KitchenAid dishwasher not spraying water is a major problem that you need to address to get the unit to work properly. So in this guide, you’ll learn about the probable causes for the dishwasher not spraying as well as how to fix the error.
Your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t spraying water because a faulty float switch, clogged water inlet valve, clogged chopper blades, clogged spray arms, broken pump filter, clogged circulation pump, or faulty circulation pump. Identifying and fixing these issues can get the dishwasher to start spraying water again.
In this guide, I’ll address each problem as well as recommend the best fix.
To be clear, I’m going to recommend only do-it-yourself fixes. If you’re on a tight budget, or you currently don’t have enough money to pay a professional technician, this guide will help you to fix the problem right from the comfort of your home.
Related: KitchenAid Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode
Why Is My KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Spraying Water? (7 Reasons Explained)
The table below is a summary of the reasons why your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t spraying water as well as how to fix each problem:
| Problem | Quick DIY Fix | |
| 1. | Problem with the float switch | Use a multimeter to test the microchip for continuity and replace the float switch if it’s faulty |
| 2. | Clogged water inlet valve | Clean the inlet valve to remove dirt and debris |
| 3. | Clogged chopper blades | Equally clean the chopper blades to remove the clogs |
| 4. | Clogged spray arm | Use a mix of water and white vinegar to clean the clogged spray arms |
| 5. | Clogged circulation pump | Clean anything that is causing blockage in the circulation pump, including dirt, hard foreign objects, and debris |
| 6. | Faulty circulation pump | Replace the faulty circulation pump to get the unit to start spraying water properly |
| 7. | Clogged or broken pump filter | Replace the pump filter if broken. Otherwise, clean the filter to get rid of the clogs. |
1. Problem with the Float Switch
The purpose of the float switch in a KitchenAid dishwasher is to prevent water from flood while cleaning dishes. The switch automatically turns off after enough water has flown into the dishwasher, thus preventing more water from getting into the unit. (Klonopin)
If the switch is faulty, your KitchenAid dishwasher might assume the unit is full of water and turn off completely.
Using a digital multimeter electrical test kit, with the reading set to 1ohm, test the microchip. Replace the float switch if it’s faulty. Also, replace the float if you see signs of wear and tear.
2. Clogged Water Inlet Valve
The work of the water inlet valve is to control water flow from the source into the dishwasher. This part will open and shut from time to time to ensure adequate water enters the dishwasher.
It will also close to prevent excess water from overfilling the dishwasher, hence preventing leakage, which can result in flooding the kitchen floor.
If the water inlet valve clogs, water won’t get in the dishwasher, which explains why the unit isn’t able to spray water in the first place.
Foreign objects and debris are the reasons why your water inlet valve more than likely has clogs. And if anything, there’s no better way to explain why you sometimes end up with spotted, smelly, or dirty dishes after a wash.
In some cases, the water inlet valve can burn because of a short circuit or because of the dishwasher overuse.
To fix this problem:
- Disconnect your dishwasher from the power and water
- Open the dishwasher and locate the water inlet valve
- Clean any clogs and debris you can find
Related: Bosch Dishwasher Drain Test Explained
3. Clogged Chopper Blade
With the chopper blade, your KitchenAid dishwasher can cut significant food particles into even smaller pieces. The appliance can easily pump these finer food particles out after each wash cycle.
Unfortunately, the blades become blunt, jammed, or clogged when hard objects get in the way. Overtime, it becomes difficult for the unit to cut the food particles into smaller pieces.
This also prevents the wash pump from spinning, hence pausing entire functions of the appliance.
When fixing this problem you ought to be extra careful because you are dealing with sharp blades.
- Cut off both water and power supply
- Remove the access panel and anything that will be your way to access the chopper blade.
- Carefully remove any clogs from the chopper blade
Now try to rotate the blade by hand to ensure it rotates freely, making sure you’re careful not to get your finger sliced by the sharp edges when spinning.
Replace the chopper blade in case what your unit currently has is blunt. Fix the part back into the dishwasher, reconnect water and power, and initiate a new wash cycle to check if it works.
4. Clogged Spray Arms
Depending on the brand and model, a dishwasher can come with either one or more spray arms. The arms have holes on them that allow pressured water spray to clean dishes in the appliance.
This arm rotates to spray water evenly on your dishes, but it will fail if food particles, dirt, and debris come in the way.
Food particles get in the way of the spray arms because of the damaged filters, which make it difficult for the unit to remove debris from the water under circulation in the appliance.
Luckily, fixing a clogged spray arm is so simple.
- Use Torx to unwind the screws or bolts holding the spray arm in place. After the arm is out, flush it with some water to loosen the particles that are causing clogs.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to clear dirt from each hole on the spray arm. You can also use a toothpick to poke the hole as well as bottle brushes.
- Give the spray arm a final flush with some white vinegar.
- Fix it back to the dishwasher, reconnect the water supply and power, start the dishwasher, and initiate a cycle to see if the fix worked.
5. Clogged Circulation Pump
The circulation pump is responsible for circulating water in the KitchenAid dishwasher. It pumps water through parts like the spray arm to wash the dishes in the dishwasher.
The pump fails when if it clogs, even if it is still in good working condition. Like most parts in the dishwasher, the circulation pump clogs because of bits of food and other small debris circulated by water in the unit.
It is the work of the filter to remove such items from the system. But if dirty or damaged, the filter won’t be able to do its job, and, as you can imagine, the circulation pump ends up clogged.
Some parts like the spray arm will not be able to spray water on dishes because the circulation pump clogged.
To fix this issue:
- Remove the access panel, electrical connections, and hoses to access the circulation pump.
- Remove the circulation pump and clean anything that is causing blockage, including dirt, hard foreign objects, and debris.
- Wipe out any dirt or debris stuck on the impeller.
- Using your finger, spin the impeller to ensure it rotates freely like a propeller.
Now, fix back the circulation pump, connect your water supply, and plug it back into power. Start the dishwasher and initiate a cycle to see if the dishwasher is now spraying water.
Related: GE Profile Dishwasher Troubleshooting Control Panel
6. A Failed Circulation Pump
A circulation pump is among several pumps you will find in the KitchenAid dishwasher. All dishwashers depend on these pumps to function properly.
The pump is responsible for circulating water to the various part inside the dishwasher. Keep in mind that the unit will only spray water at the correct pressure to clean dishes well when the pump works correctly.
The circulation pump can fail after it is used for a long time as well when food particles and soap that take long to dissolve collect in it.
If the pump fails, the spray arm will not have water to spray on your dirty dishes. The only way we can troubleshoot failed circulation pump is by replacing it with a working one.
- Disconnect the hardware from the power and water supply
- Open the dishwasher and carefully remove anything that is on the way of the circulation pump.
- Once you get to the circulation pump, remove its mounts and electrical connectors and install the new circulation pump.
Reconnect the water supply and power. Start the dishwasher and perform a wash cycle to test if the dishwasher is now spraying water.
7. Clogged/Broken Pump Filter
The purpose of the pump filter is to push soapy water from the tub to the spray arm. However, food particles can easily block the pump filter, making the spray arm not spray water.
Fortunately, there are two to clean the pump filter to make the dishwasher start spraying water again.
You can clean the pump filter is by using a vacuum cleaner or you can do the same using warm water. Clean this part at least twice a year for an excellent dishwasher working condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Know My KitchenAid Dishwasher Spray Arm is Spinning?
Your KitchenAid dishwasher spray arm is at the base of the dishwasher. To determine whether it’s spinning freely, remove it simply twist and lift, and rotate it to determine whether it spins.
If it doesn’t spin, clean it – or replace it with a new one.
2. Why is New KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Spraying Water?
Some of the most common causes of low water pressure in a new KitchenAid dishwasher are clogged spray jets, dishes piling up on top of a pump, problems with a float switch, and a faulty water valves.
3. Why is Water Not Getting into My KitchenAid Dishwasher?
The likely reason why water is not going into your KitchenAid dishwasher is that the water inlet is defective or clogged. Consider replacing the water inlet valve if you find it defective or clear the clogs if clogged.
Conclusion
As you can see, several factors make your KitchenAid dishwasher not spray water. These include a problem with the float switch, clogged water inlet valve, clogged chopper blade, clogged spray arm, clogged circulation pump, and circulation pump failure.
Fortunately, these problems are easy to fix right from the comfort of your home. So you can save over $200 in repair service and get your unit working exactly as it should.