Dishwasher Not Filling With Water? Quick Fixes to Try

Opening your dishwasher to find it bone dry instead of full of sparkling clean dishes is frustrating. But don't panic. More often than not, the reason your dishwasher isn't filling with water is a simple, fixable issue.

Usually, the problem lies in one of three places: the water supply hose, the inlet valve, or a pesky overfill float that has gotten itself stuck.

Diagnosing a Dishwasher That Won't Fill

So, you’ve pressed 'start', heard a few clicks and whirs, but no sound of rushing water. This is one of the most common dishwasher faults, and the good news is you can often sort it out yourself without calling an engineer. Before you start thinking about complex repairs, let's walk through a few key areas to check.

The most likely suspects we need to investigate are:

• A blocked or kinked water supply hose.
• A clogged filter inside the water inlet valve.
• An overfill float stuck in the 'up' position.
• Low water pressure in your home's plumbing.

In many cases, you won't even need special tools. If you think the problem might be bigger than your dishwasher, check our guide on how to check water pressure in your home.

Quick Diagnosis For Dishwasher Filling Problems

To help you narrow down the issue quickly, here’s a handy table. Match the symptoms to the most likely cause.

This table should give you a solid starting point. Now, let's figure out what's going on with your machine.

Check the Water Supply Hose for Kinks

Often, the reason your dishwasher has stopped filling is surprisingly simple. Before thinking about expensive repairs, check the water supply hose.

First things first: safety. Unplug the appliance and turn off the water supply valve, usually found under the kitchen sink.

Now, carefully slide the dishwasher out just far enough so you can see behind it. Check the water hose for any sharp bends or crimps. It’s common for the hose to get kinked against the wall when the machine is pushed back into place, which is enough to restrict water flow completely. While you’re back there, make sure the tap valve is fully open.

Problems with the supply hose are a leading cause of 'no fill' issues. A simple kink or a closed valve accounts for a significant number of service calls for this exact problem. You can find out more about common dishwasher filling problems from the experts at Domex-uk.co.uk.

If you spot a kink, gently straighten it out. Once it's clear, push the dishwasher back, turn the water and power on, and run a test cycle.

Check The Water Inlet Valve For Blockages

If the hose is clear, your next stop should be the water inlet valve. This part acts as a gatekeeper for water entering your machine, and it has a filter that can get clogged with dirt and limescale.

A blocked inlet valve is a very common reason for a dishwasher not filling. This is a frequent issue in the UK, where over 60% of homes are in hard water areas, leading to limescale build-up. You can read more about how hard water affects UK appliances at espares.co.uk.

Ready to check? First, make sure both the water and power to the dishwasher are off.

Now, carefully unscrew the supply hose from the back of the dishwasher. Look inside the connection point for a small mesh screen. If it’s covered in grit, you've likely found your problem. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub it clean.

This kind of blockage is preventable with routine maintenance. Our guide shows you how to deep clean a dishwasher, which can stop this from happening again. Once the screen is clear, reconnect the hose tightly, turn the power and water back on, and run a test.

Troubleshoot A Stuck Overfill Float

Look inside your dishwasher tub, usually near the bottom. You should see a small, mushroom-shaped plastic cap. That's your overfill float. Its job is simple: as the water level rises, so does the float. When it hits a certain height, it tells the machine to stop filling.

But if it gets stuck in the 'up' position, your dishwasher will think it's already full, even when it's dry, and won't let any more water in. This is a common fault worth checking. You can find more details about diagnosing dishwasher filling problems at espares.co.uk.

How To Check The Overfill Float

Open your dishwasher and find the float at the bottom of the tub. Gently lift it. Does it move up and down freely? If it feels sticky or stiff, that’s your problem. Old food debris is usually the cause, so give the area around the float a good clean to free it up.

When To Call A Professional For Dishwasher Repair

So, you’ve checked the hose, the inlet valve, and the overfill float, but your dishwasher is still not filling with water. If you've tried all the straightforward fixes, the problem is likely more complex.

At this point, you're probably dealing with an issue inside the appliance's electronics or sensors, such as the door latch sensor or the main control board. Trying to fix these without proper training and tools can lead to more damage or create a serious electrical hazard. It's not worth risking your safety or a much more expensive repair bill.

A qualified technician can safely pinpoint complex faults. When simple troubleshooting doesn't work, calling an expert is the smartest and safest choice.

If you've reached the end of your troubleshooting, our expert team provides fast and effective dishwasher repairs to get your appliance running safely again.

Common Questions About Dishwasher Filling Issues

Can a faulty door latch stop my dishwasher from filling?

Yes. As a safety feature, your dishwasher won't start its cycle—including filling with water—if it doesn't get a clear signal that the door is securely latched. The safety switch inside the door mechanism must be engaged. Always make sure you hear a solid "click" when you close the door.

Why does my dishwasher only fill a little and then stop?

This usually points to low water pressure or a partial blockage in the water inlet valve's filter screen. First, check your kitchen tap. Is the flow weak? If so, the issue might be with your home's plumbing. If the tap pressure is fine, then the filter inside the inlet valve is likely clogged with enough grit to restrict the water flow, causing the machine to time out.

If you've tried all these checks and your dishwasher is still giving you grief, it's time to call in the professionals. The experienced technicians at Go Assist can pinpoint and solve even the most complex dishwasher faults, quickly and safely. Book your repair online today and we'll get it sorted.