Turning on a dishwasher valve, also known as the water cutoff or supply valve, restores the water flow to the appliance. The exact method depends on the type of valve installed for your unit. As mentioned in the reference, this process "only applies to units. With this type of connection," highlighting that the valve and connection type dictate how you turn it on.
Here's how to typically turn on the most common types of dishwasher valves:
Common Types of Dishwasher Valves and How to Turn Them On
Dishwasher water valves are usually located under the sink, near the dishwasher water line connection, or sometimes in the basement or crawl space below the kitchen. Identifying the valve type is the first step.
1. Ball Valves (Lever Handle)
- Description: These valves have a small lever handle (often parallel to the pipe when off). They are known for durability and providing a quick, quarter-turn shutoff.
- How to Turn On:
- Locate the lever handle.
- The valve is off when the handle is perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the pipe.
- To turn the water on, rotate the handle 90 degrees so it is parallel (aligned) with the pipe.
2. Gate Valves (Wheel Handle)
- Description: These older-style valves have a round, multi-spoked handle that resembles a wheel.
- How to Turn On:
- Locate the wheel handle.
- The valve is off when the handle is turned clockwise as far as it will go.
- To turn the water on, rotate the handle counter-clockwise multiple times until it stops. Do not overtighten when turning off in the future, just snug.
3. Angle Stop Valves (Small Handle)
- Description: Often found under sinks for various fixtures, these small valves typically have a football-shaped or small lever handle and are frequently installed where the pipe comes out of the wall at a 90-degree angle (hence "angle stop").
- How to Turn On:
- Locate the small handle.
- These valves are typically off when the handle is turned clockwise until snug.
- To turn the water on, rotate the handle counter-clockwise multiple times until it stops, usually about 2-3 full rotations for full flow.
Knowing your dishwasher's specific "type of connection" helps determine which of these common valve types you have and, consequently, how to turn it on. Always ensure the dishwasher's supply line is securely connected to the valve before turning the water on.
