Common Dishwasher Issues and How to Fix Them
A dishwasher saves time and keeps your kitchen running smoothly, but when it starts acting up, it can disrupt your whole routine. Below are the most common dishwasher problems, their likely causes, and simple steps you can try before scheduling a repair.
1. Dishwasher Not Starting
Possible causes:
- Door latch not engaging
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Faulty control panel
What to do:
- Make sure the door clicks securely.
- Check your breaker box and reset the switch if needed.
- If the buttons don’t respond, the control board may require replacement.
2. Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly
Possible causes:
- Blocked spray arms
- Dirty filters
- Low water temperature
What to do:
- Remove and rinse the spray arms thoroughly.
- Clean the filter under warm water.
- Run the hot water tap for 10–20 seconds before starting a cycle to improve water temp.
3. Dishwasher Not Draining
Possible causes:
- Clogged drain hose
- Blocked pump
- Garbage disposal plug still installed
What to do:
- Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages.
- Remove debris from the pump area under the filter.
- If recently installed, make sure the disposal knockout plug was removed.
4. Dishwasher Leaking
Possible causes:
- Damaged door gasket
- Overfilling
- Faulty inlet valve
What to do:
- Inspect the gasket around the door and replace if cracked.
- Ensure you’re using the correct amount of detergent.
- If water continues leaking from underneath, call a professional to check the inlet valve.
5. Dishwasher Making Loud or Unusual Noises
Possible causes:
- Items blocking the spray arms
- Worn motor
- Loose internal components
What to do:
- Rearrange dishes to allow proper movement of the spray arms.
- If the noise resembles humming, grinding, or buzzing, the motor may be wearing out.
Need Reliable Dishwasher Repair?
If these troubleshooting steps don’t fix the issue, our certified technicians are ready to help. We provide fast, dependable dishwasher repair for all major brands.
Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!