What Are the Causes of Insufficient Water Fill in a Dishwasher?

Water Pressure

• Water pressure problems may prevent a dishwasher from filling with enough water to properly clean dishes. Insufficient water pressure can affect the entire plumbing system of a home, but it may only impact a single water line, making it harder to identify. Low water pressure can be caused by closed, or partially closed, valves on the pipes. In areas with a hard water supply, pipes may become coated with minerals, called limescale, which inhibit the passage of water through the plumbing. Dishwashers have different water pressure requirements, so the pressure may need to be increased if a new dishwasher is not filling sufficiently.

Overfill Protector

• Most dishwashers are equipped with an overfill protector, which prevents too much water from entering the machine at once. Some protectors are installed as floats, which are contained in an isolated compartment within the dishwasher's cavity. The detector can malfunction or get stuck, preventing the dishwasher from filling at all. Firmly tapping the float's chamber may dislodge the float, if it is stuck, and allow the dishwasher to run normally again, according to GE Appliances.

Connections

• Dishwashers are connected to a home's water supply through a series of pipes and hoses, which may break or become clogged. Valves along the dishwasher's plumbing also control the flow of water, so make sure that all the valves are set to the "On" position. The dishwashers hose's can be checked for clogs and damage by turning off the water supply and disconnecting the hoses from the appliance.

Mechanical Failure

• Several important components in the dishwasher may malfunction and prevent it from filling with water. A faulty water inlet valve, a defective timer or clogged filter can all cause insufficient dishwasher fill, according to Langara Used Appliances. A broken timer can also prevent the dishwasher from draining after it fills with water.