While dishwashers are among some of our most important kitchen appliances, faulty models can largely be fixed without calling for repair. Here are few tips on how to repair your dishwasher that you can handle and remedy in just a few steps – with no prior knowledge of dishwasher repair required.
If you try the below tips and the problem still persists you may need a new dishwasher. You can read our latest reviews here on the Best Dishwashers.
My Dishes Aren’t Cleaning Properly!
If you’ve invested in a dishwasher, you don’t want to have to wash everything again by hand
- Many issues relating to this sort of problem can be related to the dishwasher cleaner you are using, if you are scraping crockery correctly before loading. Do double check silverware and cutlery isn’t dropping through.
- Switch off your supply and disconnect the spray arm and clean it thoroughly. It should twist off easily – and remove any debris it may have collected with a pair of pliers.
- Clean your valve screen. Switch off both electric and water supplies and remove both the lower panels of your dishwasher and the valve itself. You’ll then need to carefully disconnect wiring and remove the screen for cleaning.
- Clean your float switch. This is easily done – your float should be found low down in the front of your unit – and make sure to clean it carefully with a brush. A clogged float can create many faulty dishwasher problems.
Dishwasher Not Draining Properly?
- Remove from the electrical supply and check for any kinks or strains on the drain hose for blockages.
- Check for sink or drain clogs – these can commonly cause dishwasher drainage issues.
- Clean out the air gap towards the very top of your sink with a wire, being careful as you do so.
- Remove the dishwasher’s internal hub cap and spray arm before carefully lifting out and scrubbing the strainer.
- You may need to flush out your drain hose or replace your valve altogether – if you are not confident in doing this, always call a specialist!
My Dishwasher Isn’t Filling!
- Check your water supply – as a non-filling dishwasher will likely be affected by any problems to be found at this particular end. Make sure it’s turned on, and then power off your dishwasher and allow it to cool.
- The water inlet valve needs to be shut off – find it towards the front and at the bottom of the dishwasher unit.
- Disassemble the valve and clean the screen behind it – before reassembling. If problems persist, certain parts may need replacing.
Dishwasher is Over Filling
- You will need access to a multimeter – which can be used to detect electrical problems – and this is used to make sure the float switch is operating correctly. After turning off and unplugging the unit, lift up the float switch inside the dishwasher and clean any parts or internals where possible.
- Use your multimeter by attaching the two points to the float switch terminals – it should read ‘0’ when dropped, and ‘infinity’ when lifted.
- If you don’t get these readings – it’s time for a replacement. Contact your local DIY home specialist or a white goods repair expert for further support where needed.
