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.
You can purchase a replacement inlet valve
online and save.
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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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Figure 1 - Location of inlet valve
in 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, as shown in 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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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.
Fill hose, hot water pipe and
wiring connections are detailed in Figure 2 below.
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Newer dishwasher installations will have copper piping
or a flexible stainless steel braided hose
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:
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.
Figure 2 - Hose, pipe and electrical connections to
dishwasher inlet valve
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Figure 3 - Spring Hose Clamp |
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In most cases the fill hose that is connected to the inlet valve
will have a spring clamp, as shown in Figure 3. 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.
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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.
Note
2: In some cases the mounting bracket will not be included
with the replacement inlet valve. If that is the situation
with your dishwasher remove the screws or bolts that hold the inlet
valve to the bracket and reinstall the bracket in the same manner on
the replacement inlet valve.
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Install the new inlet valve
in the same manner as the original.
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Install the fill hose,
sliding the clamp back up the hose.
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Figure 4 - Worm drive hose clamp |
Note
3: In some cases the clamp will be damaged or will not spring
back to its former position and hence will not seal the fill hose to
the barb on the inlet valve. If your clamp is not tight
replace it with a hose clamp that uses a screw (worm drive) for tightening,
as shown in Figure 4.
Note
4: Depending on the access and physical constraints it may be
easier to install the hot water pipe first and then the fill pipe.
The order of installation is not important. But if at all
possible, to avoid damage, reinstall the solenoid wires last.
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Install the hot water
copper pipe or rubber hose and tighten the fitting.
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Turn the hot water shut off
valve "ON", just until you hear water flow, check the fittings and ensure
they are not leaking.
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Replace the wires to the
inlet valve, 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.
