You’ve tried to ignore it for a while, but you can no longer deny that your dishwasher just isn’t working as well as it used to.
But since dishwashers can cost anywhere from $624-$1,175, you want to make sure that you’ve tried to fix your broken dishwasher before buying a new one.
That’s what this post is all about.
Whether you’re dealing with a dishwasher not draining, a model that’s leaking, or dishes that still come out dirty, you need to read on.
We’re sharing some of our best dishwasher repair tips that will save you both time and money.
If Your Dishes Are Still Dirty
Is your dishwasher not cleaning your glasses, plates, and silverware the way that it should?
First of all, the problem could be that you’re putting too many dishes inside of it. Another issue is that silverware could be falling out of the basket, obstructing the spray arm from doing its job.
You may also be dealing with hard water in your area. Try putting a water softening agent in your dishwasher.
If the problem persists, it’s time to handle things on your own.
Remove the spray arm by twisting it clockwise, and give it a thorough cleaning. Make sure that you remove the cap, as debris can often get stuck inside of it.
You should also clean your float switch, which is on the lower right-hand side of the dishwasher. In most cases, you can just use a wine glass cleaning brush to get rid of debris.
Dealing With a Dishwasher Leaking
Another sign of a broken dishwasher?
Water leaking all over the floor.
The fix might be as simple as using less detergent, but the problem might be with the door itself. Clean out your gaskets with a soft sponge.
Then, make sure the door isn’t loose when it’s fully closed. If you can move the door around after it’s been locked into place, you may need to tighten the latch plate.
In some cases, your best solution might be to buy a completely new door gasket. Over time, these gaskets can wear down, preventing your door from fully closing.
You may also need to check the hoses on your dishwasher.
Especially if you’ve had the model for a long time, you’re likely dealing with hoses that have slipped or become loose. Take out the front panel within your dishwasher, so that you can get a proper look at the hoses.
If you can slip them back into place, do so. While you’re there, also take a look at the pump seal. If it’s not working correctly, or if you notice serious cracks in the parts, then we suggest that you call in a professional.
When It Won’t Drain Properly
Another common sign of a broken dishwasher?
When your dealing with a dishwasher not draining.
Not only can this cause a serious mess, it can also collect food debris in the appliance. This can lead to nasty smells, especially if food has started to rot within the dishwasher.
In short, it’s something that you need to take care of quickly.
Start by running one more cycle of your dishwasher. You should notice a small amount of water left over–that’s normal. But anything more likely means that you have a clog in your drain hose or a pump that’s out of date.
Take the cover off of the air gap of your kitchen sink, and clean it out with a wire. Sometimes, an issue with the drain of your sink is what’s really causing the issue with your dishwasher.
Then, turn off your dishwasher completely.
Take off the strainer underneath the spray arm, and clean it with a wine glass brush.
In some cases, you may need to have the drain valve replaced completely. This will likely be too complicated to do on your own. If the problem persists, get professional help.
If you’re still dealing with the leftover odors of rotted food after you get your dishwasher to drain?
Be sure to check out this handy guide on how to get the stench out of your dishwasher and even your kitchen as a whole.
When in Doubt, Call in the Pros
Of course, if you’re dealing with a broken dishwasher that you simply can’t fix on your own, the only solution is to call in a professional.
We recommend an experienced company like AppliancePro repair.
With over 35 years of experience, they possess the expertise needed to do things right the first time. They also already have hundreds of parts in stock, so you can get your dishwasher fixed as soon as possible–without having to wait for a part to come in.
Don’t waste your money buying a new appliance when dishwasher repair is a more financially sound option.
Instead, book an appointment with the pros today.
Fixing a Broken Dishwasher: What’s Next?
We hope that this post has helped you to understand how you can fix a broken dishwasher either on your own or by calling in professional help.
Of course, we know that the dishwasher is far from the only appliance in your home that breaks down from time to time.
Looking for additional advice on how to fix run-down microwaves, toaster ovens and more? Want to understand when is the time to buy a replacement option?
We’ve got you covered.
No matter what kind of home improvement work you want to have done, our website and blog will tell you how to complete it the right way.
