Is your dishwasher not working? Is it making a racket? Are your dishes coming out dirty or spotted? It could be in need of repair or replacement. You rely on this home appliance, so here are five common dishwasher problems that many homeowners experience plus their solutions and maintenance tips.
If your dishwasher simply isn’t working or seems to be having another issue, like residue sticking to your plates, consider calling a professional to help you uncover the cause.
Important Note: If you try any of these suggestions at home, always make sure the appliance is unplugged to prevent electrical shock.
Dishwasher Problem #1: It Won’t Start
It’s a major issue if your appliance won’t even start and a very obvious problem. If your dishwasher isn’t working at all, it could point to several issues, Some are simple to fix, while others may require more extensive repair.
Possible Causes and How to Fix Them
There are several reasons for a dishwasher not to start. Here are some troubleshooting tips to attempt to narrow down the issue:
- Ensure the appliance is actually plugged in – If it is and it’s still not running, unplug it before moving on to the next suggestions.
- Check the door latch – If the door won’t latch properly, the dishwasher won’t turn on.
- Check the child lock – Some dishwashers have a child lock feature. Read your dishwasher’s manual to find its location and ensure the settings are turned off.
- If you hear a humming, it could mean the motor is sticking and may need to be replaced.
Malfunctions in a few other parts of a dishwasher can cause it to stop working properly, including the:
- Timer and electric control
- Electrical wires
- Selector switch
- Motor start relay
- Thermal fuse
You will want to have a professional check these parts out for you if you’re not sure how to do it yourself.
Dishwasher Problem #2: Dishes Aren’t Coming Out Clean
Removing a dirty dish from your dishwasher right after a cleaning cycle is very frustrating! Maybe it still has food residue on it, it has water spots, or it appears cloudy even after a rinse. If this is the case, there are a few things to try.
Possible Causes and How to Fix Them
The most common reasons dishes come out dirty after a cycle are:
- Poor water quality
- Overloaded dishwasher – If you have a consistent issue with food debris or other residue on your dishes, try putting fewer of them in the dishwasher next time.
If the problem persists, follow these steps to get clean dishes:
- Cloudy dishes – If your dishes are cloudy after a cycle, you could have hard-water build-up. Consider switching to a special hard water detergent or opting for a water-softening system for your entire house, like the Flow-Tech Home® descaler.
- Spotty dishes – A rinse aid could do the trick here! It will prevent water from sticking to plates and glasses.
- Food residue – If food sticks to your dishes, first check the dishwasher’s filter. Some have removable filters, as opposed to self cleaning filters; check your owner’s manual to learn whether that applies to you. These filters should be cleaned regularly to remove any clogs or debris.
- Also check the spray arms. They should be able to spin easily. If they don’t, they may need to be cleaned. You can do this with a toothbrush and pipe cleaner.
- Using dishwasher cleaner, perform a cleaning cycle. This may help remove any debris or grease you missed.
Dishwasher Problem #3: It’s Leaking
Dishwasher leaks can mean bad news for your appliance, your flooring, and maybe even the rest of your kitchen or home if the leak becomes bad enough when no one is home or watching. This problem should be dealt with immediately, even if it’s a small leak. Don’t chance it becoming worse.
Possible Causes and How to Fix Them
There are a few parts of your dishwasher you’ll want to check to uncover the source of the leak. Look for debris, cracks (small or large), and other damage to the:
- Dishwasher door
- Door gasket
- Pump
- Pump seal
- Drainage hose
Pieces should be replaced if they appear to show any damage.
The float switch could also be caught in a down position. This piece monitors water levels within the appliance. If it’s stuck, it could cause your appliance to leak due to water overflow.
Dishwasher Problem #4: It’s Noisy
Almost all dishwashers make noise, but some noises can be more alarming than others. A humming could indicate a problem with the motor, as mentioned previously, but you may be noticing other sounds. A grinding noise, rattling, or a louder-than-usual dishwasher can point to issues.
Possible Causes and How to Fix Them
You’ll want to check a few different parts of your dishwasher to identify the culprit of the noise. You may have to replace the pieces to ensure the appliance runs as quietly as it should. If you can’t find the source, consult with a professional.
- Check the spray arm – It could be misaligned and hitting your dishes.
- Check the wash arm seal and bearing ring – These can rattle if they’re not secured properly.
- Check the pump – If it’s defective, it can cause a racket.
Dishwasher Problem #5: The Dishwasher Smells
You absolutely want your dishes to smell nice—or at least neutral—after a cycle. If you open the door and notice a foul odor coming out of your appliance, it could mean your dishwasher has trapped debris or grease.
Possible Causes and How to Fix Them
Clean out the filter of your dishwasher to remove any grease, food, or other debris. Afterwards, run a cleaning cycle without any dishes inside. You may want to add a dishwasher cleaner to ensure the smell is removed. You can potentially avoid this issue in the future by rinsing off all food and grease before placing dishes in the dishwasher.
If there is a chemical smell, it could point to a plastic item that fell onto the heating element and melted or the start of a problem with your water heater.
Although these are some of the most common dishwasher problems you might experience, there are several others you could be dealing with, including a cycle taking too long, a dishwasher that doesn’t fill up properly (or overflows), an appliance that isn’t draining, or something else. If you can’t uncover the problem with your dishwasher, it is best to call an appliance professional to ensure your appliance is taken care of correctly and gets back to working for you properly.
The technicians at CW Service Pros can help you install a brand new dishwasher! Call for an appointment: 972-395-2597.
