
The Convenience of Modern Dishwashers
There was a time, in a land far away, when we all washed our dishes by hand, in a river or creek even. Today, thankfully, there is a modern convenience of the automatic dishwasher that many of us can’t imagine not having. It is an appliance that has made life easier … until it isn’t working. Is there such a thing as dishwasher repair, or do you simply replace it?
We are going to answer that question and more in this article today. So, is it worth it to fix a dishwasher? That depends on a few factors, such as:
- The age of the unit
- The cost of repair
- The frequency of repairs
You can find dishwashers for as low as $200 perhaps, and upward of $1,000 and more. In this regard, you get what you pay for! You could expect the lifespan of a $200 unit to be much shorter than the one you paid hundreds of dollars for. What does that have to do with dishwasher repairs?
If the repair is 25% or more than replacing it with a similar type unit, it would not be worth the cost for a dishwasher repair. If replacing your current dishwasher would be $500 or more and the repairs are less than $200, it’s your call to determine if it is worth the cost. Or if you’ve had several dishwasher repair calls in the past year or so, add those costs and if it comes to one-fourth of a new one, don’t have it repaired again.
On the subject of dishwasher repair, the age of the unit should be considered too. What is the life expectancy of a dishwasher? Typically, a dishwasher’s life expectancy is around 10 years. If you need dishwasher repairs in the 10th year, then you’re better off replacing the unit. The older the unit, the harder the parts are to find, which can make it expensive to repair.
Can I fix my dishwasher myself?
For the basics of a dishwasher, a DIY dishwasher repair is possible, such as the plumbing components, door seal, knobs, etc. There are plenty of videos online that can walk you through many of the things that can go wrong.
However, if you have a dishwasher with a computer chip in the controls, you’re better off having any dishwasher repairs done by a brand-authorized repair technician. Especially if the unit is still under warranty.
What is the most common problem with a dishwasher?
There are a number of possible problems that dishwasher repair service technicians are faced with. We have listed 6 of those problems and what could be the cause:
1: Not Draining
When a dishwasher isn’t draining as it should, it can be due to a variety of issues such as:
- Clogged drain
- Malfunctioning pump
- Broken or clogged hose
2: Clogged Dishwasher
A dishwasher can get clogged and not drain because of a few different reasons. The first thing to check is the filter which is located at the bottom of the unit. It could be the spray arm is clogged or damaged, or it may be the drain pump.
3: Leaking
A leaking dishwasher can be caused by basic wear and tear, a sign it is getting old. This can be the seal around the door, any of the hoses or pipes, or the water pump may be leaking.
4: Odors
When the dishwasher has a bad odor, there is definitely something wrong. Check for any food built up in the bottom and look for mildew and mold around the gaskets and seals. A thorough cleaning may get rid of the odor, or you may need to replace gaskets and seals.
5: Not Cleaning the Dishes
If a dishwasher isn’t cleaning the dishes, make sure it is running a full cycle. If it isn’t you’ll need a professional dishwasher repair service because it is probably a mechanical issue. If it is running the full cycle and you still have dirty dishes, make sure the detergent cup is emptied. If that is clear, then check the water temperature is set where the owner’s manual recommends.
6: Noisy
A noisy dishwasher is an obnoxious nuisance and depending on where the noise is coming from and what type of noise you’re hearing will tell you what the problem is. It may be the motor if you’re hearing a loud humming sound. A grinding, rattling sound is either the door latch, pump, or spray arms. And squealing sounds are usually the bearings and/or seals.
Is a 7-year-old dishwasher worth fixing?
Refer back to an earlier paragraph. It depends if the cost of the dishwasher repairs is one-fourth or more than the cost to replace the unit. By the 7th year, the parts may be difficult to get and could be expensive.
In Closing
Are there signs of a dishwasher going out? A puddle of water on the floor by the dishwasher can be a strong indicator you need dishwasher repair or replacement. If you notice rust inside the unit, this means the dishes aren’t as clean as you may think and it is time for a new unit.
And if you see cracks inside the unit, that means water is getting between the unit and the cabinet or walls where it is installed. There is probably mildew, mold, and rot started already. Get a new dishwasher!
If you find yourself needing dishwasher repair in Pottstown, PA, please don’t hesitate to contact our reliable team at 484-366-9362!