dishwasher water level low?

19 years ago

Hi, let me preface by saying forgive me that I do not have model of my dishwasher handy... If definitely needed should be able to furnish tomorrow..

Whirlpool dishwasher. 3 - 4yrs old. Bought new. Has always had "low" water level (water is about 1/8 inch below heating element). Last nite I took apart water inlet valve to clean screen (was not very clogged, if at all). Re-assembled and ran a load (water level still low). When filling, washer fills, pauses, fills some more, then you can actually hear the spraying, etc. Do you think this is normal? All other dishwashers I've owned had water which "covered" the heating element. However, those dishwashers were not energy star. Perhaps my current one is more effecient on water use?

Any info greatly appreciated.

Thx

Featured Answer

blazinlo
Original Author

19 years ago

asolo,
You think that the "inlet valve" is the same as solenoid? If not, let me know. I had the inlet valve taken apart last nite to check for clogged screen (which essentially, was not clogged). If they are the same, I'm guessing I can buy it on line and install myself. Anyone know of online part store? My only guess at moment is searsparts.
Thx

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Comments (6)

weissman
19 years ago
Do your dishes get clean? That's the real test. I've never checked the level of water nor worried about it. You could call Whirlpool and see what they say, but if your dishes are getting clean, you're fine.
blazinlo
Original Author
19 years ago
Yup, dishes are getting clean... just thinking of efficiency and that perhaps water would heat more/faster if it acutally covered the element as opposed to being splashed on it or absorbing heat from the heated air
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weissman
19 years ago
I believe the element in the bottom is for drying the dishes not heating the water. DWs these days definitely use less water than they used to and have longer cycles. Your DW sounds like it's working fine.
asolo
19 years ago
weissman incorrect. The element is used for heating the water as well as drying.

Water level should be up to just beyond the bottom lip of the over-fill sensor/float-valve...probably located bottom right in front. Check the level when machine has filled and has begun to operate. If the water level isn't up there, you've probably got a bad fill solenoid...which is not uncommon. Doesn't cost much and isn't hard to replace. The element doesn't require submersion in order to operate correctly. However the DW does require sufficient water level to operate correctly.

I've got two whirlpool golds at two locations. One of them had this exact problem -- which the warranty-tech told me was somewhat common with my units. Replaced the component without even moving the machine. He was in-and-out in ten minutes.
asolo
19 years ago
I may have the terminology incorrect. The item that was replaced on mine appeared to be a unitized device with solenoid integral with valve. In any event, it was the thingy that controlled the fill. Suspect looking at parts list would tell the tale. Sorry I'm incapable of being more technical.