A dishwasher is a beautiful addition to any dishwasher problems are also for homeowners who find washing pots or dishes tedious and time-consuming. The machine can also be especially helpful at parties, get-togethers and other special occasions as you may need it for post-party clean-up.
Like any home appliance, however, the dishwasher can break down over time due to wear and tear. While a home warranty can help with repairs, it’s also important that you’re aware of some common dishwasher problems that you may encounter at some point in the future. Having enough information on hand is key to ensuring that the correct steps are taken when troubleshooting dishwashers.
Common dishwasher problems
While some dishwasher problems can be solved DIY style, others will require the assistance of a trained technician.
Dirty food
This usually happens because you either stacked the dishes incorrectly before starting the dishwasher or the wash cycle. To prevent this, make sure the correct number of dishes are placed and arranged correctly as recommended in the dishwasher’s manual.
It is also recommended that the machine is clean and the spray arms are free of obstructions. If it’s not clean or there’s a clog, you’ll need to take the spray arms out of the dishwasher, clean them, and put them back in the unit properly.
Wet food
If your dishes won’t dry after washing, a simple dishwasher troubleshooting step you can take is to check if the unit is full of rinse-aid liquid. If it is not, you should fill the machine with liquid as it is designed for the dishwasher and will facilitate the drying process. It will also prevent water droplets from forming, reducing the chance of dish streaks or stains during drying.
If the wash aid is in good condition, but your dishes still don’t dry, it could be due to a high-limit thermostat or faulty heating element. The latter works to heat the water while the former prevents your dishwasher from overheating. If either of the two components is faulty, your dishes will not dry.
Noisy dishwasher
This may be caused by an internal component that is faulty. Spray arms, for example, may be bent out of shape or they may be loose. This can cause dishes to break against the walls of the dishwasher.
On the other hand, if the dishwasher makes a grinding noise, it may be due to worn-out bearing rings or seals. A simple DIY dishwasher troubleshooting is not an option here as the seals will need to be replaced.
Smelly dishwasher
Dishwasher odors are usually caused by stale, wet food in the machine. To prevent such problems, the dishwasher screen at the bottom must be cleaned regularly. To avoid any unpleasant dishwasher odors, make sure food residue is removed from dishes before loading them into your dishwasher. Similarly, if a plastic container is left under the dishwasher, it can create a burning smell.
Non-draining dishwasher
Dishwashers that do not drain are one of the most common dishwasher problems and can be caused by a clogged drain filter. If this happens, clear the filter of any debris so your dishwasher can drain efficiently.
The dishwasher runs through the same drain that disposes of your garbage. Sometimes, the latter can block the drain and prevent your dishwasher from working. In this case, the drain plug must be removed, especially if you have recently installed your garbage disposal unit.
Leaky dishwasher
Leaks are another common dishwasher problem. For this, check the door and gasket for damage or clogs, which prevent the dishwasher from sealing properly. Use a disinfectant and a soft cloth to clean the gasket, but if you find large cracks, it may need to be replaced.
Your dishwasher’s float switch may also be leaking. It controls how much water goes inside your dishwasher. If this fails, excess water may enter the unit and cause leakage.
Non-starting dishwasher problems
Check the circuit breaker for a blown fuse because the problem probably involves the power supply. However, if you think the dishwasher is the problem, you can test by plugging the unit into another outlet.
Sometimes, dishwasher problems are also related to the machine door as its latch can get stuck. If there is no problem with the door, however, the motor may be causing the problem. This is a complex matter and only a qualified technician can solve such problems.
Undispensed soap
When using powder detergents, they are placed in a small, sealed container before the wash cycle begins. However, sometimes the compartment water will not be enough to properly dissolve or disperse
the detergent. In this case, you may need to consider switching to liquid detergent. If the problem persists, you should check the compartment as it may be jammed or clogged with debris, preventing the powder dispenser from opening.
Defective buttons
If your dishwasher isn’t working properly because of faulty buttons, it could indicate an electrical or mechanical problem. Since it can be quite difficult to diagnose correctly, it is best to visit a specialist unit.
Long cycle time
Many problems can cause slow or long cycles for your dishwasher. One of these can be caused by hot water in the sink, which can turn off when you turn on the dishwasher. To flush cold water from the pipes and wash your dishes effectively, turn on the hot water faucet near the dishwasher.
Some wash cycles last longer than others. Generally, cycle times for dishwashers are longer if you want to heat or sterilize the water. Another factor affecting the temperature cycle time of a water heater; Ideally, it should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flashing lights
These are often precautionary measures that are usually built into many modern dishwashers. To determine what these lights indicate, refer to the user’s manual, which lists the most common dishwasher problems you may encounter while operating the appliance.
Food crumbs
If you find food particles after washing your dishes, check the filter assembly to see if it’s clogged. If it is, remove the filter and clean it. Some dishwasher models have removable filters, which can become clogged over time, adversely affecting the cleaning performance of the unit.
Also Read: Unlocking the Secrets of Lowes Dishwashers: A Guide to Sparkling Clean Dishes
The key takeaway
Dishwashers are essential kitchen appliances, but they can be a problem if they stop working or malfunction in some way. Fortunately, many dishwasher problems are quite common and can be fixed quickly.
Dishwashers have many internal parts that can clog or accumulate dirt over the years. These include spray arms, filters, gaskets and more; These parts can be cleaned using a soft cloth to allow your dishwasher to work efficiently. However, since these parts are often connected to your plumbing, it is best if you refer the matter to an expert plumber.
Absolute electric heat and air is your best choice when dealing with problems involving your dishwasher.
The home dishwasher may appear as an appliance with a simple operating system. Still, it has various internal parts that could eventually cause a blockage – though there’s no need to worry, because absolute electric heat and air are here to help.
Dishwashers usually use the same drain line as the garbage disposal, so sometimes clogs can be unavoidable. This is where our Aurora plumbing professionals can help. If your dishwasher is not working, call us now, and one of our expert plumbers will drop by your place to solve the problem immediately.