Whirlpool Dishwasher fills with water then stops

Common reasons your Whirlpool Dishwasher fills with water then stops

The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher fills with water then stops are a faulty circulation pump, a failed water level switch, or a defective electronic control board.

29% of the time it's the
Circulation Pump

17% of the time it's the
Water Level Switch

17% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

37% of the time it's the
Something else

Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher

Circulation Pump Replacement

A faulty circulation pump is often the problem when your dishwasher fills with water then stops. The pump sends water up through the spray arms to clean dishes during the cycle. If the pump isn't working, water enters the dishwasher, but it won't circulate to wash the dishes. You may hear unusual noises from the circulation pump such as buzzing or grinding when it isn't working, and dishes won't get clean. Schedule an in-home repair appointment through Sears Home Services to have a technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher if you suspect the circulation pump isn't working.

How to replace a dishwasher circulation pump and motor assembly

Water Level Switch Replacement

A dishwasher that fills with water then stops could have a failed water level switch. The switch detects how much water is in the dishwasher. If the switch fails, it might not detect any water, so the dishwasher won't start the cycle to wash the dishes. Determining if the water level switch has failed can be difficult. If your dishwasher fills with water but then stops, it's best to have a professional technician from Sears Home Services inspect the dishwasher.

Why does my dishwasher stop mid-cycle?

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A dishwasher that fills with water then stops could have a defective electronic control board. If the control board fails, it can stop sending signals to the circulation pump, and water won't circulate to the spray arms. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher if it fills with water but then stops.

How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dishwasher fills with water then stops issue

How is the dishwasher fills with water then stops issue fixed?

Correcting most dishwasher fills with water then stops issues involves replacing the circulation pump, water level switch, or electronic control board. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher fills with water then stops problem

When a dishwasher fills with water but then stops, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher fills with water then stops diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

What our customers say about us

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Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.

Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!

James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.

Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Repair Dishwasher Resources

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Glossary Terms

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

What is a French-Door Refrigerator?

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

What is a Furnace?

A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

What is a Furnace Blower Motor?

A furnace blower motor is a crucial component of a home heating system that drives the fan responsible for circulating air throughout the HVAC system and into the living spaces of the home.