Your dishwasher adds convenience to your daily routine by making it easier to clean your kitchen. Understandably, you may want dishwasher repair services right away if it stops working. However, there are some problems you can resolve or prevent on your own. Learning how to deal with the most frequent issues is the first step to keeping it functioning. 

5 Common Issues with Dishwashers

1. Leaks or Flooding 

If your dishwasher is leaking, the source is likely a crack or clog in the drainage hose, pump, or filter. Clogs can be rinsed away with water, baking soda, and vinegar, but cracked parts need to be replaced by a professional. 

Flooding, however, means the dishwasher isn’t draining properly. If the drain plug isn’t stuck, examine the check valve, drain sump, and motor. Get new ones from an appliance repair specialist if they look broken or worn. 

2. Incorrect Water Levels 

Your dishwasher needs a specific amount of water to clean your dishes. If it fills up with too much or too little water, the inlet valve may be clogged or broken. 

Alternatively, the float or float switch could be warped from wear or exposure to waste in the water. You can clean dirty valves and floats, but let a dishwasher repair professional handle replacing faulty ones. 

3. Not Drying 

After washing, the dishwasher is supposed to dry your dishes. This issue might be resolved by putting rinse aid in the dispenser, which prevents the formation of water droplets. 

If that doesn’t work, then the heating element may be defective. You can test it by touching it with a multimeter. Call a dishwasher repair specialist for a new one if the meter gives you a number anywhere outside 10 to 50 Ohms. 

4. Long Run Time 

Your dishwasher may take unusually long to complete a cycle. It’s supposed to be hot enough to sanitize the dishes, so it will keep running until it achieves the right temperature. To heat it faster, turn up the temperature on the water heater, or let the sink run hot water for a few minutes before starting the cycle. 

5. Leaves Dishes Dirty 

If your dishes end a cycle covered in food remnants or grittiness, see whether the filter is too clogged to let clean water flow through and wash away the grime. Switch the filter out if it looks dirty. 

Hard water spots mean that your water has a high amount of minerals. Install a water softening system or use a detergent booster when you run the dishwasher. 

 
If you need expert dishwasher repair for any of these problems, contact Ace Appliance Sale & Service in Anchorage, AK. With over 40 years of experience repairing household appliances, they’re prepared to get your dishwasher working again efficiently and with a friendly attitude. They can also provide whatever appliance parts you need for DIY maintenance. Learn more today by calling (907) 272-8949 or go online.