Dishwasher no water

Common reasons your dishwasher no water

The most common reasons your dishwasher has no water are a broken detergent dispenser, defective electronic control board or a clogged water valve.

  • 56%

    56% of the time it's the
    Detergent Dispenser

  • 31%

    31% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 7%

    7% of the time it's the
    Water Valve

  • 6%

    6% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

Detergent Dispenser Replacement

When the detergent dispenser is damaged, it might stop the dishwasher from filling with water because it could short out and disrupt the electronic control board's ability to send power to the water valve. Water or corrosion might seep into the inner door panel, causing wiring in the detergent dispenser to short out. Additionally, if the dispenser body cracks, water can enter the inner door panel, leading to a short circuit. To fix this issue, have a Sears Home Services expert inspect your dishwasher and replace the faulty detergent dispenser if it's causing the problem with water filling.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't getting any water, it might be due to a faulty electronic control board. Normally, the control board sends electricity to the fill valve to allow water to fill the dishwasher. However, if there's a problem with the control board such as a failed relay or corrupted logic, it may not send the necessary current to the fill valve. Identifying a defective electronic control board can be challenging. To address this issue, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert come to your home and repair the dishwasher when it's not receiving any water.

Water Valve Replacement

A blocked water valve is often to blame when a dishwasher isn't getting any water. This valve opens to let water in when it receives an electrical signal from the control. However, the small openings in the valve can easily become blocked by deposits or debris, preventing water from flowing into the dishwasher. Attempting to clear a clogged water valve yourself isn't recommended because it could cause the valve to stick open and lead to a kitchen flood. If your dishwasher isn't filling with water, it's best to have a Sears Home Services Technician come to your home and replace the blocked water valve.

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher no water issue

How do I repair a no water problem in my dishwasher?

Fixing most issues where the dishwasher isn't getting any water typically requires replacing the detergent dispenser, electronic control board, or water valve. However, since there could be various reasons, it's crucial to conduct a thorough diagnosis to resolve the problem accurately. Understanding the diagnosis is vital for determining the repair cost accurately.

Sears Home Services recommendations when a dishwasher has no water

If your dishwasher isn't filling with water, it could be due to various reasons. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians are skilled at diagnosing all kinds of dishwasher problems.

What to watch out for with a dishwasher no water diagnosis

Identifying issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right expertise and training. Simply swapping out parts without proper diagnostic methods can be ineffective. Appliances, particularly those in the last decade, have advanced significantly, with electronic components that are complex to assess. DIY repairs on newer appliance models are progressively more complex.

Troubleshooting a Dishwasher that Hums but Gets No Water

When your dishwasher hums but gets no water, check the water supply shut-off valve. Open that valve if you find it shut and that may fix the problem.

The hum indicates that the control is sending electric current to the fill valve so you know that the control should be okay. If the fill valve is humming but not opening, you’ll need to have a service technician replace the dishwasher fill valve.

A clogged inlet screen on the dishwasher fill valve can also cause the dishwasher to get no water even though the inlet water valve hums. Cleaning that screen to fix the problem is typically not a good idea because debris from that screen can enter the valve and prevent the inlet water valve from closing fully. This would cause a flood in your kitchen. If the dishwasher inlet water valve screen is clogged with debris, you’ll typically need to replace the entire water valve to fix the problem.

Having a Sears Home Services technician fix your dishwasher that hums but gets no water is the best solution for this type of problem. Our experienced repair technician can quickly find the cause of the problem and fix it. Schedule service now to get your dishwasher working again.

Fixing a Dishwasher Running with No Water

When you find your dishwasher running with no water, examine the overfill float – that mushroom-looking component in the bottom of the dishwasher tub. If that float is stuck in the “up” position or if an item is stuck under that float, then the dishwasher will get no water. Free the float or remove the item under the float and see if the dishwasher fills properly.

Check to see if the water supply cut-off valve under the sink or in the basement is open. If you find that valve shut, open it and restart the dishwasher cycle. The dishwasher should get water and work normally.

If you find the water supply shut-off valve open and see no problems with the overfill float, then the problem with your dishwasher running with no water could be caused by a clogged inlet water valve, a broken overfill float switch, a failed water valve, a wiring failure or a bad electronic control or timer. When you’re unable to resolve a problem with your dishwasher running with no water, schedule repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.
When the dishwasher never fills, clogged inlets or a faulty float switch cut off supply. That leaves your plates practically untouched. Rather than scrubbing every dish, choose dishwasher repair near me.

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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.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no water in my dishwasher?
Check the water supply valve, inlet valve, and inspect the hoses for any blockages or leaks.
Could a clogged water inlet valve cause my dishwasher to have no water?
Yes, if the water inlet valve is clogged or malfunctioning, it can prevent water from entering the dishwasher.
How do I fix a dishwasher that has no water?
Check the water supply valve, inspect the water inlet valve, and make sure there are no hose blockages.
What causes a dishwasher to have no water?
Clogged water inlet valves, closed water supply valves, or blocked hoses could prevent water from entering the dishwasher.

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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.