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This is a 15 year old model that fills in 3 stages and is fitted with an Aquastop inlet valve. The water flow into the machine is down to a trickle and does not fill the float chamber in the metering matrix, but slowly fills through the opening in the LH side wall. I have removed and cleaned the inlet filters to no avail. There is full flow from the tap, no leaks anywhere and the control knob functions correctly as far as I can tell. I assume that the inlet solenoid valve is either open or closed and that the in-line pressure valve is normally open, only closing in the event of a leak in the supply pipe. so what could be affecting the flow? I’m thinking a new Aquastop may be needed. However, this problem only came about after the mains pressure was reduced from 6 to 3 bar and if the pressure is put back to 6 bar the fill proceeds normally in 3 doses with water rushing around the matrix and into the float chamber. This would seem to discount an electrical issue but is there a way to check the Aquastop fully? Any pointers would be appreciated.
Re: My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to f
jayemge wrote:However, this problem only came about after the mains pressure was reduced from 6 to 3 bar and if the pressure is put back to 6 bar the fill proceeds normally in 3 doses with water rushing around the matrix and into the float chamber.
I don’t understand why, if it works OK at 6Bar you would need to turn it down to 3Bar? Surely the simple cure would be to leave the pressure at 6Bar?
15 years for an aqustop valve anyway has got to be regarded as a good service life. Therefore if the need is to reduce the pressure down to 3Bar then fitting a new aquastop the only solution I would think. Especially so if, after all these years it has been subjected to any degree of hardwater limescale.
Re: My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to f
Thanks Martin for your prompt response. Fair comment regarding the mains pressure. The reason for reducing it is to do with another appliance, specifically a water softener that is limited to 4 bar. I had been running it at 6 bar for a number of years, but an engineer from the supplier insisted I fit a pressure reducer set to 3 bar, which I did. I have now upped the pressure to 4 bar, but the result is more or less the same. Fill times are perhaps a little shorter, but the water doesn’t rush in as it should unless I bypass the softener. The dishwasher has always been fed with softened water so no limescale present. Would you know whether the pressure valve in the Aquastop is sensitive to water pressure? Could it be sticking? Unless there is something else in the machine controlling the valve I guess it must be faulty. It may be of some importance to note that when the machine is working normally and the first fill occurs, for say pre-rinse, for a few seconds the water comes into the matrix at the slow rate and then “switches” to the high flow. Thereafter with each trigger of the float switch the water enters at full flow.
Re: My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to f
It’s not a situation I’ve ever encountered before TBH. The aquastop is NOT pressure sensitive either and should operate as low as 1Bar quite easily. I can only suggest you replace it and see what happens? I can’t imagine it be anything else!
My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to fill.
I encountered this problem two days ago. The aquastop valve is at fault – it doesn’t let the water in fast enough to start the syphon action at the beginning of each of it’s three fills. Replace the inlet valve and all will be fine.
Re: My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to f
As you suggest I guess I’ll just have to take the plunge. Will let you know how I get on.
My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to fill.
Just replaced the valve – three fills – job done!
Re: My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to f
Firestarter, thanks for your input. Things are definitely looking up. I’ve noticed that without the full flow the water does not get through what looks like a venturi nozzle at the top of the matrix and neither the upper nor lower chamber fills and then, as you say, the siphon action doesn’t happen. Quite what the “venturi” does I’m not sure, but it must have some purpose. Any thoughts? Hope to get a new valve fitted next week.
My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to fill.
The Venturi is included to comply with water supply regulations which say there must be an ‘air brake’ fitted so no dirty water can flow back into the supply pipe if there is a drop in supply pressure.
Re: My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to f
Haven’t yet been able to fit the aquastop; lost in post apparently, but hope to get it sorted next week. Just as well since the machine now doesn’t fill properly even at the higher pressure so looks likely that was a bit of a “red herring”.
Re: My Siemens SN53304GB/14 dishwasher is taking an age to f
Well diagnosed guys. Finally got and fitted the new inlet valve(aquastop) and the machine now fills normally again. Mind you, and for anyone else out there with a similar problem, I found reconnecting the wiring a bit of a pig. I still don’t understand why the valve only partially worked before or why the water pressure affected it but never mind.
Many thanks. Over and out.
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