Discovering why your InSinkErator dishwasher won't fill
A dishwasher that doesn't fill with water when you press Start is frustrating to deal with. First, make sure that the water supply cut-off valve is open. If it is, try this easy fix: check whether an object is preventing the overfill float from moving up and down freely. If the float is stuck in its highest position, the fill valve won't let water into the tub.
If that doesn’t take care of it, the overfill float switch or water inlet valve may be broken. A failed electronic control board or timer could also prevent the dishwasher from filling. Watch our dishwasher not filling video for more troubleshooting tips to resolve this problem.
Top InSinkErator dishwasher parts that sometimes need to be replaced
- Detergent dispenser. The detergent dispenser is mounted on the inner door panel and houses the dishwasher detergent in a covered compartment. The cover of the dishwasher dispenser has a latch mechanism controlled by the timer or electronic control board in the console. The latch is released to open the cover and dispense the dishwasher detergent at the proper time during the dishwashing cycle. The dispenser assembly also has a reservoir for the rinse aid. A small amount of rinse aid is dispensed from the reservoir during the final rinse portion of the dishwashing cycle.
- Door latch assembly. The door latch assembly is mounted at the top of the dishwasher door. It has a catch that engages the strike when the door is closed so that the door won't open during the dishwashing cycle. A handle mechanism on the latch assembly, or switch assembly, allows the catch to release the door strike so the door can be opened after the cycle is finished, or during the cycle if necessary. This assembly includes the microswitches that are used to detect whether the dishwasher door is shut and latched properly. The dishwasher won't start unless the control detects that the door is properly closed.
- Drain pump. The drain pump removes the water from the dishwasher tub during the drain portion of the wash and rinse cycles.
- Electronic control board. The electronic control board is the "brains" or motherboard of the dishwasher; it starts and stops all the dishwasher's functions. It receives a signal from the control panel when you select a button and displays the cycle status, time and other information on the control panel.
- Heating element. The heating element is mounted on the bottom of the dishwasher tub and is responsible for heating the water during the wash and rinse portions of the cycle. Raising the water temperature improves cleaning, and in some situations, sanitation. The heating element is controlled by the timer or electronic control board in the console.