How To Replace The Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve ? The water inlet valve opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. If the valve is clogged or defective, the dishwasher won’t get enough water to clean dishes properly. If the water inlet valve is clogged, replace it. Do not attempt to clean the water inlet valve cleaning the valve could make it more likely to fail.
Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement
What is a Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve?
A water inlet valve controls the hot water coming into a dishwasher. It is a part that can causes issues because its inlet port commonly gets clogged with debris. This restricts the flow of water to your dishwasher.
The part can be found near the dishwasher’s access panel and will be attached to two wires, a hot water supply hose (where the water comes in), and an outlet hose (where the water goes out).
How Do I Know if My Water Inlet Valve is Bad?
You will notice less water flowing into the dishwasher if the inlet valve is bad. It might not have water flowing at all. You also might hear unusual noises during the water filling cycle. Of course, your dishes won’t be as clean either.
The debris (and hard water minerals) clogging the hose can create buildup on the valve that gets so bad the part can’t just be cleaned. The pressure buildup from water not being able to flow properly can also cause leaks which result in water damage to the floors. In these cases, the dishwasher water inlet valve needs to be replaced.
How To Replace The Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve ?
The inlet valve on the dishwasher connects to the dishwasher control panel. When the dishwasher cycle requires water, a signal is sent to the valve telling it to open the valve and allow water to flow into the tub. If the dishwasher isn’t filling with water, or it fills with water slower than it used to, the inlet valve may be clogged or defective. To access the valve screen and clean any debris that might be clogging your inlet valve, you must remove the inlet valve from the dishwasher. If the inlet valve is defective, you must replace it.
How to Replace a Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve
To get started, you’ll need masking tape, a replacement inlet valve, screwdriver, slip-joint pliers, long-nose pliers, and an adjustable wrench.
- Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the main service panel. If you have a portable dishwasher, just unplug it.
- Turn off the hot water supply valve to the dishwasher. It is located under the kitchen sink (assuming your dishwasher is in the main kitchen).
- Remove the access panel to your dishwasher. It can be found at the bottom of the dishwasher. On some newer dishwashers, you might need to remove the outer door panel from the front of the washer to get to the access panel. See video below.
- Using slip-joint pliers, unscrew the hot-water-hose couplings at the inlet valve and the water supply valve under the sink.
- Again, using the slip-joint pliers, squeeze together the ends of the fill hose clamp and slide it up the hose. Then, pull the fill hose off the inlet valve.
- Label the wires on the inlet valve with masking tape to indicate their position. Then pull the wires off the terminals with long-nose pliers.
- Remove the inlet valve mounting bolts and the inlet valve with an adjustable wrench. Take it to an appliance service center to make sure you purchase the correct replacement.
- To install the new inlet valve, bolt it in place. Reattach the wires, fill hose, and hot-water hose.
Restore the power, turn on the water supply valve under the sink, and check for leaks. Tighten the hose couplings as necessary.