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How To Repair A Slow Filling Dishwasher
 In
order to keep small particles of dirt and minerals out of the
pumps and nozzles of dishwashers, manufacturers install a small
screen in the primary inlet water line to trap any contaminants.
Over time these screens become clogged and limit the amount of
water entering the dishwasher, hence the dishwasher fills slower
than it did when new. This applies to both portable and
fixed dishwashers.
Cleaning the screen should rectify the problem.
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Turn off the power using the appropriate method;
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shut off the appropriate breaker at the main electrical
panel, or
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remove the fuse from the fuse panel, or
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unplug the dishwasher.
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Turn
off the water supply valve to the dishwasher (usually located
under the sink), or disconnect hoses from the faucet.
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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.
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Installed in
the front area of the opening will be an inlet valve, see Figure
1. 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 (a sketch of a basic unit is shown), and the
mounting configuration could place the outlet on the top or
side, however you should be able to identify the unit, quite
easily.
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Figure 1 - Location of dishwasher
inlet valve |
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Figure 2 - Hex fitting at end of incoming water line to
dishwasher |
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Newer dishwasher installations will have copper piping
or a flexible armored hose
connected to the inlet valve, while older units will
have a rubber hose. Most will be connected using a
hex fitting, as shown in Figure 2. Using a wrench, or pliers loosen the
fitting and pull the pipe or hose away from the inlet
valve:
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NOTE 1:
There will be water in the line and it will most likely spill out
when the hex fitting is released. It is wise to have a large
sponge and some rags available to pick-up the spilled water to avoid
any damage.
NOTE 2: In
order to undo the hex fitting it may be necessary to remove the
wires that supply power to 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.
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The filtering screen will
be located in one of two places:
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Inside the hex connector of the incoming hot water line, or
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Inside of the male threaded connector attached to the inlet
valve where the hex connector screws too.
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Using a small flat head
screwdriver remove the screen from its location. Remember
which side of the screen was on the inside.
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Clean the screen under
running water using a soft brush and dish washing soap. If
necessary you can use products such as CLR or vinegar to remove
calcium or other minerals.
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Prior to replacing the
screen in either the hose or inlet valve Inspect the insides of
both fittings to ensure that no dirt or grime came off during
the removal of the screen. Clean away any debris that may
be present.
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Replace the screen, making
sure it is installed in the correct direction.
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Replace the hose or copper
pipe connection and tighten the fitting.
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Turn the hot water shut off
valve on until you hear water flow, check the fitting and ensure
it is not leaking.
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Replace the wires to the
inlet valve (if they were removed), making sure that each wire
is connected to the correct terminal.
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Open the hot water shut off
valve all the way and again look for leaks.
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Replace the removable panel
or raise the hinged panel as the case may be.
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Turn the power back on to
the dishwasher.
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