A dishwasher is probably one of the most convenient appliances in a modern home; over time, however, it may develop into irritating problems and you will need to use dishwasher repair services. Before you call in a repair technician, a few of the problems you are likely to incur with this vital appliance are things you can handle yourself. Knowing what has gone wrong and a few basic troubleshooting steps will save you money and long downtimes. Let’s take a look at five of the most common dishwasher problems and how to fix them yourself.
1. Clogged Filters
Probably the most frequent failure that can provide underperformance in your dishwasher is a clogged filter. Due to a certain period of time, the collection of food debris blocks the water flow and results in unclean dishes.
How to Fix It: The filter is generally located at the bottom of the dishwasher and should be removed and cleaned under running water. If there’s stubborn grime, soak it in warm soapy water, and be sure to check for any blockages in the drain area.
2. Broken Spray Arms
If your dishwasher is not cleaning well, then the problem may be with the spray arms. These arms rotate and water is sprayed through them onto the dishes. The efficiency of the arms gets lowered when it gets clogged or cracked.
How It’s Fixed: Unscrew and remove the spray arms and clean the holes of the arms using a toothpick or any thin wire to take out any blockages. If the arms are cracked or broken, then they will have to be replaced.
3. The Latch of the Door
Dishwasher failure to start is common and can be traced back to issues with it not latching well. This is normally because of a misplaced latch or defective door lock assembly.
Solution: Fixing it, ensure that your door latch is well aligned. If the door latch is broken, you can replace it yourself after buying a replacement, using instructions from your dishwasher’s manual or at least some relatively simple online tutorial instructions.
4. Leaking Dishwasher
If the door gasket is worn, water can’t seal in during a wash cycle. The result will be that an unsightly leak may begin to form and spill onto the floor from underneath the appliance.
How to Fix It: Check your door gasket for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or breaks, it’s time to replace the gasket. Fortunately, gaskets are cheap and pretty simple to install, so changing one shouldn’t be too much of a task.
5. Dishwasher Not Draining
A non-draining dishwasher might have a clogged drain hose, preventing water from being pumped out after a wash cycle.
How to Fix It: Disconnect the dishwasher and check for blockage of the drain hose. You can remove blockages with several methods, such as flushing water through the hose or by using the plumbing snake. If it is damaged in some way, then that drain hose might just need replacement.
The following DIY repairs will save you time and money on appliance repair while keeping your dishwasher in great shape. If you’re unsure about how to fix something or if the problem reoccurs, though, it might be best to call a professional.
For more home tips and professional advice, visit NY Weekly.
Published By: Aize Perez
