Skip to Content

GE Dishwasher Not Filling with Water? (Explained)

Your items will remain unclean if your dishwasher is not receiving enough water to clean the dishes, and let’s not even talk about how difficult it would be to clean them manually again. There are essentially two indicators that indicate a dishwashing water supply barrier. 

One is that your machine keeps giving you unclean dishes, and another is that it won’t make any noise. 

Ge dishwasher not filling with water

The GE dishwasher may not be receiving enough water for a number of reasons. There could be a blocked water inlet, a broken float switch, or a closed valve. You can diagnose the problem yourself but water supply issues in dishwashers can be challenging and may require expert assistance.

Your dishwasher could experience the following issues. Such as –

Clogged Water Inlet Valve: 

A clogged water entrance valve is a common cause of a dishwasher that does not fill correctly and is not working properly. The water inlet valve is the point at which water first enters the washing machine. 

When a valve becomes clogged, the water flow is either significantly slowed or completely halted. 

Solution:

Water valve examination and cleaning are a complex operation, you should probably consult a professional in order to unclog the valve unless you already possess all of the knowledge that is required to do so. 

Stuck or damaged Float Switch: 

A float switch, standard to all modern dishwashers, keeps tabs on the dishwasher’s water level. When the tub’s water level hits the float switch’s threshold, the water supply is cut off. 

Incorrectly detecting the water level and prematurely signaling the valve to restrict flow can be the result of a float switch that is locked in a low position. 

Consequently, the water level in the dishwasher tub will never fill up sufficiently to wash the dishes effectively.

Solution:

The float switch may have been harmed; in which case it would need to be replaced. 

Not Getting Enough Water Supply:

Lack of water supply to the dishwasher means dishes will not be cleaned. It’s possible the blockage is in the main water line, but it could also be something else. The water supply could be cut off at the valve. 

The water pressure can be determined by measuring the force exerted on the valve. There may be a blockage or malfunction if the pressure is less than 20PSI. 

Solution:

If so, the water valve should be checked for damage or replaced. 

How do I check my GE dishwasher water supply?

Verify the water source if your dishwasher is dripping dry. The issue of the dishwasher’s water supply needs to be fixed immediately. First, check for kinks in the hose that supplies water to the dishwasher. 

Remove the toe-kick plate from the front bottom of the dishwasher to access the water inlet hose and check for leaks. Typically, the dishwasher’s water supply connection and shutoff valve can be found on the left side of the lower cabinet. 

Check for any wear, kinks, or bending in the inlet hose. 

It’s also important to check the water pressure. In most cases, the pressure range for a dishwasher is 20 to 120 PSI. If you want to ensure adequate water flow into the dishwasher, use a water line with a minimum outside diameter of 3/8 inches. 

Finally, inspect the water valve. Check to see that the shut-off valve is activated and wide open. Keep it open by turning it counterclockwise or to the left, and close it by turning it clockwise or to the right. 

How do you test a GE dishwasher water inlet valve?

The GE dishwasher inlet valve can be checked in a few specific methods. You need only adhere to the steps – 

Turning off the power:

Before performing any repair or cleaning, remove the appliance from the power source or switch the house circuit breaker/fuse that delivers electricity to the device to the off position to reduce the risk of electric shock. 

Locate and Determine:

You may find the type of water inlet valve by looking for the label on the valve. The voltage the valve operates at is specified on the label. Whether it runs on AC or DC power will also be disclosed. 

Inspecting Cords:

Use a power cord to create a test cord. The ground, hot, and neutral wires on the power cord should all be present. Cut the ground wire to keep it out of the way and remove the insulation from the hot and neutral wires. 

The stripped ends of the hot and neutral wires are crimped with the insulated terminals. 

Inspecting Battery: 

Get a battery pack with wires attached that can supply 12 volts DC. Here the power cord is swapped out for a battery pack. In order to continue working with it, please follow the steps outlined in the preceding section. 

Examine Connections:

Now, you need to examine the valve’s connections. There are two pins or spade terminals. Join the wires or batteries together. Please activate the water system. Replace the valve if water continues to flow out of it while the dishwasher is turned off. 

However, if there is no visible water leak, proceed to the following procedure. 

Final Test:

Energize the valve by plugging in a battery pack or a test cable. Your dishwasher’s input valve is not to blame if water is freely flowing through it. However, if the water trickles or stops flowing altogether, it could be because the inlet valve is dirty. 

It is recommended to change the water inlet if it has not become clogged and is limiting water flow. 

The inspection of the water inlet valve is now complete. Since replacement is a complex operation, it’s best to have a pro handle it. Although if you feel competent and have the time, you can try doing it yourself. 

How do you unclog a GE dishwasher water inlet valve?

Modern GE dishwashers incorporate a mechanism to flush the water entry valve as part of its regular maintenance. Commonly, a filter is attached to this valve, and it must be maintained. However, occasionally there can be problems with the equipment and it will become blocked.

You should only attempt a cleaning on your own if you are confident in your abilities; otherwise, you should hire a professional. Possible useful instructions are,

Disconnect the Dishwasher:

In order to avoid being electrocuted. Put an end to the electricity flow. In addition, you can turn off the power at the main panel in your home. Locate the button labeled “dishwasher” and press it to turn off the appliance. 

Turn Off Water Supply:

It is also necessary to turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. To turn off the water to the dishwasher, turn the handle of the shut-off valve clockwise. If the supply valve is inaccessible, shut off the water at the meter or the main valve entering the building. 

Lay Down a Towel:

Take a cloth and slide it under the water inlet valve located underneath the dishwasher. Water may spill out of the valve if you remove it. So, it’s wise to take preventative measures. 

Remove the Kickplate:

The kickplate is located beneath the washing machine. Simply unscrewing the plate’s anchors will allow it to be removed. Put the plate aside.  

Take Out the Filter:

The water supply valve is hidden beneath the kickplate. A hose supplies water to it. To get rid of the filter, unscrew the hose from the valve where it connects to the water supply. The filter mimics the form of a little basket made of mesh. 

Clean the Clogged Filter:

If the dishwasher’s water flow is being impeded by dirt in the filter, you should clean the filter. Get a sponge and some warm soapy water and clean the filter. You should wash it thoroughly and dry it off. 

Reattaching Parts:

Once you’ve cleaned and dried the filter, you may replace it on the hose leading into the water supply and reconnect the valve. Reinstall the screws that were removed and close the kickplate. 

Reconnect the Power Supply:

Finally, activate the dishwasher’s water source. You can either use a regular outlet to power the dishwasher or a special circuit breaker located on the panel. Run a test cycle to see if unclogging the dishwasher fixed the issue. 

If the water supply problem still persists after that, you should call in an expert. 

Final Thoughts 

The GE dishwasher may not be filled with water due to clogged water input, a faulty float switch, or a closed valve. To find the issue, examine the water supply. To clear the valve clog, clean the filter. If you are unsure of the procedure, it is advisable to call a specialist.