Home › Dishwashers › Parts › Water inlet valve

Dishwasher Water inlet valve: What It Does and Signs It's Failing

An electric valve behind the lower kick panel, usually at the front left, where the hot water supply line connects. It opens to let water into the tub during each fill and shuts tight the rest of the time.

How it works

When the control sends power to its coil, a plunger lifts and water flows through. Many valves have a fine screen on the inlet side to stop grit from getting into the valve.

Signs it is failing

• The machine hums but no water comes in
• Very little water in the tub and poor cleaning
• Water trickling in when the dishwasher is off (valve stuck open)
• A drip or wet spot at the valve body behind the kick plate
• Fill or water-supply error codes

No-fill and low-water codes usually start with a closed shutoff or kinked supply line, then the valve. A valve that leaks or won't close can also set off overfill and leak codes.

Can you replace it yourself?

Turn on the hot water under the sink and look for a kink in the supply line before blaming the valve. Replacing it means shutting off the water and the breaker, removing the kick plate and moving the supply line and wire connector over. Repair references advise replacing a clogged valve outright rather than taking it apart.

Buying the right part

Check that the fittings and electrical connector match your model before you order. Buy a new compression fitting or supply line too if the old one is corroded.

Error codes linked to the water inlet valve

• E16 / E17Water can't enter the dishwasherBosch
• E18Water level too lowBosch
• E14Flow meter or filling problemBosch
• i10Low fill detectedFrigidaire
• i30Leak or overflow in the base panFrigidaire
• C5Drain time too short (underfill)GE
• H2OLow waterGE
• F8E4Water found in the drip trayKitchenAid
• F8E5Fill valve stuck openKitchenAid
• F8E2Fill valve electrical faultKitchenAid
• H2ONo water detectedKitchenAid
• IENot filling with enough waterLG
• FEToo much water in the tubLG
• F12 / F13 / F15Water inlet blocked or restrictedMiele
• Water inlet fault / Water intake light flashingNot enough water coming inMiele
• F18Water intake valve defectiveMiele
• 4C / 4ENot enough water coming inSamsung
• OC / 0C / OEToo much water in the tub (overfill)Samsung
• 9E / 1CLow water levelSamsung
• F8E1 / H2ONo water detectedWhirlpool
• F8E2Fill valve electrical errorWhirlpool
• F8E5Fill valve stuck openWhirlpool
• F6E1Control panel or main control errorWhirlpool

Last reviewed 2026-10-19.