Dishwasher Repair Guide

Problem: My Dishwasher does not work at all.

Solutions:

1. Your Dishwasher may not be receiving any power. It is somewhat difficult to check for power at the plug outlet because the plug for a Dishwasher is usually behind the unit. You should make sure all the circuit breakers of your circuit breaker panel are in the correct positions, or check to make sure no fuses are blown.



2. It is also possible that the door switch of your Dishwasher is defective. If it is, you will need to replace it. A defective door switch may not allow your Dishwasher to operate.



3. Also check your cycle selector dial. If it is the case that the cycle selector dial is not functioning, you should replace it.



4. Your Dishwasher's timer could be broken, causing your Dishwasher to not function. Check your Dishwasher's timer, and if it is broken, replace it.

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1. Your water inlet valve may be inoperable. You will need to replace your water inlet valve if it if defective.



2. Your Dishwasher's filter or grate might be clogged, or blocked with debris. You should periodically inspect your filter or grate and remove any buildup blocking the flow of water.



3. The water temperature inside your Dishwasher may be too low. Your Dishwasher relies on hot water to properly clean and dry your dishes. Make sure the hot water heater is working and heating up the water properly.



4. It could just be that you aren't using enough soap to completely wash your dishes. Your Dishwasher may be designed to dispense soap at two different times during the wash cycle. If you don't fill all of the detergent cups, then the diswasher will lose a cleaning cycle.

1. Your drain hose could be installed incorrectly. If your drain hose is attached to a garbage disposal, the hose should be installed so that it is about three to six inches above the bottom of the sink. If the hose is installed improperly, it would be difficult for water to syphon from the Dishwasher to the sink.



2. Check your Dishwasher's pump or impeller. A defective pump/impeller assembly could be why your Dishwasher isn't draining. If you pump/impeller kit is the problem, replace it.



3. The tranfer tubes and spray arms may be clogged, affecting your Dishwasher's draining cycle. You should periodically inspect your telescoping transfer tube and the spray arms. Clean out any debris that may have been clogged.



4. An undraining Dishwasher may mean that the unit's belt is broken. There are a few types of Diswashers that are belt driven. If your Dishwasher is driven by a belt, inspect it for any sign that it has become defective. Replace it if need be.



5. It could just be that your Dishwasher isn't draining because the timer is defective. If your Dishwasher's timer is no longer working correctly, replace it.

1. If your dishwasher will not fill with water, your water inlet valve could be at fault. You will have to check it to see if it is defective, and if it is, replace it.



2. Another possible reason for your Dishwasher not filling could be that your float switch has become defective. If this is the case, first check to see if it is stuck in the 'up' positon. If it isn't, then you will need to replace the float switch.

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Source: adapted from repair tips from our affiliate partner, PartSelect.