Solving common problems with dishwashers doesn’t always have to mean an expensive call-out to your local appliance repair service. There are several simple, obvious things that you can check – and occasionally fix for yourself – listed here:
So what dishwasher problems do you need to troubleshoot?
1. My dishwasher won’t drain
This is probably the most common dishwasher malfunction.
The problem is usually as simple as the sink trap or drain hose being blocked. These are the easiest parts to check, but if they seem to be clear it could be that the pump is at fault. This will need to be tested, and possibly replaced – probably by a dishwasher repair specialist.
2. My dishwasher doesn’t clean dishes properly
Another common but usually simple to resolve problem is a dishwasher which doesn’t seem to wash dishes – at least, it doesn’t do it very well!
Some simple user errors occasionally cause this problem:
- Using cheap or old detergent
- Not allowing enough space between dishes when loading
- Not cleaning the dishwasher regularly enough
- If you’re sure you’re already doing all of that properly, it’s time to check some functions of the appliance itself:
- Confirm that the spray arms can move easily. It may need to be replaced if not.
- Check that the upper discharge housing gasket is tightly in place. If loose, it may also need to be replaced.
- Run a wash cycle using your dishwasher cleaner and no dishes.
- Finally, check once again that there are no bits of food debris or grease impairing the sprayer arms, door gasket, or strain screen.
3. My dishwasher makes my glasses cloudy
This can be an annoying issue – after all, what’s the point of a dishwasher which doesn’t clean your glasses for you?
Usually in this case, the problem isn’t mechanical either. Do you live in a hard water area? If so, you may need to add a specialist product – usually called rinse-aid – to each wash cycle to compensate. You can also adjust your appliance’s rinse settings to alleviate the problem, or use a lower temperature wash.
You can check whether the problem is caused by hard water by performing the “vinegar test” (wipe some vinegar on a cloth and use it to clean any cloudy glass. If the cloudiness comes off, then your problem is due to the water that comes out of your taps).
4. My dishwasher is always full of water
A step up (or down, depending on whether this is the dishwasher problem you need to troubleshoot), an appliance which doesn’t drain at all – and which you’ve already checked for debris – is probably caused by a faulty drain pump or motor, or most likely the check valve in the drain sump. Any of these components might need replacing. You can tell if you need a new check valve by confirming your existing one is not moving properly.
5. My dishwasher is leaking
Taking you by surprise when you come home to a flooded kitchen, a leaking dishwasher can be a big problem if you don’t diagnose what’s at fault quickly. Here’s what you should check:
Some of these parts can be replaced easily – the door gasket, for instance – while others might require professional assistance.
6. My dishwasher smells bad
If you’ve traced unpleasant odours in your kitchen to your dishwasher, it’ll almost certainly be a problem with food or grease trapped somewhere inside. Check the strainer screen, the sprayer arm jets, and the bottom edge of the door. Whether not you find anything, run a full wash cycle without dishes.
7. My dishwasher doesn’t complete, or takes a long time to finish
This is another problem which can be quick to resolve, but will require the use of a multi-meter. Check the thermostat, heating element, and timer motor to make sure they’re working correctly.