Dishwasher Repair Tips
Not Draining
- Check the aerator (unit on top of sink). This unit can get clogged.
- If a disposal was recently installed make sure the dishwasher drain plug was removed.
- Grease could clog up the drain hose.
- Drain pumps and choke valves go bad as well.
Not Washing
- Water not entering the machine or a small amount entering will cause the machine to perform poorly or not at all.
- Make sure the float switch is not engaged.
- If someone has recently been working under the kitchen sink they could have accidentally turned off the water cut-off valve for the dishwasher.
- The water solenoid for the dishwasher could be bad.
- The spray arm could be clogged.
- Small holes in the spray arm are possibly clogged.
Spots on Dishes
This is commonly caused by contaminated water. If the dishwasher is contaminated by dish soap that is used for washing dishes by hand in the sink. That type of soap, if introduced into a dishwasher, will take several wash cycles to rinse out. An easy way to test, if you have this problem, is to open the dishwasher door in mid-cycle and look for suds. If you see any suds, your dishwasher has been contaminated. After several cycles and no new contamination, the problem will go away. There are dishwasher cleaner products that will help clean the inside of a dishwasher if used every two or three months.
Regular Use
It is not good to let a dishwasher sit for weeks or months between use. Most dishwashers have several cups of water sitting in it after it drains as much as it was designed to. Seal can also stick in the pump and cause the unit to freeze-up.
Disclaimer: For safety, check and obey all national and local electrical laws and permits.
