5 Fixes for a KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Filling with Water

You load the dishes, press start, and wait for that familiar sound of water rushing in. But instead… nothing. The dishwasher hums, the lights are on, but it stays dry. Before you panic about an expensive repair bill, take a breath. 

When your KitchenAid dishwasher won’t fill with water, it’s usually something simple: a stuck valve, a clogged screen, or a safety switch doing its job a little too well. Water has to pass through several checkpoints before it reaches the tub, so troubleshooting means working through them one by one.

Try these 5 fixes before calling someone out. None of them take long, and most don’t require any special tools.

What you’ll need:

• Screwdriver (for access panels)
• Old toothbrush or small pick
• Multimeter (for electrical testing)
• Towel (for water spillage)
• Vinegar solution (optional, for cleaning)

Before You Start

Before diving into repairs, confirm you actually have a filling problem:

• Does the dishwasher have power? (Check if control panel lights up)
• Is water running normally to other fixtures in your home?
• Do you hear any unusual sounds when starting a cycle?
• Are there error codes displayed on the control panel?
• Does the dishwasher start its cycle but just not fill, or does nothing happen at all?

If the dishwasher powers on but you hear no water entering after starting a cycle, proceed with the fixes below.

1. Check the Water Supply Valve

The first and easiest thing to check is often overlooked: the water supply valve. This valve, typically located under your kitchen sink, controls the water flow to your dishwasher. It’s surprisingly common for this valve to be partially or completely closed, especially after plumbing work or accidental bumps.

Locate the valve (it usually has a red or blue handle) and ensure it’s turned fully counterclockwise to the open position. If it is already open, try closing it completely and reopening it. This can clear mineral deposits or debris causing partial blockage.

While under the sink, inspect the water supply line for:

• Any kinks or sharp bends in the line
• Visible damage or cracks in the hose
• Obstructions that might restrict water flow

The supply line should have a smooth, unobstructed path to your dishwasher.

2. Inspect and Clean the Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve on the dishwasher itself is located behind the lower access panel. It contains a screen filter that can become clogged with sediment, mineral deposits, or debris over time.

First, turn off the water supply and disconnect power for safety. Remove the lower kick plate panel. Once you locate the inlet valve, carefully disconnect the water supply line and examine the small screen filter inside the valve opening.

Use an old toothbrush, small pick, or vinegar solution to gently clean the screen without damaging it.

Signs your inlet valve may need replacement:

• Severely damaged or torn screen
• Visible corrosion on the valve body
• No improvement after thorough cleaning

Replacement inlet valves are relatively inexpensive and available from appliance parts suppliers.

3. Clear the Float Switch and Assembly

The float switch prevents your dishwasher from overfilling. Located on the tub floor, it’s a small plastic dome or cylinder that rises with water level. If stuck in the raised position due to debris, your dishwasher won’t fill because it thinks it’s already full.

Open your dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. Look for a small plastic cone or cylinder on the tub floor. Gently lift and lower it several times. It should move freely with slight resistance. If stuck, remove it and clean both the float and housing thoroughly with warm, soapy water.

Common culprits include:

• Food particles and grease buildup
• Hardened soap scum
• Mineral deposits from hard water

Once cleaned, reinstall the float and test its movement. This simple 5-minute fix resolves many issues.

4. Examine the Door Switch and Latch

Your dishwasher won’t fill if it doesn’t detect that the door is properly closed and latched. The door switch ensures the dishwasher only operates when securely shut.

First, ensure the door closes completely without obstruction. Examine the door latch for visible damage, wear, or misalignment. Listen for a distinct clicking sound when closing.

To test the door switch, use a multimeter to check for electrical continuity. With power off, locate the switch (consult your manual), disconnect the wires, and test while manually activating it.

What to look for during inspection:

• Worn or broken latch components
• Misaligned strike plate on the door frame
• Damaged wiring connections to the switch

5. Reset the Control Board

Modern KitchenAid dishwashers rely on electronic control boards that occasionally experience glitches preventing normal operation. Before assuming you need expensive replacement, try a simple reset.

Locate your circuit breaker panel and switch off the breaker powering your dishwasher. Wait at least five minutes to allow capacitors to fully discharge, then turn it back on. Alternatively, unplug the dishwasher for five minutes if accessible.

After resetting, run a test cycle. If still not filling, access diagnostic mode (see your owner’s manual) to check for error codes pointing to the specific problem.

In Summary

A KitchenAid dishwasher that won’t fill with water sounds like a major problem, but more often than not, it’s something simple. A clogged screen, stuck float switch, or partially closed valve can usually be handled in under an hour with basic tools and a bit of patience.

Work through these fixes one by one, and there’s a good chance you’ll solve it yourself. But if you’ve checked everything and still aren’t getting water, or you’re not comfortable working with valves and electrical components, call in a professional to get your kitchen back to normal.