Your GE dishwasher refusing to spray water can be such a headache. How else can a dishwasher function properly without water? Don’t panic. We’re here to help you fix this problem by telling you the areas to look out for and what exactly to do.
Bonus points, we’ll also explain the basic idea behind working dishwashers and how the water supply gets to the dishwasher.
How Dishwashers Work
The spraying arms are responsible for water; beneath and above the racks. The dishwasher rinses the dishes with water from the spraying arms.
It washes the dishes with water and some detergent, which you’ve already added to the detergent dispenser.
After washing, it rinses the dishes the same way, this time, without detergents. Lastly, the control board contains the regulating parts of the dishwasher.
How Does the Water Supply Get to the Dishwasher?
If you are wondering how water gets into the dishwasher, follow along. Water supply gets to the dishwasher through a part of the appliance known as the water inlet valve.
This valve regulates how much water is supplied to your dishwasher. The valve links to the primary source of water in your home.
When you turn on the valve, it releases water into your dishwasher through the spraying arms. The water inlet valve is usually at the lower part of your dishwasher, sometimes beside the drain pipe. If there is a problem with the inlet valve, the dishwasher will not fill. Since the dishwasher is powered by electricity, the valve is automatically controlled.
Possible Issues
1. Blocked Spray Arm
Your dishwasher’s spray arms are responsible for spraying water inside the dishwasher. The spray arms may be clogged with particles washed off during a wash cycle.
The spray arms are at the bottom, middle, and upper parts of the dishwasher.
If you notice any clog or food particles on the spray arms, remove them and place them under running water to wash off the particles. You can also put them in warm and soapy water to clean.
Be sure that you do not overload the dishwasher, as this can prevent the spray arms from moving.
2. Clogged or Broken Dishwasher Pump
While this may not happen often, one of the reasons your dishwasher is not spraying water might be that the pump is clogged or broken.
The dishwasher pump connects to the spray arms, and sometimes, it might also be clogged with particles.
If the dishwasher pump is broken, it’s advisable to get a replacement. Replacing a broken dishwasher pump can be a bit daunting; it’s okay to ask for help from a qualified technician at this point.
The impeller of the dishwasher pump is supposed to move freely, so after unclogging the pump or replacing it, be sure to confirm that it is well placed.
3. Broken Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is another reason your GE dishwasher is not getting any water in. To inspect or fix the inlet valve, disconnect the power and water supply to the dishwasher.
The water inlet valve is connected to the main water supply from your home. It’s best to remove the dishwasher panel to inspect the water inlet valve. You can quickly locate the valve by looking out for the part with many hoses connected to it.
If you notice that the valve is broken, order a replacement. That should solve the problem.
If it doesn’t, be sure to reach out to an experienced technician.
4. Dishwasher’s Water Delivery Tube is Clogged
The water delivery tube is another reason your GE dishwasher is not spraying water. The delivery tube is connected to the spray arms of the dishwasher. Remove the racks and the spray arms. Observe the position of each item you remove.
The water delivery tube may be clogged with food particles or other forms of debris. You may use a broomstick and stick it through the tube to push out any debris.
You can also run high-pressure water through the tube to remove any particle stuck in it.
5. Circulation Issues
Water must circulate well if you want your dishes to be squeaky clean. Circulation issues with your dishwasher might result from a faulty circulation pump. If you notice this, it’s best to replace it.
Disconnect the power and water supply before running any checks. Open the lower panel of the dishwasher, and be sure to take note of the positions of the screws and wires.
Note that you also might need to take the dishwasher out and lay it on its back for more ease and efficiency.
Also, if you find this to be a bit complex, consider reaching out to a professional expert.
6. Overfill Float Switch
The overfill float switch controls the amount of water that enters the dishwasher. It turns the water supply off and on as needed.
A faulty overfill float switch may prevent water from entering your dishwasher. To inspect the overfill float switch, you need first to take out the bottom rack. Turn off the power before running these checks.
Open the lower panel of the dishwasher to locate the float switch. It should be directly under the position of the float. Check if you can find an electrical path in the switch; if not, it’s best to replace the switch.
Doing this requires some wiring checks; consider reaching out to an experienced technician to help you out.
7. Chopper Blade Clog
You can easily detect when the chopper blade of your dishwasher is clogged. It usually produces a strange humming sound when the dishwasher is in use.
Before inspecting the chopper blade, ensure that the dishwasher is not connected to power. It’s okay to request professional technical assistance while inspecting or replacing the chopper blade.
To get to the chopper blade, you will need to take out the lower rack of the dishwasher, the lower spray arms, and the pump assembly.
Ensure that it fits right into the impeller when replacing the chopper blade. You can test it by rolling the blades with your hands and see whether it’s connected. Remember to return all screws to their original positions.
Other Things to Check
Apart from the other areas we have mentioned, if you notice that your GE dishwasher is not spraying water, you can check the following additional areas:
- Detergent Dispenser – supplies detergent to the dishwasher during a wash cycle.
- Wash Spinner
- Heating Element – responsible for providing hot water into the dishwasher, used during rinse and heating cycles.
- Pump Impellers – responsible for pumping water into the dishwasher through the spray arms.
Ensure that you do not leave these parts out of your cleaning sessions. If you find it a bit tricky to find these parts or inspect them, you can reach out to us for more technical assistance.
Conclusion
Your GE dishwasher might not be spraying water because the spray arm is blocked. It might result from any of these. If you still have some doubts about why your GE dishwasher is not spraying water, it’s okay to reach out to us for more professional assistance.
