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Top Electricians » Common Electrical Problems » Kitchen Appliances » Dishwashers

Dishwashers

The marvels of modern technology; you put dirty dishes in and out come nice clean ones. Thus is the marvel of a dishwasher. However, these fantastic inventions have their bad days as well and in order to diagnose a problem with this kitchen appliance, it helps to know a little bit about the symptoms. The thing is, the same symptom might be caused by different problems so you need to know what to look for. But, if you are not sure how things work, then to be safe rather than sorry, call a qualified electrician.

So, what are typical dishwasher problems?

If the dishwasher just does not work; no lights come on and there isn’t even a noise:

• The first thing to do is to check for a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker
• Then check if the dishwasher is plugged in securely and or if there are any breaks in the wiring
• Test the door switch and check the door latch because the dishwasher won’t start until the door is closed and locked securely
• Test the timer motor and the selector switch. You might also want to test the motor start relay

If the dishwasher does not start but there is a humming noise from the motor:

• The motor might be jammed – you need to unjam the motor
• The pump might be jammed – you need to unjam the pump
• Check the drive belt and the motor start relay

If the dishwasher does not fill with water or if it drains while filling:

• Check if the water supply has been turned on. (the valve is most often located under the sink)
• Check the door latch and the door switch
• Inspect the float assembly and the fill tube
• Check the inlet valve for filter screens and of course, you must also check the water inlet valve
• Check the drain valve lever arm and check the drain valve itself.

If the water does not drain from the dishwasher:

• Check if there are any blockages in the sink drain and or the drain hose
• The motor or pump might be jammed – un jam them
• Check the drain valve and the driver belt
• Test the motor and also check the “knock out” plug if your dishwasher has one (most of the new models have one)

If there is water leaking from the dishwasher:

• Inspect the seals in the main tub, float, heating element and the blower diffuser, they may need replacing
• Check for overfilling and inspect the water and drain hoses
• Inspect the door gasket as it may need replacing
• Check the water inlet valve and check the pump

If water or soap leaks out the door:

• The first thing you need to do is to make sure that the detergent you are using is intended for dishwashers. You cannot use liquid detergents that are not meant for dishwashers
• Inspect the door seal gasket as it might need replacing and inspect the door hinges as well
• Inspect the spray arms for damage

If water drains through the air gap into the sink:

• Check the air gap for any damages or improper installation or obstructions
If there is a problem with the dry cycle:
• First you need to test the heating element
• Then, test the drying fan and the thermostat

If the dishwasher is unusually noisy:

• Check the spray arm for obstructions or damages
• Check the inlet filter screens
• Test the water inlet valve
• Check the motor and the motor mounts
• Check the fan blade
• Check the drain for any obstructions or damages

If the door drops down with too much force:

• You need to check the door springs as they may need replacing

If the door does not close or latch properly:

• Check for obstructions around the door and the gasket
• Check the door latch and door hinges
• Inspect the door seal gasket, it might need replacing

If the dishwasher cycle does not complete itself:

• Test the timer motor and the thermostat
• Test the heating element

If the detergent cup does not open:

• Check if the detergent cup has been obstructed in any way
• Test the timer motor
• Check the actuator arm

If the cycle time is too long:

• Test the timer motor
• Check the heating element and the thermostat

If the dishes are not cleaned properly:

• Check if the water level and water pressure is right and check if the water temperature is right
• Check the spray arms and spray tower
• Check the detergent cup
• Check the inlet filter screen and clean the fine particle filter
• Check the water inlet valve and the drain valve
• Test the selector switch and the timer motor
• Test the heating element

If the walls, racks or tub is rust stained:

• You need to scrub the interior of the dishwasher with oxalic acid
• Repair the exposed metal immediately

And once again, remember that you have any hesitation whatsoever about how the problem at hand should be tackled, just pick up the phone and have a professional electrician repair the malfunction.