KitchenAid · Dishwasher

6-1

Water Fill Fault

Severity

High

If your KitchenAid Dishwasher is displaying the error code 6-1, the control board has detected a fault identified as "Water Fill Fault". Understanding the root cause helps you avoid an unnecessary service call.

Owner's Summary

Your KitchenAid dishwasher cannot fill with water. Start with the water supply valve under the sink — it should be fully open. This simple check resolves the majority of 6-1 errors at no cost.

Symptoms

KitchenAid dishwasher not filling with water, 6-1 error code displayed

Common Causes

Water supply valve closed under sink
Clogged inlet valve screen
Failed water inlet valve solenoid
Low water pressure below 20 PSI

How to Fix

1 Open water supply valve fully
2 Clean inlet valve screen
3 Test water pressure at nearby tap
4 Test inlet valve solenoid resistance and replace if open or shorted

Tools You'll Need

Multimeter Soft Brush Towels / Bucket

Most of these fixes need only basic hand tools. If your repair requires opening electrical housings or testing live components, a multimeter and basic electrical safety knowledge are essential — when in doubt, call a technician.

Technical Explanation

6-1 on KitchenAid indicates the control board's fill circuit did not receive fill confirmation from the pressure switch or float switch within the programmed timeout after the inlet valve solenoid was energized.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

No risk to the appliance.

Technician's Pro Tip

KitchenAid dishwashers installed in newly renovated kitchens sometimes have the supply valve flow restrictor installed too aggressively — this limits pressure below the minimum required for the inlet valve to open fully. Check the supply line fitting for a flow restrictor if pressure tests are borderline.

Related Codes

E1 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Supply Error

High

E2 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Temperature Too High

Medium

E3 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Not Heating

Medium

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code 6-1 mean on a KitchenAid Dishwasher?

Code 6-1 on a KitchenAid Dishwasher indicates "Water Fill Fault." In practice, the most common trigger is water supply valve closed under sink. Severity is rated high, and typical repair costs range from $0 to $160.

Can I fix 6-1 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of 6-1 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: open water supply valve fully. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with code 6-1 showing?

No risk to the appliance.

How much does it cost to repair 6-1 on a KitchenAid Dishwasher?

Repair costs for code 6-1 typically range from $0 to $160. Screen cleaning: $0; Inlet valve: $40–$160. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$0 – $160

Screen cleaning: $0; Inlet valve: $40–$160