Bosch dishwasher no water

Common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no water

The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher is not getting water include a bad water valve, stuck overfill float and a defective PCB (printed circuit board).

  • 32%

    32% of the time it's the
    Water Valve

  • 21%

    21% of the time it's the
    Overfill Float

  • 18%

    18% of the time it's the
    PCB

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Something else

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 60,000 Bosch dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Chat

Most common repairs needed to fix a Bosch dishwasher

Water Valve Replacement

When your Bosch dishwasher is not getting water, a bad water inlet fill valve can be the cause. Electric current from the PCB activates the solenoid coil to open the water fill valve in the fill mode of the dishwasher cycle. If the solenoid coil is bad or the water valve is stuck shut, the dishwasher won’t fill with water. It’s often difficult to tell whether the water inlet valve in a Bosch dishwasher is getting electric current from the PCB. When your Bosch dishwasher isn’t filling, schedule dishwasher repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician examine the valve and replace it if it’s defective.

Overfill Float Replacement

A Bosch dishwasher uses a float mechanism to shut off the current to the water inlet fill valve when water level inside the dishwasher tub reaches the maximum fill level. If the float sticks in the up position so the PCB detects that the dishwasher is full of water when it’s actually empty, the PCB will not send current to the water valve to open the valve and fill the washer. If the switch on the float is broken and sends a signal to the PCB that the dishwasher is full of water when it’s actually empty, the same scenario will happen. The PCB won’t send electrical current to the water valve to fill the dishwasher. When your Bosch dishwasher is not getting water, have a service technician check the float and replace the float assembly if it’s malfunctioning.

PCB Replacement

The PCB is the electronic control board that controls dishwasher operations such as filling, washing, draining and drying. The PCB gets input from the float to determine when the dishwasher is full of water. In the fill mode, the PCB sends current to the water inlet fill valve to open that valve and fill the dishwasher with water. If the PCB doesn’t send electrical current to the water inlet fill valve because of a bad relay on the control board, the dishwasher won’t get water. If the PCB is not detecting the position of the water level float switch properly, then the dishwasher won’t fill with water. Testing the PCB in a Bosch dishwasher is complicated. When your Bosch dishwasher is not getting water and you suspect that the PCB is bad, have a service technician check the control board and replace it if necessary.

Why is my Bosch dishwasher not getting water?

When your dishwasher is not filling with water, the problem could be as simple as something stuck in the overfill float or an issue with the water supply line. Of course, several other problems including a failed water inlet valve, bad door switch, defective electronic control board or a wiring failure can also prevent your GE dishwasher from filling.

This DIY troubleshooting video provides expert tips on finding the cause of the failure in your dishwasher:

Basic troubleshooting steps

  • Close the dishwasher door fully so it latches; otherwise it can’t fill.
  • Check to see if the dishwasher water supply valve is turned on. You'll likely find this valve under the sink or in the basement under your dishwasher. You might be surprised at how many people shut this valve off when they go on vacation and forget to turn it back on.
  • Look for an item stuck underneath the over fill float in the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Remove the item if you find one stuck there and the dishwasher should fill.

checking-the-dishwasher-inlet-water-valve-screen

Check for a clog in water inlet valve screen

  1. Shut off the water supply valve and disconnect electrical power by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.
  2. Remove the bottom panel mounting screws and pull off the bottom front access panel and toe panel.
  3. Remove the front dishwasher door panel if necessary to access the water inlet valve.
  4. Place a towel under the water valve to catch water and disconnect the water supply line from the valve.

Use a mirror to check for a clogged inlet screen. If you can't use a mirror to check the screen, remove the mounting screw and pull the valve off the bracket.

Replace the water valve if you find the screen clogged.

Note: Don’t try to clean a clogged water inlet valve screen. Debris from the clogged screen can get into the valve body, causing the valve to stick open and possibly flood your kitchen.

Here's a video that shows you how to replace the valve:

If you’re not completely confident that you can safely replace the water inlet valve on your own, schedule dishwasher repair and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to install the new part.

checking-the-dishwasher-water-supply-image

Check the water supply

Check for water flow through the supply line.

Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the valve to check water flow through the supply line.

If the water doesn't flow, have a plumber fix the water supply to your dishwasher.

Test the dishwasher door switch

Follow these steps to test the dishwasher door switch:

  1. Remove the door latch mounting screws and pull the door latch assembly off.
  2. Hold down the switch lever and measure the resistance across the pins using a multimeter.

A door switch that’s working properly measures continuity or near 0 ohms of resistance.

If you measure infinite resistance, replace the door latch assembly.

If the door switch is okay, continue following the troubleshooting tips shown in the video to find the cause of the fill failure.

If you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the fill problem on your own, schedule repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the dishwasher.

What to expect when you experience a Bosch dishwasher no water issue

How is the no water problem fixed?

Fixing most issues preventing your Bosch dishwasher from getting water usually involves replacing the water inlet valve, water level float mechanism or the PCB. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that has no water

When the dishwasher has no water it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher no water diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

No water flow in your Bosch dishwasher means half-empty cycles and unclean dishes. Blocked inlet valves or faulty sensors often cause this dry run. Rather than hand-scrubbing, opt for a quick dishwasher service. Restoring water intake helps each cycle deliver the deep clean your Bosch is designed for.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my Bosch dishwasher fill with water?
A faulty inlet valve, clogged water supply hose, or malfunctioning float switch can cause no water flow. Confirm the water supply is turned on and free of kinks.
How do I clean a clogged water inlet valve screen?
Turn off the water supply, detach the hose from the valve, and gently remove debris with a brush or rinse under warm water.
Can a broken float switch stop the dishwasher from filling?
Yes. If the float switch remains in the “up” position, the control board will think the dishwasher is full. Inspect and test for proper movement.
When do I need professional service for a no-water Bosch dishwasher?
If basic checks—like clearing the valve screen or resetting the float—don’t help, the valve coil or control board may need replacement. A technician can perform advanced diagnostics.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

Banner image for blog article "Why Won't my Dishwasher Turn On?"
6 min readApr. 07

Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.

Photo of an open Kenmore dishwasher in white modern kitchen
5 min readMar. 04

If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.

Simple Steps to Replace a Blocked Dishwasher Spray Arm
6 min readMar. 04

If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.

7 Common Dishwasher Problems and How to Fix Them
5 min readMar. 04

Many common issues stem from simple misuse.

Glossary Terms

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.