It’s annoying when your dishwasher runs but doesn’t fill with water, especially if you depend on it for easy and fast cleanups. The majority of problems arise from a few common parts, whether your dishwasher won’t fill at all or the top rack isn’t receiving any water. The most common causes, easy do-it-yourself tests, and when to consult a professional are all covered in this book.
Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Getting Water
If your dishwasher turns on but doesn’t fill with water, the issue usually points to one of the following:
- Incorrect drain hose installation
- Improper door closure or latching
- Closed water supply valve
- Blocked water inlet valve
- Stuck or obstructed float or float switch
- Low water pressure; and clogged spray arms (if the top rack isn’t receiving water)
Also read Dishwasher not draining
Let’s go through each fix step-by-step.
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Drain Hose Positioned Incorrectly
A poorly installed drain hose can cause siphoning, which prevents the tub from filling.
What to check
- The drain hose must be attached to the disposal intake or waste tee above the drain trap and have a high loop that is at least 20 inches above the floor.
- A drooping hose will continuously draw water out of the tub.
Correcting hose height is a simple fix that restores proper filling in many cases.
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Dishwasher Door Not Latching
Your dishwasher won’t start filling unless the door is fully closed and latched.
Signs to look for
- Flashing START/RESUME light
- Loose, misaligned, or obstructed latch
- Food debris stuck around the door frame
Fix
Close the door firmly and restart the cycle.
If the latch is damaged, a technician may need to repair or replace it.
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Water Supply Valve Is Turned Off
If your dishwasher isn’t getting water at all, check the supply valve located under the sink.
How to check
- Verify that the valve is completely open.
- Examine the area surrounding the connector for leaks.
- If tightening is required, put a bucket below and use a wrench to fasten the fittings.
If your kitchen faucet shows weak pressure, you may have a blocked supply line, which requires professional help.
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Blocked or Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve controls how much water enters the dishwasher.
Blockages are common due to sediment, debris, or mineral buildup—especially in hard-water areas.
DIY Troubleshooting
- Find the valve inside the inner panel on the bottom left.
- Examine the valve opening with a flashlight.
- Use a dry towel to wipe away any visible debris.
If the valve has an electrical or mechanical failure, it will need to be replaced by a technician.
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Float or Float Switch Stuck
The float prevents the dishwasher from overfilling.
If it gets stuck in the “up” position, the dishwasher will think it’s already full—and won’t add water.
How to check
- Find the float in the tub’s front right corner.
- To make sure it moves freely, move it up and down.
- Clear away any food scraps or debris underneath.
A damaged float switch will require professional service.
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Top Rack Not Getting Water
If the dishwasher fills normally but only the top rack is dry, the problem is likely:
- Mineral buildup on spray arms
- Clogged spray arm holes
- Oversized items blocking rotation
Fix
- Remove and clean spray arms
- Adjust rack height
- Run a monthly cleaning cycle using a dishwasher cleaner to prevent buildup
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Dishwasher Fills but Stops Mid-Cycle
If water enters but washing does not begin, the issue could involve:
- Faulty thermal fuse
- Malfunctioning control board
- Jammed detergent dispenser
- Damaged spray arms
These concerns typically require a professional diagnosis.
When to Call a Professional
Contact an Edmonton appliance repair technician if:
- The inlet valve has failed
- The door latch is broken
- There is low water pressure or supply line blockage
- The dishwasher still won’t fill after all troubleshooting steps
