Amana Dishwasher: not filling with water

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana dishwasher not filling with water? If the motor runs but no water enters the tub, you may hear humming sounds. This issue can stem from a closed water supply, a faulty inlet valve, or a defective float switch. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Ensure drain hose is looped at least 20" above the floor to prevent siphoning that can interfere with fill
  • Water supply valve must be turned fully on for dishwasher to fill

Possible Causes

Closed or lack of incoming water supply

How to Identify: Verify household water is running at sink; ensure water supply valve at dishwasher connection is fully open; check for kinks in the water supply hose

Part: Water supply line and shut‑off valve

Faulty or clogged water inlet valve

How to Identify: Dishwasher tries to fill with humming but no water enters; test valve for continuity and water pressure supply; visible debris or corrosion on valve screens

Part: Water inlet valve

Stuck or defective float switch/float assembly

How to Identify: Float does not move freely up and down; float stuck in raised position indicates dishwasher thinks it’s already full, preventing fill

Part: Float switch and float assembly

Door latch or door switch not engaging

How to Identify: Dishwasher cycle does not begin fill phase; door not clicking shut or latch mechanism loose

Part: Door latch/switch

Incorrect drain hose position causing siphoning

How to Identify: Drain hose not looped 20" above floor leading to siphoning effect and preventing water retention/fill

Part: Drain hose

DIY Solutions

Check and open water supply

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Locate and ensure the water supply shut‑off valve to the dishwasher is fully open
  2. Check the water supply hose for kinks or damage, straighten hose if needed
  3. Run water at nearby sink to confirm household water flow
⚠️ Safety First: None beyond usual caution

Clean or test water inlet valve screen

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, multimeter (optional)
  1. Turn off water supply and disconnect power to dishwasher
  2. Remove lower access panel to locate water inlet valve
  3. Inspect and carefully clean screen on valve of debris; if you have a multimeter test for electrical continuity
  4. Reassemble, restore water and power, and test fill
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off power and water before servicing

Free or test float assembly

Easy 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Open dishwasher door
  2. Locate the float at bottom of dishwasher tub
  3. Lift float up and down to ensure free movement; clear obstructions around float
  4. Close door and restart cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off before reaching inside

Ensure door closes and latch engages

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Open and clean around door edges
  2. Ensure nothing prevents door from fully closing
  3. Close door firmly and listen for click from latch
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force door if obstructed

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Replace float switch or assembly

Estimated Cost: $15–$50

Repair/replace door switch or latch

Estimated Cost: $20–$80

Control board repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $120–$300

When to Call a Professional

Inlet valve fails continuity testing or replacement is needed
Float assembly or switch replacement beyond DIY capability
Control board or wiring issues suspected
Door latch/switch replacement requires panel disassembly

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean float and area around it: Float sticking and erroneous no‑fill conditions
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect and clean inlet valve screen: Blockages that restrict water fill
    Frequency: bi‑annual
  • Check water supply hose condition: Kinks or damage that stops water supply
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher not filling with water?
Common causes include a closed water supply, a faulty inlet valve, or a stuck float switch.
How do I fix Amana Dishwasher not filling with water myself?
Check the water supply, clean the inlet valve screen, and ensure the float assembly is free.
How much does it cost to fix not filling with water?
Professional repairs can range from $15 to $300 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not filling with water?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem involves complex repairs like control board issues.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged or faulty water inlet valve
  • Malfunctioning float switch
  • Water supply issues (closed valve or kinked hose)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the water inlet valve if clogged or defective. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the inlet hose, and check for blockages. If necessary, replace the valve.

  2. Check the float switch for proper operation. Remove any debris that may be obstructing it and test for continuity with a multimeter. Replace if faulty.

  3. Ensure that the water supply valve is open and the hose is not kinked or blocked. Inspect the hose for any signs of damage and replace if necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Bought and installed a new Amana dishwasher from Lowes. It d...

Community Discussions

doesn’t seem to be getting any water

Check the water inlet valve and float switch for blockages or power issues.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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