How to Change a Kenmore Dishwasher Water Fill Valve Assembly

Kenmore dishwashers rely on a water inlet valve, sometimes called a water fill valve, to regulate the flow of water into the dishwasher. The water inlet valve is located behind the lower access panel of the appliance, and connects directly to the water supply line. If the water inlet valve fails, it may not allow water to enter the dishwasher during the wash cycle, or, it may allow too much water into the dishwasher, potentially causing the dishwasher's float switch to trip, which stops the wash cycle. When the inlet valve has failed, the only solution to restoring your dishwasher is to replace it, which is a task that does not require the assistance of a service technician.

Screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Towels
Pliers
Plumber's tape

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the dishwasher breaker in your home's main service panel.
- 2
  Turn off the water supply valve, which controls the flow of water to the dishwasher. The water supply valve is often located below your kitchen sink. To turn off the valve, turn the handle clockwise until tight.
- 3
  Remove the screws securing the lower access panel, located on the front of the dishwasher, below the door. Remove the panel.
- 4
  Use an adjustable wrench to remove the water supply line from the water inlet valve. Place a towel under the line prior to removing it to catch any water remaining in the line.
- 5
  Remove the brass elbow from the bottom of the inlet valve using an adjustable wrench. The brass elbow is brass in color, and is the piece that was directly connected to the water supply line.
- 6
  Remove the screws securing the water inlet valve to the dishwasher frame, and then pull the valve down.
- 7
  Pull the wire connector off the inlet valve terminals.
- 8
  Squeeze the clamp on the water hose connected to the inlet valve, and then move the clamp down the hose. Pull the hose off the inlet valve, and then discard the valve.
- 9
  Attach the water hose to the port on the new inlet valve, and then squeeze the clamp using pliers. Move the clamp over the port to hold the hose in place.
- 10
  Secure the wire connector to the terminals on the new inlet valve.
- 11
  Align the new inlet valve with the dishwasher frame, and then secure it to the frame using the two screws that were removed.
- 12
  Remove any plumber's tape remaining on the brass elbow, and then wrap new plumber's tape around the threading of the elbow. Be sure to wrap the tape clockwise, rather than counterclockwise.
- 13
  Install the brass elbow in the underside of the new water inlet valve. Insert the threading with the plumber's tape into the end of the valve, and then use an adjustable wrench to tighten.
- 14
  Connect the water supply line to the brass elbow, and use an adjustable wrench to secure.
- 15
  Replace the lower access panel, and reinstall the screws to hold it in place.
- 16
  Restore power to the dishwasher in your home's main breaker panel.

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