FixPlainly

Dishwasher not filling with water

A dishwasher that won’t fill usually has its water valve partly closed, a cycle waiting after the door was opened, or a drain hose that lets water siphon out as it comes in. A stuck float can also stop it filling.

7 checks, quickest firstAbout 17 minutes if you do them allLast checked against its sources on

Fix Finder

Fix Finder: dishwasher not filling with water

Work through the checks below, in order.

Turn on JavaScript to use the interactive step-by-step version.

Before you start

  • Before reaching into the tub or under the sink: switch the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker.
  • Before touching any hose or connection: turn off the water valve under the sink.
  • Let the dishwasher cool after a cycle; the water and heating element can be hot.
  • Wear gloves when clearing filters. Broken glass ends up there.

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

  1. Read the display

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Water codes such as H20, 4C, IE or E18 point straight at the supply.

    1. If a code is showing, look it up first. The maker’s steps for it come first.

  2. Open the water valve fully

    Safe to tryAbout 2 min

    Whirlpool says the valve must be completely open for the dishwasher to fill, wash and rinse.

    1. Find the shut-off valve, usually under the kitchen sink, and turn it fully open.
    2. If the dishwasher was just installed or moved, LG notes the valve may have been left off.

  3. Restart after the door was opened

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    If the door was opened during a cycle or the power was interrupted, the cycle waits for you.

    1. Make sure the door is fully closed and latched.
    2. Whirlpool models flash the Start/Resume light: press it, then close the door within 3 seconds.

  4. Check the inlet hose

    Safe to tryAbout 3 min

    A kinked or crushed supply hose restricts the water.

    1. Look under the sink for any kink or crushing in the supply hose to the dishwasher, and straighten it.

  5. Free the float

    Safe to tryAbout 3 min

    KitchenAid says its dishwashers won’t run without the overfill float in place and moving freely.

    1. Find the float cover on the floor of the tub. On KitchenAid models it’s in the front right corner.
    2. Clear anything around it and check it moves up and down freely. GE suggests tapping the float cover.

  6. Check the drain hose loop

    Take careAbout 5 min

    Whirlpool says the dishwasher could be siphoning: water drains out as fast as it comes in.

    1. The drain hose should loop up at least 20 inches (51 cm) above the floor under the sink.
    2. It should connect above the drain trap, at the waste tee or the disposer inlet.

  7. Reset the dishwasher

    Take careAbout 2 min

    A power reset clears a control that has stopped mid-cycle.

    1. Disconnect power for 30 seconds: unplug it, or switch off its breaker if it’s hardwired. Then restore power and start a cycle.

When to call a technician

  • The valve is fully open and the hose and float are fine, but it still won’t fill.
  • Water leaks at the valve or under the dishwasher.

Error codes that point here

If your dishwasher shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Whirlpool H20No water detectedMaytag H20Not detecting waterKitchenAid H20Not detecting waterGE H2OLow waterSamsung 4CWater supply problemLG IENo water coming inBosch E18Not enough water coming inBosch E16Problem with the water coming in

Questions

Why does my dishwasher fill and then drain straight away?

Whirlpool says it could be siphoning. The drain hose needs a loop at least 20 inches above the floor, connected above the drain trap.

How much water flow does a dishwasher need?

It depends on the model. Bosch, for example, specifies a flow of 10 liters (about 2.6 gallons) a minute. Your manual has the figure for yours.

Sources

  1. Not Filling With Water: Dishwasher (opens in a new tab), Whirlpool Product Help
  2. Will Not Fill With Water: Dishwasher (opens in a new tab), Whirlpool Product Help
  3. E1: Dishwasher (overfill float and fill checks) (opens in a new tab), KitchenAid Product Help
  4. Dishwasher: Error, Fault or Function Codes (opens in a new tab), GE Appliances Support
  5. LG Dishwasher: Guide to Error Codes (opens in a new tab), LG USA Support
  6. E18 Bosch dishwasher error code (opens in a new tab), Bosch Home Appliances US
Last checked against its sources on