Understand How a Dishwasher Works
So, your dishwasher is not working? Understanding how a dishwasher works helps you assess problems to come up with solutions. It also helps you decide if it’s a repair you can tackle yourself or if you should call in a professional.
First, the bottom of the dishwasher fills with water heated by a heating element under the bottom rack. Then the sprayer arms pump and distribute the warm water and dishwashing detergent over dirty dishes. The dishwasher drains and clean water is sprayed on the dishes to rinse them. Lastly, the heating element helps dry the dishes until the cycle is complete.
Problem: My Dishwasher is Leaking From the Bottom
This is a common repair for dishwashers. First, you'll want to open your dishwasher and inspect the rubber seal that runs along the inside of your dishwasher. If the seal is warped, loose or damaged it allows water to leak out and collect on your kitchen floor. Replacing the rubber seal is an easy and inexpensive fix. Clip off a piece of the old seal and take it to the store to ensure you purchase the same style and width.
Apply the new seal per the package directions. Use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to get any kinks out of the seal from being folded up inside the packaging. Press the seal in tightly and run a rinse cycle to test it out.
Problem: My Dishwasher is Not Draining
A dishwasher's failure to drain is a frustrating issue as standing water can cause serious odors in the kitchen. If a dishwasher isn't draining, there’s a good chance your dishwasher is clogged. So, how do you unclog a dishwasher? Locate the filter for your dishwasher and remove it. Dispose of any large food particles and rinse the filter. If this doesn't solve the problem, check the drain tube that connects your dishwasher to the plumbing under your kitchen sink.
Inspect the drain tube for kinks and make sure nothing under your sink is obstructing it. Position a large bucket under the drain tube and carefully remove the tube; let any contents empty into the bucket. Look for any large particles that could be causing a blockage. Reconnect the tube and run a test cycle.
Problem: My Dishwasher is Not Cleaning the Dishes Properly
If your dishwasher is not working properly, you'll notice that dishes might remain dirty after a cycle. If this is the case, there might be mineral buildup inside your dishwasher. Remove all the sprayer arms, spray them with distilled vinegar and let them soak in the sink or bathtub. Use a soft scrub brush to remove build-up and give them a good rinse before reinstalling.
Repair for Dishwasher FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Dishwasher?
A new dishwasher can cost anywhere from $300 for a basic model to $2000 for a high-end model with all the bells and whistles. It’s important to know when to invest in fixing your dishwasher and when it’s time to buy a replacement. Some repairs are inexpensive, but dishwasher repair costs can add up if they’re frequent. If your dishwasher is more than 10 years old and consistently has different problems despite your efforts to repair it, it may be time to replace it. Browse Lowe’s dishwashers for the best deals and keep an eye out for upcoming sales.
How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
Generally, the lifespan of a dishwasher is about 10 years, depending on several factors including brand, how often the appliance is used and maintained, etc.
How Often Should I Clean My Dishwasher?
Running your dishwasher is not the same as cleaning it. Deep cleaning your dishwasher seasonally will help it perform to the best of its ability. It’s a quick and easy process, especially with the help of specialty formulated dishwasher cleaning pods.
The filter inside your dishwasher should also be cleaned about twice a year. If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly or your dishes come out dirty, you might need to clean your dishwasher filter.