What Are the Most Common Problems with Dishwashers?
If your home has a dishwasher, you’re likely well-versed in the nuances that come with it! From foul odors, to not draining or drying the dishes, to practically causing an earthquake in your kitchen with all the noise it’s making, dishwashers can be a real headache. But fret not! This helpful guide is here to navigate you through your dishwasher dilemmas.
My Dishwasher Isn’t Draining
When your dishwasher fails to drain effectively, it signals a potential problem within its drainage system. This issue can arise due to various factors:
• Clogged drain: Accumulated food particles or debris could cause a simple clog.
• Malfunction in the pump: The dishwasher’s pump is essential for water circulation and drainage. If this part is faulty or impaired, it could easily lead to drainage issues.
• Broken or obstructed hose: Damage or blockage in the dishwasher’s drain hose could result in water backing up within the system.
Recommended Dishwasher Repair:
1. Check the drain for any debris and remove anything obvious you can see with your hand. You can also use a plumbing snake or plugger to remove debris under the surface of the drain cover.
2. Consult the manufacturer’s manual to see how your dishwasher’s pump is supposed to look. If there is obvious damage or malfunction, use the manual to help troubleshoot, or hire a professional appliance repair technician if you can’t do the work yourself.
3. Investigate the drain hose for damage or blockages as well. The manufacturer’s manual can teach you how to unclog or replace the drain hose if needed. If the hose is clear, check the pump filters for any blockages as well. Cleaning or replacing the filters may also help resolve the drainage issue.
My Dishwasher Is Clogged
Poor cleaning performance is often linked to a clog within your dishwasher. Start by inspecting the dishwasher filter for any debris. Check the spray arm next. The manufacturer’s manual can show you how to remove the spray arm, which will allow you to adequately check for damage or blockages.
Recommended Dishwasher Repair:
If there is a substantial amount of debris or food particles in the filter, carefully removing it and gently cleaning the filter may fix the issue.
If the spray arm is dirty, a thorough cleaning with hot, soapy water should do the trick, however, if it is damaged, it is best to replace it.
My Dishwasher Is Leaking
Your dishwasher leaking on the floor isn’t only annoying, it could cause damage to the surrounding counters, cabinets, and flooring. Begin by inspecting the dishwasher for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or holes in the door, or the rubber seal coming off.
Check the hosing and pipes to ensure they are still properly connected and not damaged, and check the connection points for signs of leaking, as the seal may need to be replaced.
Recommended Dishwasher Repair:
1. Identify where the leak is coming from – most commonly, this will be the door, hoses, or pump of your dishwasher.
2. For a door leak, try replacing the gasket or seal. Replace any other damaged parts with new ones to avoid further water damage.
3. Check all connections to ensure they are watertight.
My Dishwasher Has a Foul Smell
Check for any build-up of food or debris or any visible signs of mold in your dishwasher. These are the most common causes of foul odors in your dishwasher, but the smell could be attributed to leaky seals or gaskets. Check all connections on your dishwasher to see if they could be letting in (or out) moisture.
Recommended Dishwasher Repair:
1. Clean the filter.
2. Clean the inside of your dishwasher very thoroughly using a store-bought dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.
3. Run the dishwasher empty on the hottest cycle it has after cleaning. This will help sanitize it and reduce the risk of any mold or mildew continuing to grow.
My Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning My Dishes
When an appliance in your home isn’t performing its main function, it can be very frustrating. Begin by ensuring the dishwasher is running through its entire cycle, as a mechanical issue could be causing it to stop partially through the process.
Recommended Dishwasher Repair:
1. If a mechanical issue is evident, call Dave’s Appliance Service.
2. Ensure the dishes are loaded correctly in the dishwasher and avoid overloading.
3. Make sure you use the correct amount and type of dishwashing detergent per the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Turn up the temperature of the water to ensure it is hot enough to clean the dishes effectively.
