5 Reasons Why My Dishwasher Not Getting Water and Fixes

If your dishwasher stays dry when starting a cycle, something’s stopping the water from getting in. Common culprits include a closed water valve, a misaligned drain hose, an unlatched door, or a stuck float switch. Identifying the exact cause doesn’t always require a pro, many issues can be checked and fixed right at home. Here’s how to spot what’s wrong and what you can do about it.

If your dishwasher isn’t filling with water, check the drain hose height. When the end of the hose sits too low, below 20 inches from the floor, it can trigger siphoning, pulling water out before the tub fills. 

To fix this, make sure the hose forms a high loop and is connected at least 20 inches above the floor to the waste tee or garbage disposal inlet. This small adjustment can help the machine retain water and run correctly.

Your dishwasher won’t start filling if the door isn’t completely shut. A blinking START/RESUME light is a common clue. Make sure the door clicks firmly into place before restarting the cycle. 

Over time, the door latch can wear out or become misaligned if you suspect this is the case, consider replacing it. AZParts offers reliable dishwasher door latches compatible with various models, helping restore proper function without hassle.

Your dishwasher needs an open water valve to work properly. If the valve is closed, water can’t flow into the machine. Check under your kitchen sink for the water supply valve if it’s turned off, turn it counterclockwise to open it. Once open, water will flow through the supply line and into your dishwasher. 

If you recently installed or moved the dishwasher, also make sure the water line is connected and positioned correctly. Always check your dishwasher’s manual for specific instructions.

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into your dishwasher. You’ll typically find it near the bottom of the inner left panel. If the valve is blocked or clogged—due to mineral buildup or debris—water won’t be able to pass through properly. To troubleshoot, gently wipe around the valve with a clean towel and use a flashlight to look for any visible obstructions at the valve’s opening.

If you don’t spot any obvious blockage but the problem persists, it might be due to an electrical or mechanical fault requiring professional repair. If you need to replace this part, AZParts offers high-quality dishwasher water inlet valves compatible with many models, ensuring reliable performance and easy installation.

The overfill protection float is a safety part that prevents your dishwasher from taking in too much water. It needs to move freely to allow water to fill the tub. On many models, you’ll find this float near the front right corner inside the dishwasher.

To check it, gently lift and lower the float to see if it moves smoothly. If it’s stuck or blocked by debris, remove whatever is causing the obstruction. For newer dishwasher models, if you’re still having filling problems after checking the float, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look. Refer to your owner’s manual to find the exact location of the float and detailed instructions.

If your dishwasher takes in water but halts before starting the wash cycle, it could indicate an internal technical issue. Common causes include a faulty thermal fuse or a malfunctioning electronic control board.

Also, check the detergent drawer if it doesn’t open at the right time, the cycle may pause. Damaged or clogged spray arms can also interrupt the process by preventing proper water circulation. Try cleaning the spray arms to remove any food debris. If these steps don’t fix the problem, it’s best to call a professional technician to inspect and repair your dishwasher.

If the top rack isn’t receiving water during the wash, the spray arm responsible for that area may be clogged or blocked. Hard water minerals can build up on spray arms over time, reducing their ability to spin and spray water effectively. To keep them clean, use a dishwasher cleaner once a month to dissolve mineral deposits.

Another common cause is how you load the dishwasher. Items placed improperly, especially tall dishes in the bottom rack can block the spray arms from rotating freely. Make sure nothing obstructs the spray arm’s movement, and adjust the height of the top rack if your dishwasher allows, so water reaches all areas evenly.

If your dishwasher isn’t getting water, it’s usually caused by a few common issues—from an improperly positioned drain hose, a door that isn’t fully latched, a closed water supply valve, to a blocked water inlet valve or an obstructed overfill protection float. Sometimes, the dishwasher may fill but stop early due to technical faults, or the top rack might not get water because of clogged spray arms or poor loading.

The good news is many of these problems can be identified and fixed at home. And when it comes to replacement parts like door latches or water inlet valves, AZParts provides high-quality, reliable dishwasher components compatible with various brands to get your appliance back in perfect working order quickly and easily.