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The dishwasher: modern miracle or pain in the backside? For many of us, the answer changes almost daily. When they work well, dishwashers are definitely a gift from above. When they don’t work well (or at all), it can be very frustrating, especially if you are not familiar with their mechanisms of action. If your dishwasher is being obstinate, try some of these helpful tips and tricks for troubleshooting this appliance. Dishwasher Will Not Start By now, you probably already know the first step: check to see if the dishwasher is plugged in. Typically the outlet is located under the sink (this may also be where your garbage disposer plugs in), although it may be directly wired in, in which case you will not readily locate a power cord. Once you have verified this, check the breaker or fuse box to make sure all is well there. Next, check to see if the door is closing tightly and latching, because the machine will not work otherwise. Dishwasher Does Not Clean To clean property, you dishwasher requires sufficiently hot water, the proper cleaning chemicals, and the unfettered action of the spray arms. Ensure that you load your dishwasher properly, per manufacturer’s instructions and with plenty of space between items. Make sure that the water temperature is suitably hot. Try turning the hot water on at the kitchen sink for a few seconds before starting the cycle. Ensure that you are using a fresh, name-brand detergent and rinse aid, and use the amount specified in your manual. Inspect the spray arms and bottom of the tub for debris. If the holes in the spray arms or drain pump areas are clogged, remove the offending debris. A wooden toothpick (used gently!) is a great trick for unclogging the holes in the spray arms. Dishwasher Does Not Drain First, make sure you haven’t interrupted the dishwasher mid-cycle. Check the manual for instructions on terminating a cycle, and try those steps. Failing that, it’s likely something’s stuck either in the drainage basket/screen in the back (bottom) of the tub, or that something is blocking the drain hose. Feel around for anything obvious but you may have to bail water out first. The drain basket is typically held in with two screws. Underneath the basket, you should find a screen (“flapper”). Gently clean both of these and remove any visible debris. A small hand mirror can be helpful to look around down below, as it will be difficult to access this area. If you do locate debris, this may be an indication that you are not sufficiently pre-rinsing your dishes. Take care to remove price stickers, etc. from your dishes, as these will certainly cause clogging troubles. If none of these tips work, your best bet is to contact someone who knows how to repair dishwashers, such as a local appliance repair service. Dishwasher problems can be minor and inexpensive to fix, but troubleshooting a dishwasher’s mechanical problems is best left to a professional. Your safety and the successful operation of your dishwasher are sure to result when you call in an experienced appliance repair technician.
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