Open the door mid-cycle and the tub is bone dry: the dishwasher either isn’t getting water at all, or it thinks it already has enough. Both point away from the pump and toward the water supply side of the machine.
Part of our full dishwasher troubleshooting guide. If water is arriving but not draining back out, see dishwasher not draining instead.
Quick Diagnosis Table
| Cause | Likelihood | Difficulty | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water supply valve closed or partly closed | Very likely | Easy | $0 |
| Kinked or blocked fill hose | Likely | Easy | $0 |
| Float switch stuck in the up position | Likely | Easy | $0 |
| Clogged inlet valve screen | Possible | Moderate | $0–20 |
| Faulty water inlet valve | Possible | Moderate | $25–60 |
| Control board not triggering the fill | Rare | Professional recommended | $150–300+ |
Repair or Replace?
Every likely cause here is free to fix or under $20 in parts. Even a full inlet valve replacement is a modest, DIY-friendly repair on most models, so there’s little reason to think about replacing the dishwasher over this symptom alone.
Inlet valve location and float switch design differ across Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Bosch, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, and Maytag. Brand-specific access guides are on the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
I hear a humming or clicking sound but no water comes in, what does that mean?
That's consistent with a stuck or failing inlet valve rather than a closed supply, since the dishwasher is actively trying to open the valve.
Could the float switch be the issue even if the tub looks empty?
Yes. If the float itself is stuck in the raised position, often from trapped debris, the dishwasher reads it as already full and skips the fill entirely.
Is this the same as a dishwasher that fills then immediately drains?
No, that's typically a drain hose installed too low or a missing high-loop, a plumbing issue rather than a fill problem.
Do I need to turn off the water supply before checking the inlet valve?
Yes, always shut the valve under the sink and unplug the dishwasher before opening any water-carrying component.
The information provided here is a diagnostic aid and does not replace the intervention of a qualified professional.
