How to Fix a Dishwasher That Fills with Too Much Water

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Appliance Express
July 7, 2021
Dishwasher Repair

Are you having problems with your dishwasher filling up with too much water or not draining?

This is a common problem people have with their dishwashers, and often it can be something simple that is causing it. In this guide, we will discuss the most likely causes of the problem and how you can fix them.

If your dishwasher is filling up with too much water, two components are most likely to be causing the problem – the water inlet valve and the float switch. If your problem is more your dishwasher is not draining, skip the first two components and start by checking the drain impeller.

Water Inlet Valve

The first component to check if your dishwasher is overfilling is the water inlet valve. The water inlet valve opens up to allow water into your dishwasher and then closes once your dishwasher has the correct amount of water. If it becomes faulty, your dishwasher might fill up with too much water or fill up with water when it is turned off.

To check the water inlet valve, you need to:

  1. Locate the water inlet valve.
  2. Check the valve for any signs of damage and if it can open and close correctly.
  3. If it is faulty, it will need to be replaced. If it is fine, you need to check the float switch.

The Float Switch

The float switch tells the dishwasher control board when the dishwasher has enough water in it. If it doesn’t work properly, your dishwasher might overflow with water or fill up with water when it shouldn’t.

To check the float switch, you need to:

  1. Take the bottom rack out of the dishwasher.
  2. Find the float switch at the bottom of the dishwasher, and check if it is stuck.
  3. If it is stuck, you need to clean the switch and remove any loose debris that might be causing it to not work properly.
  4. You can now test the float switch by using a multimeter. If the switch has continuity, it is working fine, and if not, it needs to be replaced.
  5. Once replaced, check if the problem has been solved.

Drain Impeller

The best place to start if your dishwasher is not draining is to check the drain impeller.

To check the drain impeller, you need to:

  1. Locate the drain impeller.
  2. Check the drain impeller for any signs of damage.
  3. If it is damaged, it needs to be replaced. If it is not damaged, move on to checking the drain pump.

Drain Pump Motor

The drain pump motor turns on when your dishwasher is draining. If it stops working, your dishwasher will not drain correctly.

Here’s how to check the drain pump motor:

  1. Turn the power off to the dishwasher.
  2. Locate the drain pump (it is at the bottom of your dishwasher).
  3. Remove the drain pump and test it for continuity.
  4. If the test shows the motor has continuity, it is working correctly, and you can move on to checking the next component. If the drain pump motor doesn’t have continuity, it needs to be replaced.

Drain Solenoid

The next component to check is the drain solenoid. The solenoid opens the drain valve to allow water to drain out from the dishwasher after the cycle ends.

To check it:

  1. Locate the drain solenoid (consult your manual if required).
  2. Inspect the drain solenoid for signs of damage.
  3. If it is damaged, replace it, and if it is not damaged, you can move on to checking the next component.

Drain Valve

The drain valve can sometimes get blocked, and this stops water from being able to drain out after a cycle.

To check the drain valve, you need to:

  1. Locate the drain valve.
  2. Inspect the drain valve to see if it is blocked and whether the valve is open.
  3. If it is blocked, clean it out, and then see if your dishwasher can drain correctly. If not, move on to checking the next component.

Check Valve

This component helps to stop the water from draining back into the dishwasher after it has drained. When it becomes faulty, your dishwasher might stay filled with water.

To check this component, you need to:

  1. Inspect the check valve to see if it is stuck open. If it is, try to free it by giving it a good clean. If cleaning it doesn’t solve the problem, it will have to be replaced.
  2. Once you’ve replaced the valve, turn your dishwasher back on, and check if the problem has been solved. If not, move on to checking the next component.

Drain Hose

The final component to check is the drain hose. As the name suggests, the drain hose carries the dirty water out of the dishwasher at the end of the cycle. When it gets a blockage in it, your dishwasher may not drain.

To check the drain hose, you need to:

  1. Disconnect the drain hose at both ends.
  2. Attempt to pass water through the hose and see if it passes through easily.
  3. If not, this means there is a blockage, and you will need to use a piece of wire to remove any debris.
  4. Once cleaned, reattach the hose and check if this solves the problem.
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