Do I need to repair or replace my dishwasher?
In your kitchen, you can find many important appliances you use daily. Some aren’t used as frequently, and others are used rarely, if ever. Then there is the dishwasher. You probably don’t give it much thought as you load and unload the dishes – not until you’re faced with the need for dishwasher repair or replacement.
If you live alone or if there are just two of you, when the dishwasher quits you probably just use it for storage. However, if you have a spouse, kids, and friends all eating and drinking at your house, you probably go into a panic. However, there’s no need to stress. If you need a dishwasher repair in Pottstown, PA right away, call Drainmen Plumbing Inc at 484-366-9362. Meanwhile, read on to learn more about how to know when it’s time to repair your dishwasher.
Repairing Your Dishwasher – Can it Be Done?
Dishwasher repair or replacement is key at that point, but do you know who to call to repair the dishwasher? Or do you need to simply replace the unit?Of course, your first question before all that may be, “Can dishwashers be repaired?”
The following are three of the most common issues that require dishwasher repair. When you know which dishwasher repair you need, you’ll see these are simple maintenance tasks that will get your dishwasher running again, all without the need for an expensive professional dishwasher repair service. So which dishwasher repair do you need right now?
Dishwasher Repair One: The Dishes Aren’t Clean
A. Review these dishwasher basics
- Is your dishwasher overloaded? Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Are there items such as silverware or utensils hanging below the basket? This can keep the spray arm from spinning.
- What dishwasher detergent are you using? Check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Is food getting scraped rather than rinsed from the dishes before they are loaded into the dishwasher?
- Do you have hard water? If so, are you using a rinse agent as recommended by most manufacturers?
- Is the water temperature hot enough? This could be the water heater, but we’ll address that another time. It should be under 120 degrees F, and most dishwashers will boost that up to 140 degrees.
B. The dishwasher spray arm
Make sure the spray arm can spin easily and freely with the dishwasher empty. Remove the arm and check for any debris blocking the holes. Clean it if you find anything. Check the pump for any broken glass or other debris lodged in the way of it working.
C. Clean the float switch
Open the float switch and clean it, even if you don’t see anything obvious. The smallest debris can cause the float switch to stick, keeping water from filling the tub.
D. Clean the valve screen
A clogged intake valve screen is a common problem. If there is a low water level during the wash cycle, it can’t take on the water it needs for a clean job.
Dishwasher Repair Two: The dishwasher door is leaking.
A. Locate the leak source
A door that doesn’t seal is a common problem with leaking dishwashers. Check the seal around the door and if you find any tears or areas where the seal is missing, you’ll need to replace it. If there isn’t a torn or missing seal, then check the hoses and other areas where water can leak.
B. Simple door leak fixes
With an all-purpose cleaner and sponge, clean the gasket and float switch, using only the dish detergent the manufacturer specifies.
C. Tweak the door
Close and fasten the door; if it can be jiggled it is loose. Next, turn the dishwasher on, let it run, and push on the door. If the sound from the dishwasher lessens, the door is loose. There is an adjustable latch on most dishwashers located in the center of the door frame. Adjust this plate by tightening the door so the gasket can seal better.
Dishwasher Repair Three: Humming sound, no water, won’t start
A. Check the power shutoff
All dishwashers should have a shutoff either at the sink or under the sink. Unplug the power and plug it back in. If it is still not starting, check the circuit breaker and if it has tripped, turn it back on.
B. Spin the motor
Sometimes a dishwasher motor will stick; this is especially common with a unit that hasn’t been used in a while. Remove the lower panel and reach in to give the motor a spin by turning the fan blades after you made sure the electrical power is off. If the blades aren’t turning with ease, you’ll need to call a professional plumber.
A Few More Tips on Dishwasher Repairs
The corrugated hose on a dishwasher is a common problem, causing issues ranging from clogs to leaks. But have no fear – this is probably the easiest dishwasher repair you may need, and you could even do it yourself with these tips and a few basic tools. By knowing how to repair a dishwasher drain hose you could potentially save a lot on dishwasher repair costs:
Step 1: Open the dishwasher and check the drain. Remove any food and debris, which is an indication there is debris clogging the drain hose.
Step 2: Take the service panel off so you can see the drain hose and after that, unplug the dishwasher from the power. Close the door and remove all the screws holding the service panel.
Step 3: Inspect the drain hose for leaks, which are usually located at the bends. If there are cracks, then you’ll need to replace the hose.
Step 4: Take the hose off the dishwasher so you can make sure it is thoroughly clean of clogs. Disconnect the hose from the sink line with pliers. After this, check for any debris that could be clogging the hose. You can do this by pouring water in one end to see if it flows easily out of the other end without any leaks in the U-section.
On a side note, if your problem is the dishwasher repair for the pump, this will need to be done by a professional. Choose one that is authorized by the brand of dishwasher you have. They will have the proper methods of dishwasher repair and parts recommended by the manufacturer.
In Closing
Knowing when to repair a dishwasher or buy new can save both time and money. So, when it comes to dishwasher repair vs replacement, how do you know which is the way to go? A basic rule is if your dishwasher is a few years old and the cost for a professional dishwasher repair is less than half, have it repaired. If your dishwasher is 10 years old or older, then replace the unit. When you need dishwasher repair in Pottstown, PA, you can contact Drainmen Plumbing Inc at 484-366-9362 to get help from professionals.
