Dishwasher not filling with water? What's stopping it

A dishwasher that hums away but never takes any water, or stops early with the dishes bone dry, has a problem getting water in rather than out. Won't fill with water is around 13% of our recent dishwasher repairs, and a few of the causes are things you can check yourself.

Checks you can do

Start with the tap. Most dishwashers have their own little isolating valve under the sink, usually with a coloured lever. Make sure it's fully open, because they get knocked shut when people are rooting around in the cupboard.

Look at the fill hose behind the machine for a kink where it's been pushed back against the wall.

Some machines have a small gauze filter where the fill hose meets the machine, which silts up on hard water. If you're happy turning the water off at the tap and undoing the hose, you can check and rinse it.

When it's a fault

If water's getting to the machine and it still won't fill, it's usually one of a few parts. The inlet valve, the electrically operated valve that lets water in, is the common one, failing shut so nothing comes through. A pressure switch that misreads the water level can stop it filling too, and it's a part we replace on dishwashers. And on machines with an anti-flood or aquastop device, a triggered or faulty safety valve shuts the water off completely.

What a repair costs

Our band for this fault is £85 to £150, with any parts quoted separately and the price confirmed first. The engineers carry the common parts, so most jobs are one visit.

Book a dishwasher repair

If the tap's open and the hose is clear and it still won't fill, book a dishwasher repair or find your local dishwasher engineer.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my dishwasher fill with water?

Once you've checked the isolating tap is open and the fill hose isn't kinked, it's usually a failed inlet valve, a faulty pressure switch misreading the level, or a triggered anti-flood safety valve.

My dishwasher runs but no water comes in. What's wrong?

It's trying to start the cycle but can't draw water. Check the tap and hose first. If they're fine, the inlet valve or pressure switch is the likely fault.

Where is the water tap for a dishwasher?

Usually under the kitchen sink, a small isolating valve on the pipe feeding the machine, often with a coloured lever or a screw head. Make sure it's fully open.

How much does it cost to fix?

£85 to £150 for this fault, with any parts quoted separately and confirmed before work.