I have a Whirlpool Dishwasher Model DU7800XS1 (vintage 1990?). Parts are still available.

In the fill cycle, the water flows very slowly, and barely covers the floor of the tub.

Sometimes there is no water at all, and I have to restart the wash cycle a few times.

It has gotten gradually worse over time.

Is there a filter or something that could be clogged? If so any ideas where it would be located?

Thanks...

PS: I prefer not to replace the dishwasher as it is a match to all my other kitchen appliances.

Check at the water valve. Shut water off to the unit and disconnect the supply line. There is a screen in there that catches setiment. Remove it and clean it. This should solve your problwm

Esquire1

Thanks for the info. I hope that's all it is.

Before I take it apart, my supply line is copper, and is connected to the valve with a compression fitting (I think). Could there still be a sediment filter in a copper line?

Do you have hard water? You may have calcium build up, which is what happened to us. You will have to removed as much as you can manually, then run an empty cycle. When there is water in the tub, put some vinegar in the bottom. About a cup or two. Repeat this daily for about two weeks and then once every three to four weeks for upkeep. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the suggestions all. We DO have hard water. I'll try it!

For anyone interested, the problem turned out to be a clogged sediment screen INSIDE the electric water fill valve coming off the supply line.

Not something meant to disassembled, but I did. The screen was press-fit, so I had to soak the whole valve body in vinegar for 2 hours to loosen it up. Problem solved.

I will be adding an in-line sediment filter to the supply line soon to prevent another occurrence.

Thanks again everyone who contributed.

You might want to add that filter further up stream so it will include your sink faucet. Your dishwasher uses only hot water and hot water heaters need occasional draining/flushing to get rid of crud. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the heater and then open the valve by twisting counterclockwise, drain hose needs to go to a drain area some where. Allow the water to drain for about 5 minutes, do this twice per year without shutting off the main water supply. I think that your new inline filter will be pretty clean 24/7 from now on.