How To Troubleshoot Your Dishwasher

Posted on: 29 January 2015

When you put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on, you expect it to run smoothly and get your dishes clean. Unfortunately, you may occasionally experience problems with it. Before you can figure out how to repair it, you first need to troubleshoot it in order to narrow down the problem. These troubleshooting tips help you do that so you know how to repair it or what to tell the appliance repairs technician when they come over to fix it for you.

The Dishwasher is Leaking

One of the most common complaints with a dishwasher is that it is leaking water. If you turn on your dishwasher and notice a puddle of any size, this is something that requires repairs. Some reasons for the leaking problem include having a worn pump, worn door seals, or a failed water inlet valve. While you can check the door seals on your own to see if that is the problem, most water-leaking issues require a professional to make the repairs.

It Is Noisy

While most dishwashers are going to make some kind of noise, this can also be a sign that something is wrong. This is especially true if it used to be mostly silent, and now all of a sudden you notice the difference in the noises it makes. There are a lot of noises a dishwasher can make, and without proper knowledge of the appliance, it is hard to tell what problem is causing what noise. If you hear a loud screeching, rattling, or banging, you should consult a technician to have a look at it.

The Appliance Won't Start

Another common reason to get your dishwasher repaired is because it will not start at all. Like all appliances, you should first check the power supply going to the dishwasher if it isn't starting. Locate the circuit breaker for the dishwasher, turn it off and turn it back on again. If the dishwasher still won't start, check the electronic controls on front, the thermal fuses, and the motor relay. You may also want to check the timer and the door latch switch.

The Latch Isn't Working

One of the things you should be able to repair on your own, depending on the severity of the problem, is if the dishwasher's door latch no longer works. In most cases, it simply doesn't latch closed, which prevents you from operating your dishwasher. You can check your local home improvement store for a door latch kit, which comes with all the repair parts you need and simple instructions to get it repaired.

If your dishwasher is still not working, not cleaning your dishes properly, or you can't figure out the problem, contact an appliance technician like A Pittsburgh Service Center to look at it.

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