Dishwasher not filling with water (all brands)
✅ Safe to check yourself
This is a common, low-risk check most people can do safely. Always unplug the appliance (or isolate power) before touching internal parts.
Quick TipTake a photo of the appliance's model/serial number sticker now — you'll want it if this does end up needing a part or an engineer.
A dishwasher that starts but you can’t hear or see any water entering usually has a supply-side problem, the same starting point as a washing machine that won’t fill.
What to check first
- Check the water supply valve/tap feeding the dishwasher (often under the sink) is fully open.
- Check the inlet hose isn’t kinked, and check the small mesh filter where it connects to the machine for limescale or grit build-up.
- Check the door is closing and latching fully — most dishwashers won’t fill at all if the door safety interlock isn’t satisfied.
- Check nothing is blocking the float switch inside the tub base (a small plastic float that rises with the water level to prevent overfilling) — if it’s stuck in the “full” position from a previous overflow, the machine may refuse to fill again as a safety precaution.
When to call an engineer
If supply, hose, door, and float switch are all fine and it still won’t fill, the water inlet valve has likely failed — a routine, inexpensive part for an engineer to replace.