What happens when you load the dishwasher and walk away, only to return to a kitchen full of dirty dishes and a wet floor? Or worse yet, you turn on the dishwasher only to discover that it’s not filling with water? The problem could be as simple as a clogged hose or it could be something more serious.
If your dishwasher has stopped working, don’t panic. Below are some common problems and what you can do about them.
Has your dishwasher stopped draining? Is there standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher? The problem may have nothing to do with your dishwasher. Before you start tearing apart your machine, check the drain hose for kinks or clogs. If these are not the problem, try removing the filter. Remove any food particles or other debris that may be clogging it up.
Has your dishwasher suddenly stopped heating up? This is another problem that may be caused by something other than your machine. Check the circuit breaker to make sure that it hasn’t been tripped before removing parts from inside the machine. If this doesn’t solve the problem, check to make sure that there is no water inside the heating element. This can cause an electrical short and result
Dishwashers are a plumbing fixture, and like any plumbing fixture, they can have problems from time to time. Most of the problems you will encounter with your dishwasher can be fixed easily with no need to call a plumber.
Dishwasher leaking
One of the most common problems you can have with your dishwasher is that it will leak. There are many different things that can cause your dishwasher to leak, including added detergent, blocked spray arm holes and broken seals. If you notice that your dishwasher is leaking, the first thing you should do is find the source of the leak and see if there is an obvious problem, like excess soap or a broken seal. If there isn’t an obvious reason for the leak, you may have to call a plumber.
The most obvious problem you’ll probably experience with a dishwasher is that it won’t start. If this happens, the first thing to check is whether there’s power to the machine. Check the circuit breaker and make sure the power switch on the front of the dishwasher is turned on.
If your dishwasher won’t fill up with water, you may have a blockage in your water line or a defective water valve. The solution may be as simple as removing debris from the water line or replacing the valve.
If your dishwasher doesn’t drain properly, your drain hose or pump could be at fault. You should check for clogs in both areas and replace them if necessary.
If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes properly, you may be using too much soap or using an inappropriate product. You should also check your spray arms and filters for clogs and clean them if necessary.
If your dishwasher is leaking, you could have a faulty door seal or broken gasket or hose clamp. Replacing these parts will usually solve the problem.
Dishwasher is leaking.
If your dishwasher is leaking, there are a couple of things you can do to fix it. First, find out where the water is leaking from. Then you can use the following solutions to stop the leak.
Dishwasher leaking from bottom.
If your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom, look for a crack in the side or door seal. If your dishwasher has an air gap, check to make sure the hose going up to it isn’t kinked or bent. You may need to take off the panel and check behind it.
Dishwasher leaking from top.
If your dishwasher is leaking from the top, you may have a hole in one of your hoses or a crack in one of your water lines. Check for cracks in any plastic water lines or rubber hoses connecting to your dishwasher and replace them with new ones if necessary.
The water inlet valve on your dishwasher is used to fill the tub with water. If the valve is broken or stuck open, it will cause the dishwasher to leak. Here’s how to replace it:
1. Shut off the electricity to the dishwasher at the house circuit breaker/fuse box.
2. Close the hot water supply valve under the sink.
3. Open a hot water faucet nearby and let it run until only cold water comes out of it. This will relieve pressure in the line and make it safer to disconnect it from the valve.
4. Disconnect the wire harness from the valve (if equipped).
5. Unscrew and remove both of the two water supply lines from underneath the valve (Fig. 2).
6. Unscrew and remove the mounting screws that hold the valve in place (Fig. 2).
7. Remove and discard the old valve (Fig. 2).
1. The dishwasher fills with water but won’t run.
This can be caused by a number of issues:
If the dishwasher is not filling with water, check the water inlet valve on the bottom of the dishwasher to ensure it is turned all the way on.
The float at the bottom of the dishwasher may be stuck in an upright position. Simply press down on it to see if it will move freely up and down. If not, you may need to remove it and clean out any debris that has built up over time.
The timer or selector switch may have gone out. You will need a licensed technician to diagnose this problem and make recommendations for repair or replacement.
Some dishwashers have a door release mechanism that only allows the door to open a few inches. If you are unable to open the dishwasher door, check the switch that releases the door.
Door gasket
If water is leaking from beneath the door, inspect the gasket around the perimeter of the door. If there is evidence of wear or damage, replace it.
Drain line
The drain line from the kitchen sink often clogs with food particles and grease. If this happens, remove the hose from under the sink and clear out any debris. The hose should be cleaned every couple of months to prevent clogs.