Kenmore Elite dishwasher no water

Common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher has no water

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite 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

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 35,000 Kenmore Elite 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 Kenmore Elite dishwasher

Detergent Dispenser Replacement

A broken detergent dispenser can prevent the dishwasher from filling with water when the dispenser shorts out and prevents the electronic control board from sending electrical current to the water valve. Corrosion or water can enter the inner dishwasher door panel to short out wiring in the detergent dispenser. The dispenser body can also crack. A crack in the dispenser housing will allow water to get into the inner door panel and short out the dispenser. Have a Sears Home Services professional examine your dishwasher and replace the broken detergent dispenser when it prevents the dishwasher from filling with water.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dishwasher is getting no water, it could have a defective electronic control board. The control board sends current to the fill valve to fill the dishwasher when the control board is working properly. A failed relay or corrupted logic on the circuit board could prevent the control board from sending electrical current to the fill valve. Determining whether an electronic control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the dishwasher when it is getting no water.

Water Valve Replacement

A clogged water valve is a common cause for a dishwasher getting no water. The water valve opens when it gets electrical current from the control. Openings through the water valve can easily get clogged with deposits or debris so water won’t flow through the valve to fill the dishwasher. It’s not a good idea to clear a clogged water valve because the valve can stick open and flood your kitchen. When your dishwasher won’t fill, have a Sears Home Services Tech visit your home and replace a clogged water valve.

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite dishwasher no water issue

How is the no water problem fixed?

Correcting most no water problems usually involves replacing the detergent dispenser, electronic control board or water valve. 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 entering a Kenmore Elite means half-cleaned plates and wasted detergent. Float switch failures or inlet valve blockages typically cause this. Rather than washing manually, choose dishwasher fix near me.

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 isn’t my Kenmore Elite dishwasher getting water?
A clogged water inlet valve, broken valve solenoid, or float switch problem could prevent the dishwasher from getting water. Inspect these components for blockages or damage.
Could a clogged water inlet valve stop my Kenmore Elite dishwasher from getting water?
Yes, if the water inlet valve is clogged, it will block water flow to the dishwasher. Cleaning or replacing the valve should restore water flow.
How can I fix my Kenmore Elite dishwasher if it’s not getting water?
Check the water inlet valve and water supply line for blockages or damage. Replacing any faulty components should restore water flow.
What should I do if my Kenmore Elite dishwasher still isn’t getting water after clearing the valve?
If the issue continues, the valve solenoid or control board may need professional inspection and repair.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

A middle-aged man ensures his dishwasher runs smoothly by loading it correctly, as part of regular appliance care to prevent drainage issues.
7 min readApr. 16

Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.

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.

Glossary Terms

A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.

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.