Most homeowners don't realize how much they rely on some appliances until they are gone---or no longer working. The dishwasher is a perfect example. Who wants to go back to hand washing? If the dishwasher won't start or the dishes are not coming clean, there are several things you can do to fix the problem. In most cases, dishwasher malfunctions can be remedied without calling in a professional or purchasing a new appliance. Does this Spark an idea?
Failure to Start
If your dishwasher fails to start all together, first check the door. If the door is not completely closed or locked into place, it will not start. However, if the door is locked into place and you are still not successful, it could either be an electrical issue or a problem with the safety switch or the timer.
Locate your electrical breaker and find the switch for your dishwasher. You may have a blown fuse. If power is coming from the circuit breaker, the safety switch may be deficient. When the dishwasher door is secured into place, it closes a safety switch. If the switch is broken, it won't matter if the dishwasher door is properly closed or not. It is also possible the timer is damaged. The timer is located inside the dishwasher door and will either be a clockwork timer or a small motor timer. Without the timer, the dishwasher does not know time the washing and drying cycles. In this case, the timer will need to be replaced.
Dirty Dishes
If the dishwasher has gone through the full cycle and the dishes are still dirty, again it could be an easy fix. Check your dishwasher manual for loading instructions. Every dishwasher has a spray arm that distributes the water needed to clean and rinse the dishes. If your dishwasher only has one spray arm located below the bottom tray, it is possible that this lower tray is being filled with too many dishes. When this happens, water is prevented from reaching the upper rack.
There could also be an issue with the detergent dispenser or the spray arms. Check to make sure that detergent isn't getting clumped up in the dispenser. This might mean that the dispenser isn't opening properly during the washing cycle. You will need to remove the interior door panel by taking out the bolts and looking at the dispenser for any broken parts. Keep track of the bolts so you can secure them back into place after examining behind the door.
Another possibility is a clog in the spray arms or the filter. For the spray arms, you can either use a toothpick to manually discharge any debris in the holes or use a vinegar solution to remove any film that may have built up on the arms.
If there is a clog in the filter, this could mean partially disassembling the machine. The filter is located near the pump, which is housed in the bottom of the dishwasher. The bottom of the dishwasher will need to be disabled and the filter will need to be examined for any clogs or debris.
Standing Water
If you open the dishwasher and find a pool of water, you may have a clogged water line. In front of the dishwasher just below the door, you will see a lower panel that can be removed with a screwdriver. Take this panel off and locate the hoses. There will be two hoses, a drain hose and a recirculation hose. Check both by removing the wire clamps. You may need a pan when taking off the wires in case any water begins moving through the lines.
If there are no clogs found in the lines you may have a problem with the pump assembly or the motor. These are best left for a professional to inspect. Another possibility is the timer. As mentioned in the first half of this article, the timer allows the dishwasher to run through the various cycles. If the timer is defective, it may not be communicating with the rest of the system when it is time to drain the water.
Tags: into place, will need, your dishwasher, dishwasher door, safety switch
