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Whirlpool Dishwasher Doesn’t Fill With Water

The Whirlpool Company has been servicing homes for more than 100 years with home appliances like dishwashers. With their vast experience, the Whirlpool dishwasher has become a household favorite for its efficiency. However, some owners experience a problem with their washer not filling.

A Whirlpool dishwasher that doesn’t fill with water may have a faulty float switch. This switch detects the water level in the machine and stops the fill cycle when the appropriate water level is reached. If stuck or broken, it falsely signals that the dishwasher is full. To fix this, locate the float inside the dishwasher, clean around it, move it up and down to ensure it’s not stuck, and check for smooth movement.

Water being sprayed on glasses inside dishwasher

There are several other reasons why a Whirlpool dishwasher may not be filling with water. Some of the common causes include an incorrectly positioned drain hose, an open or unlatched door, a shut off water supply, or an obstructed overfill protection float. Here are some solutions you can try to fix these issues:

  1. Drain hose is not positioned correctly: If the loop in the end of your drain hose is not positioned at least 20 inches off the floor or subfloor, your dishwasher could be siphoning. Locate the drain hose and connect it to the waste tee or disposal inlet above your house plumbing’s drain trap at a minimum of 20 inches above the floor to ensure the tub fills properly.
  2. Dishwasher door is open or unlatched: An open or unlatched door will prevent the dishwasher from filling with water. A flashing START/RESUME indicator light typically suggests that this is the problem. If this is the case, make sure the dishwasher door is closed and press the START/RESUME button to continue the cycle.
  3. Water supply valve is closed: In order for your dishwasher to fill, the water supply valve must be turned to the open position. Locate your kitchen’s water supply and twist the valve open as needed to allow water to flow freely through the water supply line and into the unit.
  4. Overfill protection float is obstructed: The overfill protection float prevents the dishwasher from overfilling and must be correctly in place to allow the appliance to fill. On some models, the float is typically found in the front right corner. Newer models that are experiencing filling difficulty should be inspected by a professional. Locate the float, and check for obstructions by moving it up and down to see if it moves freely. Remove the obstructions as needed.

If you have tried these solutions and your dishwasher still does not fill with water, there may be other issues at play such as a shorted-out thermal fuse or electronic control board. In this case, you can contact a professional for assistance by scheduling Whirlpool Service and Repairs.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Doesn’t Fill With Water

Dishwasher filling up with water

If your Whirlpool dishwasher does not fill with water, your water inlet valve likely needs to be replaced. However, there are other reasons why your washer may not be producing water, including:

  • Clogged water supply
  • Blocked float area
  • Poorly placed drain hose

How To Fix a Clogged Water Supply

Over time, debris and calcium deposits build up around the water valve and can block your valve, stopping the water from moving. The debris can also cake up the water filter and stop the water from flowing.

To remove this debris and restore your dishwasher to normal functions:

  1. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
  2. Locate the valve at the back of your machine.
  3. Remove the valve and inspect it for obstructions.
  4. Use a stick to remove large pieces.
  5. Clean the valve with a mix of baking powder and water. Alternatively, you can use warm water.
  6. Replace the valve and secure it in the dishwasher.

After doing this, ensure that the water supply valve is on, or the washer will not fill.

How To Remove a Blockage in the Float Area

The overfill protection float keeps the dishwasher from overflowing. When this part is out of place, the dishwasher will not fill. Usually, the float is in the front right corner of the dishwasher’s tub. You must first find the part and check for obstructions and if you notice any, remove them.

Next, you’ll need to adjust the float so that it is seated correctly in the dishwasher. Check if the float can move up and down freely, which will confirm that the float is in the right place.

Afterward, check to see if your dishwasher begins to fill. If this repair does not help, it is time to schedule a service.

How To Adjust a Poorly Placed Drain Hose

The drain hose releases the water after the wash cycle is completed. However, when the drain hose is too low, the water will begin siphoning. Therefore, if you’ve noticed that your brand new Whirlpool dishwasher is not filling, check your plumbing.

Ideally, a plumber should connect your drain hose to the disposal inlet and above other house plumbing. It is recommended that your hose is at least 20 in. (50 cm.) off of the ground.

Once your plumbing has been established, it isn’t easy to make adjustments unless you have experience. Therefore, if your pipe is too low, contact your local appliance store to find a specialist who can adjust it.

DID YOU KNOW:

A Whirlpool dishwasher not draining often results from a clogged filter. Food remnants and debris can block the filter, preventing water from passing through. To fix this, remove the bottom rack and dishwasher filter, then clean the filter with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Reinsert the clean filter and run a rinse cycle to test if the dishwasher drains properly.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Doesn’t Spray Water

Dishwasher top rack

When your dishwasher doesn’t spray water, the spray arms need cleaning. To service your spray arms at home, you will need the following tools:

  • Wire or toothpick
  • Vinegar
  • Toothbrush

To remove the arms and clean them:

  1. Remove the bottom tray of your dishwasher.
  2. Locate the water filter and remove it.
  3. Detach the lower spray arm from the center of the dishwasher, which can be removed by hand.
  4. Scrub with the toothbrush to remove large debris.
  5. Use a wire or toothpick to remove any trash clogging the holes of the spray arm.
  6. Soak the spray arm in warm water and vinegar for at least ten minutes.
  7. Rinse the arm and position it in the dishwasher.
  8. Test that the spray arm moves freely.
  9. Repeat these steps on the upper spray arm.

These steps can remove tough grime from the spray holes in your arm and allow the water to flow freely. If you checked both spray arms and have determined that they are not dirty, consider measuring the water pressure in your home.

How To Know if My Water Pressure Is Too Low for My Whirlpool Dishwasher

Whirlpool dishwashers need at least 20 PSI to function. If your house’s supply is lower than that, your device will not spray or fill correctly. It will help if you test your water supply for issues. To begin, make sure there are no bends in the dishwasher’s hose. If there are kinks, manually straighten them out.

Next, you will have to check your home’s water pressure. Plug a pressure gauge into an outdoor hose and turn the hose to full blast. Afterward, observe the reading on your meter.

Generally, anything under 40 PSI is considered low water pressure. Still, if your reading is above 20 PSI, keep the shower and other utilities off while using the dishwasher, which can improve the water flow to your washer and encourage spraying.

However, for a pressure reading that is under twenty, consider contacting a maintenance specialist to boost your water supply.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Keeps Filling With Water

Dishwasher top rack water spray

If you’ve noticed your dishwasher leaking when it’s off or continuously filling when it’s done washing, you have a broken or clogged water inlet valve.

Calcium deposits can build up and keep the valve open. If this happens, water will escape the valve despite the dishwasher being in the off position. Locate the valve and clean it if necessary.

Also, if your inlet valve has malfunctioned, it will keep filling with water, so you must replace the valve to stop the device from overflowing. This project requires the following tools:

  • Screwdriver
  • Plyers
  • Adjustable wrench

To change a faulty inlet valve:

  1. Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
  2. Shut down the water supply.
  3. Remove the four screws securing the toe kick panel at the front of the dishwasher.
  4. Unscrew the inner access panel and set it aside.
  5. Remove the two screws securing the water inlet bracket. The bracket is a silver knob with two screws on opposite ends.
  6. Detach the bracket. Lift from the rear of the metal part to remove it.
  7. Disconnect the two blue wires from their terminals. Pull the plastic tabs instead of the cables to prevent damage.
  8. Release the pinch clamp securing the hose with pliers.
  9. Pull off the hose.
  10. Use an adjustable wrench to unfasten the water supply line from the elbow fitting.
  11. Detach the inlet valve from the elbow fitting.
  12. Thread the fitting into the new valve and make sure it is secure.
  13. Reattach the water supply line to the fitting.
  14. Slide the clamp onto the outlet hose.
  15. Attach the hose to the water inlet valve port.
  16. Secure the hose with the pliers and fasten the clamp.
  17. Connect the wires to the inlet valve terminals.
  18. Replace the metal tab into its slot and mount the new inlet valve.
  19. Fasten the two screws.
  20. Position the inner access panel and toe kick panel and replace the screws.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fills With Water But Won’t Start

Water spraying onto dishes inside dishwasher

If your Whirlpool dishwasher fills but does not start afterward, your washer may have the “Delay Wash” feature set. There are two ways to deactivate this setting:

  • Press “Cancel” to shut off the delay.
  • Press “Start” or “Resume” to continue the cycle.

If these steps fail, your washer needs to be cycled with a hard reset. Try resetting your dishwasher by unplugging it from its wall outlet for one minute. If your dishwasher connects to your breaker, you need to shut down the power supply temporarily. After you restore the power, your washer will start.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Heating Water

Inside of dishwasher top rack

When your Whirlpool device stops heating the water, there is a broken heating assembly. Before attempting a repair, test the heating element with a multimeter to confirm that it has malfunctioned.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on April 4, 2021.

If it is broken, purchase a replacement from a certified supplier to ensure you get a high-quality piece.

To replace the heating element:

  1. Turn off the power supply.
  2. Shut off the water supply to your dishwasher.
  3. Use a screwdriver to release the lower access panels at the front of your dishwasher.
  4. Use a wrench to disconnect the water supply line.
  5. Remove the screws on the terminal block cover plate. Note the locations on the wires.
  6. Unfasten the screw securing the grounding wire.
  7. Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the strain-relief nut.
  8. Remove the wires from the junction box.
  9. Disconnect the drain hose.
  10. Remove the dishwasher from the wall and lie it flat on its back.
  11. Disconnect the wires to the heating element.
  12. Set the dishwasher upright.
  13. Detach the heating element from its position.
  14. Add the replacement.
  15. Return the dishwasher to its back.
  16. Connect the wires to the brand new element and secure the nuts.
  17. Stand the dishwasher upright.
  18. Replace the screw in the grounding wire.
  19. Secure the terminal block plate.
  20. Reconnect the water supply line.
  21. Replace the access panels.

Final Thoughts

You can repair your Whirlpool dishwasher at home, but it’s essential to purchase OEM parts from a licensed manufacturer. Once you’ve gotten premium parts, your repairs will last much longer.

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Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on April 4, 2021.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on April 4, 2021.

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