A dishwasher is easily one of the most hardworking appliances you can have in the kitchen. Therefore, when there is a problem with it, you will notice it very soon. A typical dishwasher has a lifetime of around seven to twelve years. However, they may sometimes break down and malfunction during that time period as well. Getting a replacement or repair could be extremely costly, so many choose to repair the appliance on their own. If your dishwasher is giving you some issues, you may be able to fix some of them yourself. We have compiled a list of the most common dishwasher problems and some ways to resolve the issue.
Dishwasher is Leaking
Firstly, do check the door and door gasket. Observe if there are any damage, large debris, or cracks that could be stopping the door from being sealed completely. Try to clean the door gasket using a disinfectant, and if you notice any big cracks, you will most probably have to replace the gasket.
Another reason could be that the float switch is stuck in the down position. This could potentially cause your appliance to overfill and hence result in leaking on the floor. If the float switch is stuck, you should clean it and get rid of anything that could be stopping it from running properly.
Dishwasher Does Not Dry the Dishes
This is usually an issue with the heating element of the dishwasher. If the heating element is working, you should check the high-limit thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat with defects could cause the heat to be turned off before the dishes are completely dry. Lastly, do check the rinse aid dispenser to ensure that it is filled and dispensing properly. Without that, it is unlikely that your dishes will completely dry easily.
Dishwasher Does Not Start
Check the power sources to ensure that the outlet is functioning properly and you have not blown a fuse. You can also try power cycling the dishwasher. The door of the dishwasher could also cause this problem if it is not latched closed, as the dishwasher will not be able to start in that case. Another possible cause is that the motor could be stuck. Try spinning the fan motor and see if it can start moving again.
Dishwasher Not Draining Properly
This is an obvious problem as your dishwasher could flood the floor with water when it is opened. First, try to run the appliance another time. A dishwasher that was switched off suddenly may still have water left inside as the cycle was not completed. Hence, simply running the cycle again will be able to resolve the issue.
Dishwasher Is Extremely Noisy
When a previously quiet dishwasher starts to make an excessive amount of noise, it is time to give it some attention. Check the internal components of the appliance to check if there are functioning properly. A bent wash arm could result in a lot of noise. Problems with bearing rings and seals can also lead to loud noises, and signal that it is time to replace them. If none of this is the issue, you should engage an expert and get them to check your motor and pump to see if there are any other dishwasher problems.
