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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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. 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.
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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:
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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.


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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.
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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.
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 for tightening.
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 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.