How to Replace Your GE Dishwasher’s Water Inlet Valve

Sometimes, your dishwasher won’t fill with water or will make a lot of noise while doing so. Even worse, sometimes your machine might overflow and start to leak. If your dishwasher is having water problems, one of the most common solutions is to replace the water intake valve. Here’s how to repair your GE dishwasher with a new water inlet valve (part #WD15X21340).

First, turn off power and water supply. Any appliance repair should start with powering down the machine. Then you’ll need to uninstall the dishwasher to get better access to the valve. Like with most major appliances, the most complex part of the procedure is accessing the broken part or area for repair.

1. Remove the lower access panel and insulation at the bottom of the machine.
2. Remove the water supply line fitting from the inlet valve. Even though the water is shut off, the water
3. Unscrew the junction box cover and remove it to find the wires. Take a picture and disconnect them.
4. Remove the strain relief from the junction box and pull the wires free.
5. Disconnect the drain hose.
6. Remove the mounting bracket screws so you can fully remove the dishwasher. You might need to lower legs to reduce friction or friction placement.
7. Tip the machine so it’s on it’s back.
8. Remove the drip tray along the bottom.
9. Unscrew the water inlet valve from the frame and disconnect the wires and unclamp the outlet hose to remove it by wiggling it side to side.

Now that the old valve has been removed, you can add the new part and reinstall the appliance:

1. Connect the outlet hose to the new valve and clamp it tightly. Then reconnect the wires and screw the valve to the frame.
2. Replace the drip tray and carefully tip the machine back onto its legs and slide the machine back into place.
3. Reverse the steps for removal to put the dishwasher back into place, starting with (i) the legs and mounting brackets and then (ii) reconnecting the drain line to the disposal, (iii) rewiring through the junction box, (iv) putting the junction box cover back in place, (v) reconnecting the water supply line, and (vi) putting the lower access panel back into place.

Knowing the right way to get to a broken part, and knowing which parts are likely to be broken in the first place, are the best tricks in the trade of appliance repair. Go to Appliance Express for more tips and tutorials about diagnosing appliance errors and replacing parts.