KitchenAid Dishwasher Error 6-1: Low Water

The Logic Verdict

I watched the KitchenAid walkthrough for 6-1. The control opens the fill valve for a set time; if the water-level switch never trips, it throws six flashes, pause, one flash. The tech showed how easy it is to starve the tub—someone closes the under-sink valve to work on plumbing, leaves it half shut, or shoves the dishwasher back over the copper line. He loosened the supply line, pulled the little inlet screen, rinsed out debris, then reopened the stop valve fully. Once the water could flow at full pressure, 6-1 cleared without replacing the control board.

What It Means

6-1 is an inlet water timeout. The tub should reach the proper level within a few seconds of starting a cycle. If it stays dry, the control halts the wash and posts 6-1.

Common Causes

• Under-sink valve closed or partially closed. The dishwasher can’t fill if the stop valve isn’t fully counterclockwise.
• Kinked supply hose. Copper or braided hoses can pinch when you push the dishwasher back into the cabinet.
• Clogged inlet screen or weak fill valve. Sediment builds up on the screen inside the valve body and blocks flow.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Cut power and water. Unplug the dishwasher (or trip the breaker) and close the hot-water stop under the sink.
2. Open the stop fully. Turn the valve counterclockwise until it stops—partial turns starve the tub.
3. Check hose routing. Pull the dishwasher forward a few inches and confirm the copper or braided line isn’t kinked or crushed.
4. Clean the inlet screen. Place a towel below the valve, unthread the hose at the dishwasher, and remove the tiny screen inside the inlet valve. Rinse sediment out and reinstall it.
5. Replace the fill valve if needed. If the screen is clear but water still trickles, swap in a new inlet valve assembly.
6. Reassemble and test. Reattach the hose, reopen the valve fully, restore power, and run a normal cycle. You should hear a strong fill within a few seconds. If 6-1 returns, recheck for kinks or a failed valve.

Parts & Tools

• WPW10327249 inlet water valve (fits KitchenAid/Whirlpool tall-tub models)
• Stainless braided dishwasher supply hose kit

Resources