October 01, 2016

How to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve

How to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve

This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the dishwasher water inlet valve. The dishwasher water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. If no water flows into the dishwasher, or if the water inlet valve won’t stop water from flowing into the dishwasher, replace the water inlet valve with a manufacturer-approved dishwasher part.

Use the steps shown to replace the water inlet valve in Kenmore, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, GE, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, LG and Samsung dishwashers.

Quick links
Tools required
Nut driver set
Slot screwdriver
Channel lock pliers
Standard pliers
Plumber's tape (sometimes referred to as Teflon tape)
Work gloves
Towel
Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve repair guide video.

Replacing a dishwasher water inlet valve video.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off electrical power and water supply to the dishwasher

    Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.

    To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the control panel doesn’t light up when you press a control button or the power button.

    Find the water supply valve for the dishwasher under the sink (or in the basement). Close the valve to shut off the water supply going to the dishwasher.

    PHOTO: Shut off the house circuit breaker.

    PHOTO: Shut off the house circuit breaker.

  2. 02.

    Remove the outer door panel and control panel

    With the dishwasher door open, remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel. Support the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final 2 screws so the outer door panel doesn't fall.

    Separate the outer door panel and control panel slightly from the inner door panel, and rest the outer panel on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness from the control panel.

    Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the outer dishwasher door panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the outer dishwasher door panel.

  3. 03.

    Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel

    Using a nut driver, remove the screws that hold the bottom front access panel and toe panel in place.

    Pull the access panel and the toe panel forward and remove them.

    PHOTO: Remove the toe panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the toe panel.

  4. 04.

    Disconnect the water supply line

    Place a towel under the water inlet valve.

    Remove the dishwasher water supply line from the inlet valve assembly using the channel-lock pliers.

    Wipe up any spilled water.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the water supply line from the inlet valve.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the water supply line from the inlet valve.

  5. 05.

    Remove the water inlet valve

    Remove the water inlet valve mounting screw and pull the water inlet valve out of the mounting bracket.

    Pull the water inlet valve slightly forward to access the wire harness and water inlet tube connections.

    Release the locking tab and disconnect the water inlet valve wire harness.

    Release the wire clamp on the water inlet tube and pull the inlet tube off the water inlet valve.

    Remove the water inlet valve.

    PHOTO: Remove the dishwasher water inlet valve.

    PHOTO: Remove the dishwasher water inlet valve.

  6. 06.

    Install the new water inlet valve

    Connect the water inlet tube to the new water inlet valve and secure the inlet tube with the wire clamp.

    Plug in the wire harness.

    Place the water inlet valve in the bracket and secure it with the mounting screw.

    PHOTO: Install the new water inlet valve.

    PHOTO: Install the new water inlet valve.

  7. 07.

    Connect the water supply line

    Connect the water supply line to the water valve and tighten it securely using channel-lock pliers.

    Open the water supply valve and check the water supply line connection for leaks. Tighten the water supply line connection to stop leaks.

    Open the water supply valve and check the water supply line connection for leaks. Tighten the water supply line connection to stop leaks.

    PHOTO: Reconnect the water supply line to the inlet valve.

    PHOTO: Reconnect the water supply line to the inlet valve.

  8. 08.

    Reinstall the bottom front access panel and toe panel

    Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel. Insert the mounting screws and tighten the screws firmly.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the toe panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the toe panel.

  9. 09.

    Reinstall the outer door panel and control panel

    Position the outer door panel and control panel close enough to the inner door so you can reconnect the user interface control wire harness.

    Reconnect the user interface control wire harness and attach the outer door panel and control panel to the inner door panel.

    Reinstall the mounting screws.

    Tip: Use the longer screws to secure the control panel.
    PHOTO: Reinstall the outer door panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the outer door panel.

  10. 10.

    Restore electrical power

    Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your dishwashers

Choose a symptom to see related dishwasher repairs.

Main causes: broken door spring, damaged or broken door hinge…

Main causes: not using rinse aid, rinse aid dispenser failure, broken heating element, malfunctioning vent, drying fan f…

Main causes: water supply problem, stuck overfill float, clogged water inlet valve screen, water inlet valve failure…

Main causes: light switch beside the sink turned off, lack of power, bad dishwasher door switch, control system failure,…

Main causes: improper loading, low water temperature, improper detergent dosage, detergent dispenser failure, spray arm …

Main causes: glass or popcorn kernel stuck in the chopper blade, drain line vibrating against the cabinet, debris in was…

Main causes: clogged kitchen sink drain, clogged drain hose, drain check valve damaged, drain pump failure, control syst…

Main cause: damaged rack height adjuster…

Main causes: damaged or stuck spray arm, leaking door seal, damaged door hinge, leaky heating element water seal, cracke…

Most common repair guides to help fix your dishwashers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dishwasher.

How to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve

How to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve

If your dishwasher fills constantly or won't fill at all, the water inlet valve has failed. You can replace it in about …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser

How to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser

Dishes need dish detergent to get clean. Learn how to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser with easy step-by-step i…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher door outer panel

How to replace a dishwasher door outer panel

If your dishwasher door is dented or you want it to match your cabinets or other appliances, this guide shows how to rep…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your dishwashers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dishwasher.

5 Holiday Cleaning Tasks Essential to Boosting Your Home’s Image

5 Holiday Cleaning Tasks Essential to Boosting Your Home’s Image

Get tips on completing essential holiday cleaning tasks to brighten your home.…

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…