A smoothly functioning dishwasher is a cornerstone of an efficient kitchen. But when issues crop up—like your Maytag dishwasher not filling with water—it can throw a wrench into your routine. While it can be an inconvenience, many common causes for this problem are surprisingly easy to fix yourself. Let’s go over some of the possible issues, what might be causing them, and what you can do about it.
Troubleshooting a Maytag Dishwasher Not Filling with Water
Transitions in appliance behavior can often hint at underlying issues. Your Maytag dishwasher might appear to run as usual, but if it’s not filling with water, the dishes won’t get cleaned, and you’re left scratching your head. Here are several potential problems that could be causing this issue.
Open or Unlatched Door
An open or unlatched door is a simple but significant problem that can prevent the dishwasher from filling with water. If your dishwasher seems to be running but isn’t filling with water, an open door could be the culprit.
Securing the Door:
- Make sure the dishwasher door is fully closed.
- A flashing START/RESUME indicator light typically suggests that an open or unlatched door is the issue.
- If you notice this light, confirm that the door is closed and that nothing is blocking it from closing fully.
- Press the START/RESUME button to continue the cycle.
Blocked Water Inlet Hoses
Why won’t my Maytag dishwasher add water? Blocked water inlet hoses can be a major culprit when your Maytag dishwasher is not filling with water. Even if they are properly connected to a functioning water supply, kinks or clogs within these hoses can inhibit the water flow and prevent the dishwasher from filling or even starting.
Unblocking the Water Inlet Hoses:
- Inspect each hose for kinks or damage. Straighten any kinks, and replace any damaged hoses.
- If there are no kinks, check for clogs. Disconnect each hose, and gently remove any blockages with pliers or a straightened wire hanger.
- Lastly, check the inlet screens where the hoses connect to the dishwasher. Remove any debris using an old toothbrush.
Water Supply Is Shut Off
Water is the lifeblood of your dishwasher, and without it, your dishwasher simply can’t operate. If the water supply valve is closed, water cannot flow into your dishwasher, preventing it from filling up.
Activating the Water Supply:
- You need to locate your kitchen’s water supply valve, which is typically found under the kitchen sink, and twist the valve to the open position.
- This will allow water to flow freely through the water supply line and into your dishwasher.
Float Switch Issue
A Maytag dishwasher not filling with water can also signal a problem with the float switch. The overfill protection float is a small device inside your dishwasher that rises with the water level. It signals the dishwasher to stop filling when it reaches the proper level, preventing overflow.
If the float is stuck or obstructed, it might incorrectly signal that the dishwasher is full, keeping it from filling with water. It can also result in dishwasher drainage issues.
Inspecting and Clearing the Float:
- Find the float inside your dishwasher—it’s usually a small plastic dome or cylinder mounted inside at the bottom.
- Check for obstructions by moving it up and down to see if it moves freely.
- If it’s stuck, gently free it, and remove any visible obstructions.
Defective Water Inlet Valve
If your dishwasher hums but there’s no water, it may be an inlet valve problem. The water inlet valve regulates the amount of water that enters the dishwasher. If it’s defective, it might prevent water from entering, it can also make loud dishwasher noises. Inspecting the water inlet valve requires some caution – always remember to unplug your dishwasher and disconnect the water supply before starting.
- Locate the water inlet valve: Typically, it’s found on the lower left side of the dishwasher. You will need to remove the lower access panel to locate it.
- Inspect the valve: Look for signs of damage, wear, or cracking. If your valve shows signs of any of the symptoms described above, it likely needs to be replaced.
Broken Door Switch
The door switch prohibits the dishwasher from operating when the door is open. If this switch malfunctions, the dishwasher may not fill with water. If the door is indicating that it’s closed even while open, the door switch is likely the problem. You’ll usually need a technician’s help to fix this issue.
Some issues go beyond simple DIY fixes and require more technical know-how. Issues such as a shorted-out thermal fuse or a malfunctioning electronic control board could be causing your dishwasher to stop before it reaches the wash cycle. Technical issues require professional attention. If your dishwasher fills with water but stops before the wash cycle begins, this could be a sign of a more serious problem.
In such a case, it’s best to schedule professional dishwasher service from Callahan’s Appliance. We can accurately diagnose and rectify the problem, ensuring your dishwasher is back to running the way it should.
