Practical Tips on How to Repair a Dishwasher At Home
The thought of having to wash all dishes by hand because your dishwasher is not working as it should can make my blood run cold. Some problems are harder to deal with and they require the attention of a technician while others are quite common and require just basic repairs.
However, the most important thing to know when repairing a dishwasher is the exact problem it has, so without any more introduction here is my guide on how to repair a dishwasher.
1. Dishwasher doesn’t drain
If your dishwasher does not drain you can check these things:
The drain hose or drain valve as it could be broken or clogged with food debris which could cause water to drain out during its wash cycle.
Another thing to check is the air gap of the sink near the faucet because if it is clogged it can cause a problem with draining.
Third, check the motor perhaps it could be stuck or there could be a tripped breaker or a blown fuse and needs replacement. However, if your dishwasher model uses a drive belt to drive the pump or has a drain impeller, you should check if they are broken or damaged in any way thereby causing your dishwasher not to drain properly.
2. Your dishes remain dirty
This could be as a result of the spray arm being clogged/stuck so it does not turn freely. If the spray arm is obstructed then it needs to be unclogged as soon as possible. If this is not the cause of your dishes not getting cleaned, then it could be you’re having a faulty internal water valve and this may need professional service.
Another cause of this problem is using the wrong detergent and can be fixed by using a premium product. In addition, be sure the water temperature is at least 120 degrees or hotter. If your dishes still won’t get clean, ask for help from a professional.
3. Dishwasher doesn’t fill or doesn’t stop filling
If your dishwasher runs perfectly well but does not fill or doesn’t stop filling, either it is draining water too soon or something is wrong with the water supply system. Your dishwasher may not be filling with water just because the water valve’s filter screens are either filled with debris or are dirty.
In addition, the timer, float switch, selector switch or the pressure switch may be faulty (preventing your machine from filling ) thereby requiring the attention of an expert.
4. Your dishwasher does not work at all
Sometimes you may turn on your dishwasher and nothing happens. If this happens with your machine check the circuit breaker and the plug if they’re working properly. If both of them are ok, check if the selector switch, the door switch and the timer are broken so you can replace them.
However, if there problem is internal, call a technician.
5.Leaking dishwasher
Is your dishwasher leaking? If yes, it can damage your floor beyond repair so it needs fixing as soon as possible. The water valve and the pump seal can cause your dishwasher to leak and if so the only solution is to replace the valve and the seal. A damaged spray arm or door gasket can also cause your dishwasher to leak but can be easily replaced to stop the leakage.
So, Why Hire the Services of an Expert?
There are many cases where a professional such as a technician, repairman or handyman should be hired to help you repair your dishwasher. For instance, just for safety purposes, hiring an experience professional to perform specific repairs such as replacing electrical cords in your dishwasher, rewiring or replacing blown fuses.
Advantages of hiring a professional
A repairman or handyman will continue to service you and your appliance after the repair is complete.
A skilled repairman will assure that your dishwasher is safe to use.
Professionals have the specific set of tools and knowledge required to repair any type of dishwasher in a short time.
Repairing the whole appliance can be expensive and therefore it is important to hire the services of a professional.
A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and provide a solution at a friendly price.
By entrusting the job to an expert, you save yourself from a lot of harm and hassle.
Bottom Line
In summary, while some dishwasher problems can be repaired using DIY tactics, some require professional intervention.
Practical Tips on How to Repair a Dishwasher At Home
The thought of having to wash all dishes by hand because your dishwasher is not working as it should can make my blood run cold. Some problems are harder to deal with and they require the attention of a technician while others are quite common and require just basic repairs.
However, the most important thing to know when repairing a dishwasher is the exact problem it has, so without any more introduction here is my guide on how to repair a dishwasher.
1. Dishwasher doesn’t drain
If your dishwasher does not drain you can check these things:
The drain hose or drain valve as it could be broken or clogged with food debris which could cause water to drain out during its wash cycle.
Another thing to check is the air gap of the sink near the faucet because if it is clogged it can cause a problem with draining.
Third, check the motor perhaps it could be stuck or there could be a tripped breaker or a blown fuse and needs replacement. However, if your dishwasher model uses a drive belt to drive the pump or has a drain impeller, you should check if they are broken or damaged in any way thereby causing your dishwasher not to drain properly.
2. Your dishes remain dirty
This could be as a result of the spray arm being clogged/stuck so it does not turn freely. If the spray arm is obstructed then it needs to be unclogged as soon as possible. If this is not the cause of your dishes not getting cleaned, then it could be you’re having a faulty internal water valve and this may need professional service.
Another cause of this problem is using the wrong detergent and can be fixed by using a premium product. In addition, be sure the water temperature is at least 120 degrees or hotter. If your dishes still won’t get clean, ask for help from a professional.
3. Dishwasher doesn’t fill or doesn’t stop filling
If your dishwasher runs perfectly well but does not fill or doesn’t stop filling, either it is draining water too soon or something is wrong with the water supply system. Your dishwasher may not be filling with water just because the water valve’s filter screens are either filled with debris or are dirty.
In addition, the timer, float switch, selector switch or the pressure switch may be faulty (preventing your machine from filling ) thereby requiring the attention of an expert.
4. Your dishwasher does not work at all
Sometimes you may turn on your dishwasher and nothing happens. If this happens with your machine check the circuit breaker and the plug if they’re working properly. If both of them are ok, check if the selector switch, the door switch and the timer are broken so you can replace them.
However, if there problem is internal, call a technician.
5.Leaking dishwasher
Is your dishwasher leaking? If yes, it can damage your floor beyond repair so it needs fixing as soon as possible. The water valve and the pump seal can cause your dishwasher to leak and if so the only solution is to replace the valve and the seal. A damaged spray arm or door gasket can also cause your dishwasher to leak but can be easily replaced to stop the leakage.
So, Why Hire the Services of an Expert?
There are many cases where a professional such as a technician, repairman or handyman should be hired to help you repair your dishwasher. For instance, just for safety purposes, hiring an experience professional to perform specific repairs such as replacing electrical cords in your dishwasher, rewiring or replacing blown fuses.
Advantages of hiring a professional
Bottom Line
In summary, while some dishwasher problems can be repaired using DIY tactics, some require professional intervention.
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