How To Replace a Dishwasher Inlet Valve

The dishwasher's inlet valve controls when hot water is delivered to the dishwasher. A solenoid powered valve is given commands from the timer control and opens and closes the valve appropriately. If your dishwasher is not filling, the problem could be a defective inlet valve.

To replace a defective inlet valve follow these instructions.

1. Turn off the power using the appropriate method; remove the fuse, turn-off the breaker, unplug the cord.

    

2. Turn off the water supply valve to the dishwasher (usually located under the sink), or disconnect hoses from the faucet.

    

3. Below the dishwasher door is a panel. The panel is either held in position with screws and is removable or is hinged to allow it to fold downwards. Remove or open the panel. This panel provides access to most of the dishwasher components.

    

4. Installed in the front area of the opening will be an inlet valve. This is where the incoming water supply to the dishwasher is automatically turned on and off depending on the dishwasher's working cycle. Each manufacturer's inlet valve looks somewhat different and the mounting configuration could place the outlet on the top or side, however you should be able to identify the unit, quite easily.

    

5. Remove the wires that power the solenoid portion of the inlet valve. In most cases the wires are connected to the inlet valve using quick connect terminals. To remove the wires use a pair of needle nose pliers and pull on the connector that is attached to the end of the wire. DO NOT pull on the wire itself, as it is more than likely that you will pull the wire out of the connector. Identify which wire goes to which terminal before removing the wires.

    

6. Newer dishwasher installations will have copper piping connected to the inlet valve, while older units will have a rubber hose. Most will be connected using a hex fitting. Using a wrench, or pliers loosen the fitting and pull the pipe or hose away from the inlet valve.

    

7. In most cases, the fill hose that is connected to the inlet valve will have a spring clamp. Using a pair of pliers grasp both ends of the clamp and squeeze inwards while sliding the clamp down the hose. In some cases the fill hose may be connected using a hex fitting similar to the inlet hose, but most likely a different size. Whichever method your manufacturer used the fill hose must be removed.

    

8. The inlet valve itself will be fixed to the frame of the dishwasher using a mounting bracket that has 2 to 4 screws holding it in place. Remove the screws and save them, as the replacement inlet valve will not have mounting screws included.

    

9. Install the new inlet valve in the same manner as the original.

    

10. Install the fill hose, sliding the clamp back up the hose.

     

11. Install the hot water copper pipe or rubber hose and tighten the fitting.

     

12. Turn the hot water shut off valve on until you hear water flow, check the fittings and ensure they are not leaking.

     

13. Replace the wires to the inlet valve, making sure that each wire is connected to the correct terminal.

     

14. Open the hot water shut off valve all the way and again look for leaks.

     

15. Replace the removable panel or raise the hinged panel as the case may be.

     

16. Turn the power back on to the dishwasher.

For more detailed information, including diagrams and pictures, visit How To Replace a Dishwasher Inlet Valve:

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