Common Dishwasher Problems and How to Fix Them

A dishwasher is one of the most convenient appliances in any kitchen, but when it stops working properly, it can quickly turn into a headache. Below are some of the most common dishwasher issues and simple troubleshooting steps you can try before calling a professional.

1. Dishwasher Won’t Turn On

Possible causes:

• Tripped breaker
• Faulty door latch
• Control board issues

What to do:

• Check your home’s electrical panel and reset the breaker if needed.
• Make sure the door is closing fully—clean the latch area.
• If the dishwasher still won’t power on, you may have a failed control board and need expert repair.

2. Dishes Come Out Dirty

Possible causes:

• Clogged spray arms
• Dirty filters
• Low water temperature

What to do:

• Remove and clean the spray arms.
• Rinse the filter under warm water.
• Run the hot water tap before starting the dishwasher to improve temperature.

3. Dishwasher Not Draining

Possible causes:

• Blocked drain hose
• Clogged pump
• Garbage disposal connection issue

What to do:

• Inspect the drain hose behind the dishwasher for kinks or blockages.
• Clean out food debris from the pump area (under the filter).
• If installed recently, ensure the disposal knockout plug was removed.

4. Leaking Dishwasher

Possible causes:

• Damaged door gasket
• Too much detergent
• Faulty water inlet valve

What to do:

• Wipe and inspect the door seal. Replace it if cracked.
• Use only dishwasher-safe detergent and correct amounts.
• If leaking continues, the inlet valve may need professional replacement.

5. Dishwasher Making Loud or Strange Noises

Possible causes:

• Items hitting spray arms
• Failing motor or pump
• Worn bearings

What to do:

• Rearrange dishes to give the spray arms room to spin.
• If noise persists, professional diagnosis is recommended.

Need Professional Dishwasher Repair?

If your dishwasher is still giving you trouble, our certified technicians can diagnose the issue quickly and provide reliable, long-lasting repairs.
Need a check-up? Call Star Appliance Repair at (647)-847-8774 today!