Bissell Crosswave Dirty Water Tank Not Filling Up?

We understand how frustrating it is to find the Bissell Crosswave dirty water tank not filling up.

Unfortunately, such a situation will make the floor cleaning take longer than it should and keep you wondering what’s wrong.

When the Bissell crosswave dirty water tank can’t fill up, you must start troubleshooting by cleaning the nozzle, brush roll, and filter. Suppose those components are not causing the issue. In that case, you must proceed to check some mechanical/electrical parts, such as the water pump and motor.

Cleaning is essential, but new owners might not know some tricks behind cleaning the Bissell Crosswave.

On the other hand, experienced owners might get scared by the prospect of disassembling to check internal components.

However, we will help you step by step with all procedures.

Bissell Crosswave Dirty Water Tank Not Filling Up – Reasons

Is your Bissell dirty water tank not filling? In that case, the cleaning session will not be complete, and you will have to find a different way to dry the floor.

Such a situation is annoying, and we can list some components on the Crosswave that are causing it:

✅ Clogged Filter

If the filter in the machine is clogged, it can prevent the dirty water from being sucked up and filling the tank.

✅ Blocked Hose or Nozzle

There could be a blockage in the hose or nozzle, preventing the dirty water from being suctioned up.

✅ Malfunctioning Motor

If the motor is defective or broken, it will prevent the machine from collecting any dirty water. 

✅ Damaged/Worn Brush Roll

When the brush roll is damaged or worn, it will reduce the appliance’s capacity to pick up dirt and debris effectively, leading to the dirty water tank not filling up. 

✅ Defective Water Pump

If the water pump is defective, it will certainly not be able to suck up dirty water effectively.

Fix Your Bissell Crosswave Dirty Water Tank Filling Issues

Most issues preventing the dirty water tank from filling will require you to thoroughly clean some parts.

However, if you’ve had the Bissell Crosswave for some time, it is also possible that some parts are too worn out and need replacement.

So let’s check below what you can do.

1. Check The Nozzle

When cleaning the floor, the nozzle (also called “head”) is immediately in contact with it.

Thus, it is also the first component on your Bissell Crosswave that you must check.

It might have too many clogs or show some defects. So here is what you will do:

1. Unplug the Crosswave;
2. Inspect the nozzle’s physical condition: are there cracks on it? Is anything broken?
3. Remove the brush roll;
4. Wipe clean all of the debris you can find inside the nozzle;

Detach The Nozzle (If Possible)

For maximum efficiency in cleaning the nozzle, it is a good idea to detach it and wash it under water.

Here is how:

1. Insert a screwdriver into the hole just above the clean water tank;
2. Pull up the handle while you push the screwdriver gently.

Once you have detached the nozzle, you can rinse it with warm water to remove any persistent filth. 

If you notice that the nozzle is damaged and can’t keep performing its function, you must head to the Bissell site and order a replacement.

Tip: You must give enough attention to the part that connects the nozzle to the rest of the Crosswave. The blockage could lie there.

2. Clean The Brush Roll

Once you get the nozzle very clean, it is also time to check the brush roll inside it.

After all, it is no use putting it dirty inside a clean nozzle. Moreover, it is also possible that the issue lies in the brush roll. 

Since it is the first part of the Crosswave to sort of filter the filth, it can accumulate plenty of dirt. It can also become worn out.

1. Press the brush roll release button (on the side of the brush roll cover);
2. Use scissors and/or brush to remove hair, debris, and fiber that could be wrapped;
3. Rinse it with warm, soapy water to remove internal accumulated dirt;
4. Finish by wiping with a dry cloth;
5. Let it dry completely;
6. Reattach to the nozzle.

Cleaning the brush roll may show you that the part is too worn out. Perhaps the brush will show signs of dismantling.

In that case, you must get a replacement. 

3. Unclog The Filter

The filter is the next potential culprit that doesn’t let the water tank fill up.

The issue is the same here: too much dirt is clogging it, preventing water from going up to the tank.

Disassembling it will take a bit more work:

1. Press the tank release button (on the handle);
2. Grab the top of the tank and lift it to remove it;
3. Empty the tank if there is any water in it;
4. Gently pull the filter out;
5. Rinse the filter and screen with warm water (you can use vinegar too);
6. Rinse or wipe all other parts, too, including the tank itself and the float;
7. Let everything dry before reassembling.

Note: It is important to note the filter’s condition when you wash it. It is very dirty, but when it gets clean, you can assess whether it is fine or should be replaced. 

On the other hand, it might be too worn out, which explains why your Bissell Crosswave is presenting problems.

4. Inspect The Water Pump

The water pump is one of the internal components responsible for getting water in and out of your Bissell Crosswave.

Note that inspecting it will require disassembling the appliance. You must only do that if the warranty is over and you feel comfortable doing it. 

Here is what you can do:

1. Turn off and unplug the Crosswave;
2. Press the tank’s release button and remove it;
3. Turn the machine over;
4. Locate the water pump and motor housing (a large plastic casing);
5. Remove the screws that secure the plastic casing;
6. Carefully lift off the water pump housing;
7. Inspect the water pump assembly for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, leaks, or loose connections;
8. Check if the component rotates freely and smoothly by gently turning it with your finger.

You can also test with a multimeter by touching the probes to the pump’s wires and setting it to continuity.

If you can determine that the water pump is the issue, you must order a new one.

5. Verify The Motor

Besides the water pump, the motor is also responsible for your Bissell Crosswave.

However, it is an even more crucial part given that it is responsible for most of the appliance’s functions. 

When it starts getting defective, the Bissell Crosswave will turn on but show some issues, such as not pulling water.

Here is how you can verify it:

1. Turn off and unplug the Crosswave;
2. Press the tank’s release button and remove it;
3. Turn the machine over;
4. Locate the water pump and motor housing (a large plastic casing);
5. Remove the screws that secure the plastic casing;
6. Carefully lift off the water pump housing;

Test The Motor

As you can see, the motor is located near the water pump. However, you can see that its connections are not directly wired to the water functions.

Instead, it is located more centrally on the electrical arrangement.

Then do this:

1. Watch for signs of damage, loose wires, burnt metal, melted plastic, etc.;
2. See if the rotor can turn freely;
3. Detach the wires;
4. Test with a multimeter set to continuity.

Replace The Motor

If it fails the continuity test or if you see signs of damage, you must replace it:

1. Remove the securing screws of the old part;
2. Discard it;
3. Insert a new motor in place;
4. Attach the wires and secure the screws;
5. Reassemble the Bissell Crosswave.

What We Learned

What to do when Bissell crosswave dirty water tank not filling up?

As you’ve seen from the guide above, most of the time, the situation only indicates that the appliance is clogged and requires a good cleaning before it can clean your house.

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