Dishwasher Problems

April 8, 2015

Emergency Plumbing, Leak Detection, Plumbing Company, Water Heaters

Your Dishwasher is one of the most widely used home appliances and can have occasional problems. Here are the answers to the most frequent problems with your dishwasher.

Problem #1: Dishwasher & Water Retaining

Hello, My dishwasher is retaining water in its basin. I run it and not use it for days but water seeps into the bottom of the dishwasher. How do I fix this problem and prevent it in the future?

Generally, if water that is seeping back into the dishwasher it is because the hose that discharges to the kitchen sink was not installed properly. Dishwasher hoses need to travel uphill from the dishwasher to the under-side of the counter top, then run downhill to the kitchen sink where it’s tied in above the sink trap, creating an upward loop which prevents dishwasher plumbing problems like the one you’ve described.

If the loop is up as high as possible under the kitchen sink, the water goes down the drain easily. If the dishwasher hose is installed correctly, then your dishwasher’s drain problems are likely caused by a malfunctioning inlet water solenoid valve.

It is strongly recommended that an appliance technician or a licensed South Florida plumber evaluate your dishwasher’s plumbing to ensure a proper diagnosis, then repair or replace the valve if necessary.

Problem #2: Dishwasher & Water Disconnecting

Water isn’t going into our dishwasher. What is the problem?

If you don’t have water going to your dishwasher, there may be a blockage in the line to the dishwasher. We recommend shutting off the water under the kitchen sink, remove the dishwasher line and then turn on the water to the valve, directing the flow into a small bowl.

If water comes out, then you may have either a plugged filter under the dishwasher or a bad solenoid valve on the dishwasher. In either case, contact an appliance repairman or licensed plumber to fully evaluate your dishwasher’s problems, and determine the best course of action. If the line is blocked to the valve, you will need to start removing piping back to the meter to find the block.

PROBLEM #3: Dishwasher & Noise

Hello, my dishwasher is making this loud noise. How do I fix a noisy dishwasher?

A noisy dishwasher can be frustrating and repairing it through a serviceman can be expensive. Check out the following parts before you call a serviceman: pump, wash arm bearing ring, & spray arm seal.

Pump: A defective pump may be the reason your dishwasher is making loud noises. The function of the pump is to pressurize the spray arms and in most models it is also used to drain the water.
Wash Arm Bearing Ring: If your dishwasher is noisy, the cause may be a wash arm seal or bearing ring. These parts are plastic rings that support the wash arm or spray arm and that the arm rotates on. Either of these parts could be loose or be worn causing the spray arm to not function properly. Inspect both the seal and the ring and replace if required.
Spray Arms: Check to ensure that the spray arms are turning freely and are not hitting the racks or dishes. If the arms are wobbly, then the center portion or hub of the spray arm may be worn and the spray arm will need to be replaced.

In conclusion, a dishwasher can have numerous problems and those problems can be easily solved. It is important to implement a proper maintenance plan and be proactive rather than reactive.