How to fix a dishwasher
When your dishwasher breaks down, it’s very easy to feel frustrated. After all, it can mean calling in a plumber which inevitably costs a small fortune or maybe even having to replace the entire unit. However, in many instances you will be able to take care of the problem yourself. Many of the things that can go wrong with a dishwasher are fairly basic and you won’t need specialized plumbing or electrical knowledge to fix them.
Step #1 -Power Problems
If there’s no reaction at all when you switch the power on to the dishwasher, the first thing to check is the circuit breaker. If it’s been tripped, re-set it and try again. If the circuit breaker is fine, look at the plug. Is it secure in the socket? If all is well with the plug and it is wired correctly, make sure the other end of the wiring is properly connected to the dishwasher itself and that the door is fully latched. The problem could also lie in the motor. If you have some experience with these, test both the selector switch and the timer motor with electrical testing equipment. You should also check the circuit of the motor itself.
If the motor is humming but the cycle won’t start, you’ll need to look at the motor start relay and the motor as well as making sure the drive belt works properly. It’s also possible that either the motor or the pump might be jammed and you’ll need to rectify any obstructions in them for the dishwasher to work.
Step #2 – Water Problems
If your dishwasher won’t fill properly or continually drains as it’s filling, you’ll need to look for the problem in the float switch or float assembly. You might have to replace these. It could also mean your water inlet valve or drain valve needs replacing as well.
Similarly, where the water won’t drain from your dishwasher, look at the drain valve first as well as for blockages in the drain hose. These are usually the most common problems. You might also have a jammed pump or motor. If the dishwasher is new, have you removed the knock out plug on the drain? If not, do so immediately.
Step #3 – Leakage Problems
If your dishwasher is leaking water, check the door gaskets to make sure they’re tight and not rotted. After that, take a careful look at the drain hose. Is it blocked? If it’s clear, inspect the water inlet valve and then the pump, either of which could be the cause. You might need to either replace the valve or unjam the pump.
With water leaks around the door, make sure that the gasket is tight and in good shape. If it is not, you’ll have to replace it before further use. Take a look at the door latch followed by the door hinges to ensure they’re both secure. If they are not, check for obstructions.
Step #4 – Uncompleted Cycle
When your dishwasher doesn’t complete its full cycle, you’ll have to start by checking the timer motor. If that appears to be fine, inspect the thermostat followed by the heating element and replace where necessary.
Similarly, if the cycle times become too long, you’ll have to check all three of those since one of them will inevitably be the culprit. You might also need to reset the timer motor or replace it.
