Dishwashers are an excellent human invention, designed to wash and clean multiple dishes at the same time. Not only do they add to the convenience but also help save a lot of time that can be utilized in other chores. But, considering the fact that dishwashers are electrical appliances, they can run into irritating problems. It is normal for you to panic but what if you knew how to diagnose the problem and know whether it can be easily fixed or needs an appliance repair expert?

We will share some common dishwasher problems along with troubleshooting tips to help get it back to running normally again.

Dishwasher Is Not Running

If your dishwasher is not running, it might be that there is a power supply issue. The first thing to check is the main switch. Try plugging the dishwasher in another socket to make sure the problem is not with the unit itself. If the machine happens to run, it means the socket is the problem, you will need to replace it.

On the other hand, if the dishwasher does not run, you will need to check its power supply. If the dishwasher is old, there might be some cracks or damage on the power supply that are not allowing a proper flow of current. To fix the issue, you should replace the power supply.

Furthermore, check the circuit breakers and fuses as well. Sometimes, electric fluctuation can cause the circuit breaker to trip and one or two fuses to blow. Switch on the circuit breaker and try replacing the blown fuses.

If you observe that the circuit breaker is constantly tripping, it means the problem is not with the machine but somewhere else. You will need to consult an expert for this.

Dishwasher Doesn’t Clean Well

If your dishwasher doesn’t clean well, it is not supposed to be called a dishwasher in the first place as it kills the entire purpose. A common reason dishwashers stop cleaning properly is due to being dirty. You will need to check the strain screen, spray arms, and other components to make sure they are not covered with oil, grease, and leftovers.

To fix the issue, you will need to inspect each component individually. To begin with, you should check the sprayer arm for pressure. If it is weak, the dishwasher will not clean the dishes properly. Plus, if you have hard water, there will be limescale buildup that needs to be manually cleaned.

Inspect the spray arm and see if it can move freely. If it is dirty, clean. If it’s damaged, replace it.

Make sure that you use a detergent recommended by the manufacturer. Using a low-quality detergent will make it harder for the unit to clean the dishes.

Dishwasher Is Noisy

Dishwashers usually make a slight humming noise when running. But, if you observe that your dishwasher has suddenly started to make unusually loud noises, it means something is wrong. It might be that it has a defective pump. It could also be that you only need to replace the wash arm seal or bearing ring.

It could also be that your dishwasher is making loud squeaking noises. While it might indicate a much-needed bearing replacement, you must consult an expert. The issue with such noises is that it is very difficult to determine the exact source of the sound as they are off as soon as you turn off the machine.

The best way to get around the issue is by recording the sound and sharing it with the expert. This will help get straight down to the problem instead of taking the entire machine apart. This solution is also advised if your refrigerator makes weird sounds. Simply record and share the sound with a refrigerator repair Springfield professional or schedule an inspection.

Dishwasher Won’t Drain

A dishwasher not draining is another frustrating issue. A dishwasher failing to drain will spill water all over the kitchen floor adding to your burden. The first thing to check in this matter is the drain pipe. It is often that homeowners simply forget or ignore cleaning the drain pipe.

Although, it is normal for the drain pipe to clog considering food leftovers pass through it and might get stuck. To prevent this situation from taking place again in the future, you should make sure to scrape off all the food items before placing dishes inside the machine.

If the drain pipe seems fine, you should try removing it and inspecting the interior of the machine. It might be that something is stuck inside before it can move through the drain pipe. Make sure the machine is turned off before you start taking it apart.

Dishwasher Is Leaking

While leaking can also be caused due to blockage in the dishwasher, you should also know that a leaking dishwasher might be attributed to gaskets or seals leaking. This is normally the case if the dishwasher is old. But, if it happens to be new, you can get it fixed under warranty.

A leaking dishwasher means it has a defective pump or pump seal. You will need replace the seal or the pump. At the same time, check the door gasket as well. A leaking dishwasher can be a menace it’s not fixed immediately.

You can try following the user manual to fix the issue if it simply involves changing the gasket. However, if the issue lies with the pump or any other component, you will need to call in an expert.

Dishwasher Is Not Drying

If you observe that your dishwasher is washing the dishes but not drying them, you should check if the door is closed properly. Modern dishwashers come with safety features that do not allow the machine to run the washing cycle if the door is not closed properly.

So, inspect and clean the door and gasket of the unit. If there is something stuck between the door, it will not close properly until you remove it. The washing machine needs to create the necessary pressure for drying. If it isn’t able to do so, the dishware will come out wet.

How To Avoid Dishwasher Problems?

Surprisingly, most of the dishwasher problems can be avoided by offering proper maintenance. If your dishwasher is used daily, you should thoroughly clean it once a week. Furthermore, you should also schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.

The reason is that professional maintenance goes deep inside the machine and allows the expert to identify, repair, and replace any potential problems. This way, you can avoid any expensive damages down the road. In addition to that, the thorough cleaning ensures that your machine remains clog-free, especially in unreachable areas.

For some, professional maintenance might be an expense but it goes a long way in terms of ensuring your machine does not break down just when you need it the most.

Conclusion

It is normal for dishwashers to run into unexpected problems. However, be aware of the basic troubleshooting tips to quickly fix the issues. The above-mentioned information will help you tackle problems instead of panicking and wasting your time and effort. Consult a dishwasher repair Fairfax technician for fixes and solutions related to your dishwasher model.