KitchenAid Dishwasher Does Not Fill With Water? Fix It Fast!

Have you ever loaded your KitchenAid dishwasher, turned it on, and then realized it doesn’t fill with water? It can be so frustrating because the dishwasher can’t clean your dishes without water. I faced this problem once, and after some careful checking, I found out the water supply was blocked. In this article, I will help you understand why your KitchenAid dishwasher does not fill with water and how to fix it easily.

Check the Water Supply to Your Dishwasher

One of the main reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher might not fill with water is because the water supply is turned off or blocked. Sometimes, the water valve under your sink or near the dishwasher is closed, or the hose might be bent or clogged. Before doing anything complicated, always check if your dishwasher is getting water.

Start by making sure the water valve that connects to your dishwasher is fully open. It looks like a small knob or lever on a pipe under your kitchen sink. If it’s closed or partially closed, the dishwasher won’t get any water.

Next, check the water hose that connects the dishwasher to the water supply. Sometimes, this hose can get twisted or crushed behind the dishwasher. Pull the dishwasher out carefully and look at the hose. Make sure it’s not bent or blocked. If you see dirt or buildup inside, try cleaning it or replace the hose.

Also, check if the water pressure in your home is normal. If water pressure is too low, the dishwasher may have trouble filling up.

Make sure the water valve to the dishwasher is open.
Look for kinks or blockages in the water hose.
Clean or replace the hose if needed.
Check the home water pressure is normal.

Inspect the Float Assembly Inside the Dishwasher

The float assembly is a small device inside your KitchenAid dishwasher that tells it when to stop filling with water. If the float is stuck in the “up” position, the dishwasher will think it already has enough water and won’t fill.

Open the dishwasher door and find the float. It looks like a small dome or cylinder at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, usually near the front or side. Try lifting the float with your finger and letting it drop. It should move freely up and down. If it is stuck or dirty, water may not fill.

Sometimes food particles or debris get stuck under or around the float and stop it from moving. Clean the area carefully with a soft cloth and some warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals.

If cleaning the float does not work and it still sticks, you may need to replace the float assembly.

Locate the float inside the dishwasher tub.
Check if the float moves freely up and down.
Clean around the float to remove any dirt or debris.
Replace the float assembly if it stays stuck.

Look at the Door Latch and Switch

Your dishwasher will not fill with water unless the door is completely closed and the latch is working right. This is because the dishwasher wants to be safe and not run with the door open.

Check the door latch to make sure it is catching properly when you close the door. If the latch is broken or loose, the dishwasher might not recognize the door as closed.

There is also a door switch inside the dishwasher. This small switch tells the dishwasher when the door is closed so it can start filling with water. Sometimes the switch gets damaged or loose, and the dishwasher won’t fill.

You can test the door switch with a multimeter if you have one. If the switch does not work, you need to replace it. If you don’t have tools or are not comfortable, a repair technician can help.

Check if the door latch closes securely.
Inspect the door switch for damage or loose wiring.
Test the door switch with a multimeter if possible.
Replace the door latch or switch if needed.

Test the Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into your dishwasher. If it is broken or clogged, water will not enter the dishwasher.

This valve is usually located near the bottom of the dishwasher where the water hose connects. It works with electricity to open and let water in when the dishwasher starts.

If you hear no water coming in, or you know the water supply is fine, the valve might be faulty. You can test the valve with a multimeter for electrical continuity. If it shows no continuity or the valve is blocked, you need to replace it.

Sometimes dirt or small debris can clog the valve screen. Turn off the water and power before checking the valve screen. Clean the screen carefully and see if water flow improves.

Locate the water inlet valve near the water connection.
Check the valve screen for dirt and clean if necessary.
Test the valve for electrical continuity with a multimeter.
Replace the valve if it is faulty or clogged.

Check the Dishwasher Timer or Control Board

The dishwasher timer or control board tells your KitchenAid dishwasher when to fill with water during a cycle. If these parts are broken or have a problem, the dishwasher may not fill.

A timer is an old mechanical part that controls the steps in the wash cycle. Newer dishwashers have an electronic control board that does the same job but with computer chips.

If the timer or control board fails, it can stop the water valve from opening. You may notice the dishwasher lights do not work properly, or the dishwasher does not start filling on time.

Testing these parts can be tricky and usually needs special tools. If you suspect the timer or control board, it’s best to call a professional.

The timer or control board controls when water fills the dishwasher.
A broken timer or board can stop water from filling.
Look for dishwasher cycle or light problems.
Call a professional to test or replace these parts.

Examine the Water Pressure and Home Plumbing

Sometimes the problem is not in the dishwasher but in your home’s plumbing or water pressure. If the water pressure is very low or pipes are clogged, the dishwasher cannot fill properly.

Try running water from the kitchen faucet to see if the flow is strong. If the water pressure is weak, your dishwasher may not get enough water.

Also, check for any leaks or blockages in the pipes leading to the dishwasher. Older homes may have buildup inside pipes that reduce water flow.

If your home uses a water softener or filter, it might be clogged and affect water flow to the dishwasher.

Test the kitchen faucet water flow for good pressure.
Look for leaks or clogged pipes near the dishwasher.
Check water softeners or filters for blockages.
Call a plumber if water pressure is too low.

Clean the Filter and Spray Arms

If the dishwasher fills but does not spray water properly, or fills very slowly, a dirty filter or spray arms might be the cause.

The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher and catches food bits. If it gets clogged, water flow can be reduced or stopped.

Spray arms spray water to clean dishes. If they get blocked by food debris or hard water buildup, water will not spray correctly.

Remove and clean the filter with warm water and a brush. Also, remove the spray arms and clean out any holes or debris. This helps water flow freely and keeps the dishwasher working well.

Remove and clean the filter at the dishwasher bottom.
Take out spray arms and clear blocked holes.
Use warm water and soft brush to clean parts.
Regular cleaning improves water flow and washing.

Final Thoughts

When your KitchenAid dishwasher does not fill with water, it can make washing dishes impossible and stressful. The good news is, most causes are easy to find and fix yourself, like checking the water supply, cleaning the float, or inspecting the door latch. Sometimes you may need to replace parts like the water inlet valve or call a professional for complex problems like control board issues. Taking the time to check each part step by step will help you get your dishwasher working again quickly and save money on repairs.

What to Check	Why It Matters	What to Do
Water supply valve and hose	Must be open and not blocked	Open valve, remove kinks, clean hose
Float assembly inside dishwasher	Controls water fill level	Clean and test float movement
Door latch and switch	Dishwasher won’t fill if door not closed	Check latch, test switch, replace if faulty
Water inlet valve	Controls water entry	Clean screen, test valve, replace if bad
Timer or control board	Controls water fill cycle	Look for electrical issues, call professional
Water pressure and plumbing	Low pressure means no water	Test faucet flow, check pipes, call plumber
Filter and spray arms	Blockages reduce water flow	Clean filter and spray arms regularly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for a dishwasher to take time to fill with water?

Yes, it can take a little time for the dishwasher to fill with water, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This is normal because the machine waits for the float to detect the right water level before stopping the fill. If your dishwasher takes much longer or never fills, then there might be a problem with the water supply or parts like the float or water valve.

Can a clogged water filter cause the dishwasher not to fill?

Yes, a clogged water filter can stop water from entering the dishwasher. The filter catches dirt and particles from the water supply, and if it gets blocked, water flow will reduce or stop. Cleaning or replacing the filter can often fix the problem and help water fill properly.

Do I need a professional to fix a broken water inlet valve?

If you have some experience with tools and a multimeter, you can test and replace the water inlet valve yourself by following safety steps. However, if you don’t feel confident or don’t have the tools, it is safer to call a professional to avoid electric shock or water leaks.

Is it safe to run the dishwasher if the door latch is broken?

No, it is not safe. The door latch keeps the dishwasher door closed tightly during operation to prevent water leaks and accidents. If the latch is broken, water may leak or the dishwasher might not start filling. Fixing or replacing the door latch is important for safety.

Can low home water pressure stop the dishwasher from filling?

Yes, low water pressure can make it hard for the dishwasher to fill properly. Dishwashers need enough pressure to push water through the hose and valve. Check your home’s water pressure and call a plumber if it’s too low.

Do I have to clean the spray arms often?

It is a good idea to clean the spray arms regularly, about once every few months. Food bits and hard water can block the spray holes, reducing water flow and cleaning power. Keeping them clean helps your dishwasher work well.

Is the float assembly easy to fix or replace?

Yes, the float assembly is usually easy to access and replace. It often just snaps out or unscrews inside the dishwasher tub. Cleaning the float to free it is the first step before thinking about replacement.

Can a faulty control board cause the dishwasher not to fill?

Yes, the control board controls when the water valve opens during the cycle. If it is broken, the dishwasher may not fill or work correctly. Diagnosing control board problems is complex, and usually a professional is needed for repair or replacement.