Whirlpool, KitchenAid & Maytag Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Parts — Models & Compatibility

If your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dishwasher won't fill with water—or fills too slowly—the water inlet valve is the most likely culprit. This cross-brand hub covers the W11434044 inlet valve replacement, which fits models across three major brands including the Maytag MDB series, Whirlpool WDT and WDTA series, and KitchenAid KDFE models. This valve controls water flow into your dishwasher's tub, and when it fails, you'll know immediately.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

This valve works across Whirlpool Corporation brands—you'll find it in machines from 2018 onward. Check your model number (it's usually on the door frame, visible when you open the door, or on the inside edge of the tub). Look for models starting with MDB, WDT, WDTA, or KDFE in the list below. The W11434044 replaces older part numbers W11025972, W11025970, W11187724, and AP6987233, so if you've got an older service manual listing those numbers, this is the updated replacement.

About This Replacement Part

The water inlet valve sits at the bottom of your dishwasher where the water supply line connects. It's an electrically-controlled solenoid valve—when the dishwasher needs water, the control board sends power to the valve, opening it to allow water flow. When the valve fails, it typically happens in one of two ways: it won't open at all (no water entering), or the solenoid mechanism weakens and allows only a trickle. Some techs also see valves that won't close fully, causing slow leaks or drips under the unit between cycles. This part costs $76.99, which beats a $200+ service call where half the fee is just showing up.

Why Water Inlet Valves Fail

Hard water is the number one killer. Mineral buildup clogs the small screen filter inside the valve, and eventually the solenoid can't generate enough force to push the valve open against the deposits. You might hear a humming sound when the dishwasher tries to fill—that's the solenoid straining. In areas with extremely hard water, some valves fail within 3-4 years. The second common failure is electrical: the solenoid coil burns out, usually from repeated power surges or just age. When that happens, you'll get no water and no sound at all.

Compatible Models

This W11434044 valve fits these dishwasher models:

• MDB4949SKZ0, MDB4949SKZ1, MDB4949SKZ2 — Maytag 49-series built-in models
• MDB8959SKZ0, MDB8959SKW0, MDB8959SKB0 — Maytag 89-series with third rack
• MDB9959SKZ0 — Maytag premium top-control
• WDTA50SAKZ0 — Whirlpool integrated control panel model
• WDT970SAKZ2 — Whirlpool 970 series with sensor wash
• KDFE104KPS0, KDFE104KPS1, KDFE104KPS2, KDFE104KPS3 — KitchenAid front-control stainless models
• KDFE104KBL0 — KitchenAid black stainless variant

Check the full compatibility chart on the product page—this valve covers 50+ model variations across the three brands.

Installation Considerations

You'll need to shut off the water supply and disconnect the power before starting. The valve mounts to the bottom frame with two screws, and you've got three connections to deal with: the water supply line (compression fitting), the internal hose to the tub, and the wire harness. The trickiest part is usually accessing it—you may need to tip the dishwasher back or pull it out slightly to work comfortably. Budget 45 minutes if you're methodical. Some models require removing a lower access panel or the entire lower kickplate to reach the valve from the front.

What You're Actually Fixing

When this valve goes bad, your dishwasher either won't start a cycle (it'll just sit there waiting for water), or it takes 20+ minutes to fill when it should take 2-3 minutes. You might see an error code—many Whirlpool models throw an F6 E4 code for water fill issues. Some people describe hearing the dishwasher "trying" to start, with the motor running briefly, then stopping because there's no water to circulate. If you've checked that your water supply valve under the sink is open and you're still not getting water, the inlet valve is almost always the fix.

Price and Availability

At $76.99, this OEM-quality replacement costs about half what you'd pay for a factory Whirlpool part through traditional channels. We keep it in stock because it's one of the most common dishwasher repairs across these three brands—inlet valves fail more often than pumps or control boards, and they're easier to replace. The W11434044 supersedes older part numbers, so even if your service documentation lists the W11025972 or W11187724, you're getting the current revision that Whirlpool ships in new machines today.