Your dishwasher is an essential kitchen appliance. When it breaks, it can leave you with a sink full of dishes and a headache. Dishwasher problems can be tricky to diagnose and repair because they involve both plumbing and electrical components. Once you discover the source of the problem, however, you may be able to fix your dishwasher with a few simple tools and some basic DIY skills.
The following are five common dishwasher problems that homeowners can easily repair.
Dishwasher does not drain: If your dishwasher does not drain, the first thing that you should check is whether the air gap (a small vent on top of your sink) is clogged. If so, simply clear out the debris using a paper clip or needle and run the dishwasher again.
If the air gap is not clogged but your dishwasher still won’t drain, check whether there is any kink in the drain hose that connects it to your garbage disposal. If there is no kink, then you may need to inspect other parts of your garbage disposal for blockages or damage.
If none of these solutions work, then there may be a clog deep within your drain line that will require you to call in a plumber for assistance.
A leak from the bottom of the dishwasher door is one of the most common issues. This problem can happen for multiple reasons, including incorrect installation, a damaged seal or a faulty pump. If you are experiencing a leak from the bottom of your dishwasher door, it’s best to call an appliance repair technician. Dishwashers are tricky to install and often require special tools and expertise.
If possible, try to take note of what seems to be causing the leak. For example, is there a lot of water on the floor after each cycle? Or is there water coming out while you’re loading your dishes? Does it seem to be leaking even when it’s not in use? These questions will help you determine which part of the appliance is at fault.
Water at the bottom of your dishwasher can have several causes. Here are three common causes and how to fix them:
Dishwasher Door Gasket Leaking
The door gasket is what keeps the water in the dishwasher during the cycle. If the door gasket is leaking, it will cause water to escape from the bottom of the dishwasher door. To determine if this is your problem:
1. Close your dishwasher door on a dollar bill all the way around.
2. Open up the dishwasher and check for light showing through gaps around where you placed the dollar bill.
3. If you see light, your door gasket is most likely broken and needs to be replaced.
Dishwasher Spray Arm Bearing Seal Leaking
The spray arm spins during every cycle to distribute water, cleaning solution, and heat throughout your dishes. The bearing seal stops water from leaking out of your spray arm and into your tub, causing a leak at the bottom of your dishwasher door. To determine if this is your problem:
1. Locate your spray arms (usually found on top of or under racks in newer models).
2. Inspect each spray arm for cracks or damage that could be causing a leak (like residue buildup, loose
A dishwasher that is leaking from the bottom of the door is a common problem, and is usually caused by a worn out gasket or a damaged spray arm.
If you notice that your dishwasher is leaking at the bottom of the door, you’ll want to start troubleshooting to identify the cause before it can cause any serious damage. When water has nowhere else to go after a leak, it can end up all over your kitchen floor. Not only will this lead to more cleaning up on your part, but water that sits in your flooring could potentially lead to mold growth and wood rot. Here are some things you should check when your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom of the door:
A Worn Out Door Gasket
Whether your dishwasher is old or new, it has a rubber gasket along its door to seal out water during operation. Over time this gasket can become worn out and crack, causing leaks when the machine runs. Luckily, if this is the case, replacing the gasket is an easy DIY project.
To replace a worn out door gasket in a Whirlpool dishwasher:
Open the front panel of your dishwasher and remove all screws holding it in place.
Next, pull out all screws holding in
**Dishwasher is leaking from the door**
If your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom of the door, it’s probably because the seal or gasket needs to be replaced. The gasket is a rubber seal that lines the inside of the dishwasher door to create a water-tight seal and prevent water from leaking out while the unit is in use.
After you remove and replace the old gasket, test to make sure the dishwasher door is closing properly and tightly. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a gasket, check to see if any of the screws are loose or missing. If they are, tighten them or replace them.
**Dishwasher won’t run**
If your dishwasher won’t run at all, it may not be getting power. Make sure that it’s plugged in and that a circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped. If your dishwasher does have power but still won’t run, there could be another issue. Check for kinked or clogged hoses and clean out the filter if necessary. You may also want to check for leaks that could cause an electrical short circuit or safety float switch malfunction.
**Dishwasher isn’t draining properly**
If water remains in
1. DISHWASHER LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR
If there is a large puddle of water under the dishwasher, the most likely cause is that the door gasket has worn out and needs to be replaced. There are also a couple other parts that can leak, so check those while you’re at it:
Check the Door Gasket
The door gasket creates a seal around the edge of the dishwasher door. Over time, the gasket can wear out and allow water to leak through. To check it, open the door and inspect the gasket for cracks or tears. If you find any damage, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
Checklist: What You’ll Need
Time required: 30 minutes or less
Skill level: Beginner
Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver
Whether your dishwasher is leaking, not cleaning or draining properly, or it’s simply failing to start when you need it most, we’ve got a few easy fixes that will help you diagnose and resolve the problem.