5 Common Dishwasher Problems That You Can Troubleshoot

A dishwasher is an effective tool that can save a lot of time and energy when doing the dishes. It is a long-term solution to combating grim and grease. However, your dishwasher can break down or malfunction like any other machine.

Dishwashers are a great addition to any kitchen, but they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Here are some common problems you may encounter with your dishwasher.

1) Leaking Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is leaking, the first thing you should check is the water inlet valve. This controls how the water flows into the dishwasher. If the valve is not tightened properly, it can cause water to leak out.

Another possible cause of a leaking dishwasher is a cracked or damaged door seal. The is what keeps the water inside the dishwasher. If it is damaged, water can leak out.

2) Presence of Stagnant Water

If there is stagnant water at the bottom of your dishwasher, it is most likely due to a clogged drain. The drain is responsible for draining the water out of the dishwasher. If it is clogged, the water will not be able to drain properly and will build up at the bottom of the dishwasher.

If the dishwasher is not draining properly, you will need to clean the drain. You can do this by using a plunger or a drain snake.

3) Inadequate Dish Drying

If your dishwasher doesn't seem to be drying your dishes properly, it could be a sign of a problem with the heating element. Getting this fixed early on can help avoid more serious damage down the road.

You can use a multimeter to check the high limit thermostat within the dishwasher. Typically, the high limit thermostat is located behind the access panel at the base of the dishwasher. To test the thermostat, you would need to attach the multimeter leads to the thermostat terminals and check for continuity.

If the multimeter is reading a high temperature, then the heating element is working correctly. However, if the multimeter is not reading a high temperature, then the heating element may be broken and will need to be replaced. Replacing a heating element is relatively inexpensive, so it should not be a problem to fix a dishwasher.

4) Presence of Mineral Residue

If you notice mineral deposits or white film on your dishes, it could be a sign that your dishwasher isn't draining properly. Over time, the mineral deposits will build up and leave your dishes looking dirty and spotty.

To fix this problem, you can try cleaning the dishwasher with a vinegar solution. Simply add a cup of white vinegar to the dishwasher and run it through a cycle. The vinegar will help break down the mineral deposits and leave your dishes looking clean and spotless.

5) Damaged Soap Dispenser

If the soap dispenser is not releasing soap during a wash cycle or closing during a rinse cycle, you can order a replacement part or fix it yourself.

Conclusion

A dishwasher is a handy appliance to have in any kitchen. However, it is important to keep up with maintenance and troubleshoot any problems that may occur.  By following the tips above, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come.

Make sure you're keeping up with your dishwasher maintenance with Pro Appliance. We offer appliance repair in Ontario to fix any broken units with ease. Get in touch with us today to learn how.