Dishwasher Repair Tips:
Wrench It or Toss It: Dishwasher Edition
Disclaimer: When attempting to diagnose a dishwasher problem, always make sure that the dishwasher is unplugged, and the water main is shut off. Do not attempt any diagnostics or dishwasher repairs unless you are a trained technician.
Dishwasher Repair or Replace?
As annoying as a faulty dishwasher can be, the pain of buying and installing a new one can be even greater. Before you cut into your savings for that shiny new dishwasher, you should always check a few basic things that might save you a lot of money going forward. Sit back, and let us take you through a few common dishwasher problems.
1) Clogged Dishwasher Spray Arms
A common problem, especially in many hard-water areas of Canada, is clogged dishwasher spray arms. During the dishwasher’s cycle, the arms rotate and spray water and/or soap through their nozzles. Through years of use, mineral deposits can form within these nozzles, clogging them entirely. In hard water areas, this can happen faster than you may think, but due to phosphate-free soaps, this is can be a problem with soft water as well.
Symptoms
- Dishwasher not cleaning as well
- Dishwasher top/bottom rack left dirty
Solution
Luckily for you, this problem can be fixed. The solution involves removal and inspection of all dishwasher arms, followed by a thorough cleaning of the nozzles, and/or soaking in a solution designed to break down the build-up.
2) Leaking Dishwasher Inlet
A leaking or clogged water inlet can be a big problem that will definitely cause your dishes coming out dirty. The water inlet is a valve that regulates the amount of water your dishwasher receives. If this is faulty, your dishwasher will not have enough water to clean effectively. To diagnose this issue, run the dishwasher. You will be able to hear the dishwasher fill with water. As it stops, open the dishwasher up. The water level should reach the heating coil, or at least come close to it. If it does not, a leaking/clogged water inlet may be your problem.
Symptoms
- Dishwasher makes hammering sound
- Dishwasher leaking water
- Dishwasher not cleaning
Solution
Finding and replacing the water inlet, not your whole dishwasher, is the way to go. This is a delicate process, so we advise you to call a technician. If you plan on doing it yourself, always have some Teflon tape handy.
3) Clogged Dishwasher Drain
If you ever open up your dishwasher and are greeted by stagnant, murky water, you probably have a clogged drain. A clogged dishwasher drain is a routine dishwasher repair call for our technicians at City Master – Appliance Repair Services.
Symptoms
- Standing water in the dishwasher
- Dishwasher draining slowly
Solution
Worry not! This is a routine repair that a trained technician can get underway. A thorough disassembly and clean should have your dishwasher repaired and ready to go.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you may need a dishwasher repair, NOT a replacement. Call City Master – Appliance Repair Services today for an expert technician, and get your dishwasher repaired the right way.
