Appliance Tips

Diagnosing & Fixing Dishwasher Dilemmas*

Your dishwasher has many parts that can become blocked, jammed or clogged. So it's wise to know how to avoid trouble with this key kitchen appliance. Here are some maintenance and repair tips from the experts at American Home Shield.

Important Things to Know About Your Dishwasher
  • Very hot water - 140 to 160 degrees F - is basic to good service from a dishwasher.
  • Some dishwashers are equipped with an air gap to prevent wastewater from backing up into the washer. Because it collects bits of waste, the air gap must be cleaned regularly. Remove the cap and cover and use a wire.
  • A dishwasher without an air gap has a high loop in the drain hose. Make sure that it's not kinked, and clear any obstructions from it with a length of wire when necessary.
Dishwasher Safety Tip
  • Before making repairs, pull the plug from the receptacle. Turn off the hot water valve under the sink before working on the water inlet valve or disconnecting the hot water hose.
Troubleshooting Dishwasher Problems
Problem Possible solutions
You dishwasher won't run.
  • Start simply. If the door is unlocked, lock it.
  • Check the setting of both the time and selector buttons.
  • If power is not reaching the unit, check your fuse box/circuit breaker.
  • Your door switch may be defective. Check it for damage.
  • Finally, you may have a defective timer.
Your dishes are still dirty at the end of the wash.
  • The water may not be hot enough. Check the temperature of the hot water from the tap. It should be between 140 and 150 degrees F. Check the hot water setting.
  • You may need to better prepare your dishes for washing. Be sure to scrape and rinse all dishes before loading your dishwasher.
  • Your dishes may not be stacked correctly. Again, scrape and rinse all dishes before loading.
  • Your detergent may be old. Start with a fresh container.
  • Make sure your detergent dispenser opens. Check the detergent cup and remove hardened detergent or mineral deposits. Be sure the lid is not blocked and check the dispenser solenoid.
  • The machine's spray arms may be blocked. Be sure nothing is preventing spray arms from doing their handiwork.
The dishwasher tub doesn't fill with water.
  • The water inlet valve or solenoid may be defective. Check the valve.
  • Could be a clogged water filter. Check to see if your water inlet has a filter and clean it.
  • The overflow switch could be defective. Check the switch. If it freezes in the FULL position, the unit will not fill.
  • Finally, you may have a defective timer.
You can't get the water to stop running.
  • The inlet valve could be stuck. Check it to see if you can shut it.
  • You may have a defective timer.
  • The overflow switch could be defective. If the switch is frozen on the EMPTY position, the water will continue to run.
The dishwasher doesn't drain.
  • Could be a clogged or leaking drain hose. Disconnect the drain hose and blow through it to be sure it is clear.
  • The machine's pump motor may be defective. Replace the motor.
  • Your timer may be defective. Replace it.
The dishes aren't drying.
  • Mineral deposits on the heating element could be the problem. They can be easily removed with vinegar.
  • The heating element wire may be loose. Check all the electrical connections around the heating element.
  • The heating element may be burnt out. Replace the heating element.
  • Your machine's timer could be the problem. Replace it.
The dishwasher is leaking.
  • The door seal may be damaged. Replace the seal.
  • Could be a defective overflow switch. Check the switch for damage.
  • Are door hinges working properly? If not, replace them.
  • Your machine's heating element nuts could be loose. Tighten the nuts that attach the element to the tub.
  • Check and tighten loose hose clamps. To see if there's a loose hose connection, you may have to move the unit.
The dishwasher is unusually noisy.
  • The spray arm may be hitting dishes. Reload the unit so dishes don't touch the spray arm.
  • If you hear a knocking sound while the unit fills, the water inlet valve may be damaged. Replace the water inlet valve.
  • There may not be enough water in the tub. Stop using other faucets while the dishwasher fills.

Think you need a new timer, heating element, seal, or motor? Let us help. To learn about the benefits of a home warranty plan, schedule an appointment with the experts at American Home Shield.

*Please note, the knowledge skill and experience level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact a professional. Every home, home appliance and system are different as are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced above are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems. American Home Shield can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions taken pursuant to tips provided herein.


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