How to replace the dishwasher solenoid valve?

A dishwasher that doesn't fill with water is not a dishwasher. Does this seem like an exaggerated statement? It isn't. Without water, the appliance cannot rinse and sanitize dishes and becomes practically useless. The invention that revolutionized the kitchen, making housewives' work much easier, risks going up in smoke. Not to mention that the appliance will become rather "annoying" as it will start to signal the problem through acoustic signals that are rather difficult to ignore given their volume. Then, it will no longer be possible to carry out washing cycles. You will have to go back to washing dishes and pots by hand, with considerable physical discomfort and a great waste of time.

How can you avoid a similar situation? Taking care of the ordinary maintenance of the dishwasher – that is, its periodic cleaning – is important to prevent breakages and inconveniences, but the passage of time makes itself felt for everyone. An old appliance is more subject to breakdowns especially if it has been used a lot.

If your dishwasher is not loading water, the problem could be a broken dishwasher solenoid valve. This is unfortunate, but not a tragic situation: just replace the damaged component and your appliance will be as good as new. If your dishwasher is out of warranty, it is not a serious problem: Coimbatore Service technicians will intervene to fix the damage.

Summary

• What is the dishwasher solenoid valve for?
  • How does the dishwasher solenoid valve work?
• How to tell if a solenoid valve is not working
  • The first test
  • The second test
• How to replace the dishwasher solenoid valve
  • Should I call a technician to replace the solenoid valve?

What is the dishwasher solenoid valve for?

As you read the previous lines, some readers may have a doubt: what is the dishwasher solenoid valve? This is not information known to everyone and even those who have owned this machine for decades may not know what the different parts are that compose it. On the other hand, everyone has their own area of ​​expertise. This article will clear up any doubts you may have about it.

The solenoid valve is a technical component present not only in the dishwasher, but also in the washing machine. What do these two appliances have in common? They both work with water. Consequently, one could assume that this part has something to do with the main tool aimed at washing. This hypothesis would also be supported by the fact that one notices the fault when the dishwasher stops loading water.

The assumption is, in fact, correct: the solenoid valve's job is to regulate the liquid inlet into the appliance during the wash cycle. Specifically, when the dishwasher's pressure switch gives it the input.

In the dishwasher, the solenoid valve comes into operation at several times: at the beginning of the dishwashing cycle and at the end, when it has to rinse the soap from the dishes. There are some appliances equipped with two separate solenoid valves: one controls the entry of hot water while the other controls the entry of cold water. If you have a similar appliance, you also need to understand which of the two components is broken. To do this, just understand when the dishwasher does not load water. In most cases, the problem concerns the entry of cold water.

How does the dishwasher solenoid valve work?

Every dishwasher loads a certain amount of water when the cycle starts. The distinction is made by the manufacturing company and also by the type of wash chosen. When the pressure switch detects the presence of that specific amount, it closes the solenoid valve.

If a fault has occurred, the component will not receive any signal and will not allow water to enter the compartment. The dishwasher will stop a few minutes after it is turned on. And that is when you will understand that there is a problem.

How to tell if a solenoid valve is not working

When the dishwasher does not load water, it does not necessarily mean that the problem is a broken solenoid valve. It is one of the causes, but not the only one. The problem could concern, for example, the dishwasher solenoid valve filter: if it is clogged with food residue or because of limescale, you will have to clean it to solve the problem.

In the case of a newly purchased dishwasher, the problem could be related to a bad installation of the inlet hose (this often happens especially with built-in appliances) or the closing of the water tap. The dishwasher symbols can help you understand where the problem is. For this reason, it is advisable to always keep the instruction manual.

To rule out other causes and understand if the problem is actually with the solenoid valve, there are two tests you can use.

The first test

The first test you can do requires the use of a specific tester. First, you must unplug the appliance to work in complete safety. Then, you must proceed to disassemble the dishwasher until you reach the solenoid valve. When you have found it, you must use the tester. Place it on the 20K scale with the Ω symbol. By bringing the instrument close to the dishwasher solenoid valve, you should obtain a value that is close to 3.5 or 3.8 kΩ. If this is not the case, you can declare the component broken and proceed with its replacement. If you do not have similar equipment, you can always contact a Coimbatore Service professional to repair a dishwasher that is out of warranty.

The second test

The second check you can do requires the use of an electrical cable that has two wires connected to two fastons with a cap on one end, and an electrical plug on the other. You also need to get a supply tube. One part of this you need to connect to the tap, the other to the solenoid valve.

Insert the two fastons into the solenoid valve couplings and, with the switch off, insert the plug into the electrical current. At this point, open the water supply. You should hear the water filling the supply pipe. This is only if the solenoid valve is not broken. If not, you have your answer and you must proceed as already said, that is, by replacing the damaged component.

You can also test by turning on the power supply by pressing the switch. If it works, you should see water coming out of the connected hose. If not, the component is broken. These operations are not complicated, but they do require a certain amount of manual skill. If you don't feel up to it, rely on a specialized technician.

How to replace the dishwasher solenoid valve

Replacing the dishwasher solenoid valve is not a complex operation, nor a particularly long one: in 40 minutes you should be done. Remember to disconnect the appliance from the power supply to work safely before starting any operation. Start by removing the top panel of the appliance: you should find the electric pump which is positioned near the entrance of the pipe that allows the flow of water inside the appliance. Next to it is the component you are looking for, the solenoid valve. It has a cylindrical structure, is connected to cables and pipes and has a nozzle that comes out of the machine: you should not have any trouble recognizing it.

To disassemble the solenoid valve, you must remove the support that holds it in place. It could be a screw or a plastic block, depending on the model. Then disconnect the connector cables but note their position because you will have to put them back in place once the new component is inserted. Also remove the pipes connected to the solenoid valve by pulling them gently or, if present, using the appropriate cable ties. Be careful of water splashes that may occur. In this regard, it is good to remember to wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty.

Once these operations are completed, you can assemble the new piece. Connect the water pipes and then the connector cables. Finally, you can reconnect the support to the dishwasher, paying attention to the correct positioning of the insertion tabs and the interlocking mechanism if present. To close everything, reassemble the upper panel of the dishwasher.

Should I call a technician to replace the solenoid valve?

As you have read, replacing the dishwasher solenoid valve is not complicated. However, this does not mean that you have to do it yourself without requesting the intervention of a specialist technician. Venturing into DIY repairs can be a double-edged sword: if you are unable to complete them or connect all the components in the right way, you risk breaking the appliance permanently. If you are not particularly familiar with the world of household appliances, it is certainly better to rely on a professional and enjoy the appliance working again.

Coimbatore Service repairers are reliable, fast, and professional. If your dishwasher is a Whirlpool, Hotpoint, Indesit, Ignis or Bauknecht brand, we at Coimbatore Service guarantee you qualified assistance and timely interventions with original spare parts. Call us!