kitchen From Broken Dishwasher

As with every other home appliance, dishwashers can malfunction. Therefore, you may need to repair and do proper maintenance. Here are common problems with dishwashers:

  • Leaks
  • Cracks
  • Incomplete cycle
  • Failure to get water
  • Dishes don’t come out clean

To Wrap Up

If you notice that your KitchenAid dishwasher is not getting water, all you have to do is check the water inlet valve, float switch, door switch, and control board. You can contact a professional if you find it difficult to solve the problem.

If you enjoyed reading this post, here are similar articles you may like:

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