Is your dishwasher not draining?
Maybe it’s leaking, leaving dishes dirty or refusing to start.
Before replacing your dishwasher, find out what’s actually wrong.
Many dishwasher problems can be repaired. However, the symptom you see doesn’t always tell you which part has failed.
That’s why proper diagnosis matters.
At Starfix Appliance Repair, we provide dishwasher repair throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
Before spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a new dishwasher, let’s look at 10 common problems.
1. Dishwasher Is Not Draining 💧
You open the dishwasher after the cycle.
There is still water sitting at the bottom.
Does that mean you need a new dishwasher?
Absolutely not.
There are several possible causes.
These can include:
• Blocked filter
• Clogged drain hose
• Kinked drain hose
• Drain pump problem
• Check valve problem
• Food or debris in the drainage system
• Plumbing or drain connection problem
First, check the filter if your manufacturer’s instructions allow you to remove it.
Food, labels, broken glass and other debris can collect in this area.
However, if water continues to remain after a cycle, the dishwasher may need professional diagnosis.
Remember:
Standing water is the symptom. The real question is why the water isn’t draining.
2. Dishwasher Is Running but Not Cleaning the Dishes 🍽️
Your dishwasher completes the cycle.
However, the dishes still come out dirty.
Before replacing the dishwasher, check a few simple things.
First, make sure dishes aren’t blocking the spray arms.
Next, inspect the filter.
Also, check the visible spray-arm openings for debris.
If everything looks normal, another problem may exist.
Possible causes include:
• Blocked spray arms
• Circulation pump problems
• Low water flow
• Water inlet problems
• Heating problems
• Sensor problems
• Filter restrictions
• Electronic control problems
A dishwasher needs water, circulation, detergent and the correct operating conditions.
If one part of that process isn’t working, cleaning performance can suffer.
Therefore, poor cleaning doesn’t automatically mean your dishwasher needs replacement.
3. Dishwasher Is Leaking 💦
A leaking dishwasher should never be ignored.
Water can damage:
• Flooring
• Cabinets
• Baseboards
• Drywall
• Areas underneath the dishwasher
However, the location of the water doesn’t always identify the source.
Water can travel.
Possible causes include:
• Door gasket problems
• Water inlet connections
• Drain hose problems
• Internal hoses
• Pump or pump seal problems
• Loose connections
• Overfilling
• Spray problems
• Tub damage
If possible, take photos before cleaning up the water.
Also, pay attention to when the leak happens.
Does it leak while filling?
During the wash cycle?
While draining?
That information can help the technician diagnose the problem.
Most importantly, don’t continue operating a dishwasher that is actively leaking.
4. Dishwasher Won’t Start 🚨
You press Start.
Nothing happens.
Before assuming the dishwasher has reached the end of its life, check the basics.
✔ Does the dishwasher have power?
✔ Has the breaker tripped?
✔ Is the door completely closed?
✔ Is Control Lock turned on?
✔ Is Delay Start activated?
✔ Is there an error code?
If those checks don’t solve the problem, further diagnosis may be required.
Possible causes can include:
• Door latch
• Door switch
• Electronic controls
• Wiring
• Power supply
• Sensors
• Other electrical components
Modern dishwashers use many electronic components.
Therefore, don’t start replacing parts based on guesses.
A dishwasher that appears completely dead may still have a repairable problem.
5. Dishwasher Is Not Filling With Water 🚰
A dishwasher needs the correct amount of water to operate.
If the machine starts but doesn’t fill properly, several things could be happening.
Possible causes include:
• Water supply problem
• Water inlet valve
• Float problem
• Sensor problem
• Door switch problem
• Electronic control problem
First, check that the water supply hasn’t accidentally been turned off.
If the water supply is available, further testing may be required.
Again, the symptom alone doesn’t tell you which part has failed.
6. Dishwasher Is Making a Strange Noise 🔊
Dishwashers make noise during normal operation.
You may hear water moving, pumps operating and the dishwasher draining.
However, pay attention when the sound suddenly changes.
Listen for:
• Grinding
• Buzzing
• Rattling
• Humming
• Clicking
• Squealing
• Banging
Sometimes the cause is simple.
For example, a utensil may be touching a spray arm.
However, a new noise can also indicate a problem with a pump, motor or another component.
Here’s one of our favourite tips:
📱 Record the sound with your phone.
The dishwasher may stop making the noise before the technician arrives.
A short recording can provide an important diagnostic clue.
7. Dishwasher Is Not Drying the Dishes 🌡️
Are your dishes still wet after the cycle?
First, check the cycle and drying settings.
Also, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for loading and rinse aid.
However, pay attention if the dishwasher used to dry properly and suddenly stopped.
Possible causes can involve:
• Heating system
• Temperature sensor
• Venting system
• Fan
• Electronic controls
• Cycle settings
Different dishwasher models use different drying systems.
Therefore, proper diagnosis depends on the model and how that dishwasher was designed to operate.
8. Dishwasher Detergent Isn’t Dissolving 🫧
You open the dishwasher.
The detergent tablet is still sitting there.
Or perhaps the dispenser didn’t open.
Before blaming the dishwasher, check whether a large dish or pan blocked the detergent door.
If not, possible causes can include:
• Damaged dispenser
• Poor water circulation
• Blocked spray arm
• Water temperature problem
• Water inlet problem
• Dishwasher not filling correctly
The detergent problem may actually be a symptom of another problem.
Therefore, replacing the dispenser without diagnosis may not solve anything.
9. Dishwasher Is Showing an Error Code 💡
Modern dishwashers often display error codes.
That’s useful.
However:
An error code is a clue. It isn’t always a complete diagnosis.
For example, your dishwasher may detect a drainage problem.
That doesn’t automatically mean the drain pump has failed.
The actual cause could be:
• A blockage
• A hose problem
• A pump problem
• A sensor problem
• Another component
Write down the complete error code.
Also, find the dishwasher’s model number.
Then, give both pieces of information to your technician.
Don’t order a replacement part simply because an internet search connects that part to the error code.
👉 Learn more in our guide: Appliance Error Code Troubleshooting
10. Dishwasher Smells Bad 👃
Does your dishwasher smell like old food or stagnant water?
Start with the filter.
Food and debris can collect there over time.
Also, look for standing water.
Possible causes of dishwasher odours include:
• Dirty filters
• Trapped food
• Standing water
• Drainage problems
• Drain hose problems
• Buildup inside the dishwasher
Cleaning may solve the problem.
However, if the smell quickly returns, there may be an underlying drainage issue.
Again, don’t replace the dishwasher because of the symptom.
Find the cause first.
🛠️ What Can You Check Before Calling for Dishwasher Repair?
There are several basic checks you can make safely.
Depending on your dishwasher and the manufacturer’s instructions, check:
✔ Power
✔ Circuit breaker
✔ Door closure
✔ Control Lock
✔ Delay Start
✔ Visible food blocking the spray arms
✔ Filter condition
✔ Standing water
✔ Error codes
✔ Obvious hose problems under the sink
Also, pay attention to exactly what the dishwasher does.
Does it fill?
Does it wash?
Does it drain?
At what point does it stop?
That information can be extremely helpful.
However, know when to stop.
Electrical systems, pumps, heating components and internal water connections may require professional testing.
📸 Want to Improve the Chances of a First-Visit Repair?
Help us understand the dishwasher before we arrive.
Provide:
✔ Brand
✔ Complete model number
✔ Error code
✔ Clear description of the problem
✔ Photos
✔ Videos
✔ Recording of unusual noises
For example, don’t simply tell us:
“My dishwasher is broken.”
Instead, tell us:
“The dishwasher fills and washes, but it doesn’t drain at the end of the cycle.”
That’s much more useful.
The model number is also important.
Different dishwasher models can use completely different parts.
The more information we have, the better prepared we can be.
👉 Learn more about how you can help us prepare for the first visit:
🔧 Why Dishwasher Repair May Require a Second Visit
We want to complete your dishwasher repair as efficiently as possible.
However, technicians cannot carry every part for every dishwasher.
There are thousands of brands, models and components.
Sometimes we need to diagnose the dishwasher first.
Then, our office researches the correct part.
Next, we prepare the repair quote.
Once you approve the repair and the part becomes available, we arrange the return visit.
A second visit doesn’t automatically mean something went wrong.
Sometimes your dishwasher simply requires a model-specific part.
👉 Learn more about why appliance repairs sometimes require a second visit:
Some components may also need to be specially ordered.
👉 Learn more about special-order appliance parts:
⚠️ Can Your Dishwasher Have More Than One Problem?
Yes.
It doesn’t happen with every repair. However, an appliance can sometimes have more than one problem.
More importantly, one failed component can occasionally hide another problem.
Imagine that your dishwasher doesn’t power on.
The technician diagnoses a confirmed electrical failure.
However, because the dishwasher can’t operate, the technician cannot fully test the wash, heat and drain cycles.
First, the confirmed problem must be repaired.
Then, the dishwasher can operate again.
At that point, another issue may become visible.
We call this a cascading appliance issue.
It doesn’t necessarily mean the original diagnosis was wrong.
Instead, the first problem may have prevented further testing.
👉 We explain this in detail here:
💰 Before Replacing Your Dishwasher, Get It Diagnosed
This is probably the most important part of this article.
A broken dishwasher doesn’t automatically need to be replaced.
A dishwasher that won’t drain may have a drainage problem.
A dishwasher that won’t start may have an electrical problem.
A dishwasher that leaves dishes dirty may have a circulation problem.
A dishwasher that isn’t drying may have a heating-related problem.
Those symptoms don’t tell you whether the dishwasher is worth replacing.
Diagnosis gives you that information.
Before making the decision, consider:
• Age of the dishwasher
• Overall condition
• Repair history
• Cost of the repair
• Cost of replacement
• Availability of parts
• Quality of the existing dishwasher
A dishwasher that needs one reasonable repair may have plenty of useful life remaining.
On the other hand, an older dishwasher with repeated failures may be different.
That’s why our approach is simple:
Diagnose first. Understand the repair. Then decide.
🔩 Should You Buy Your Own Dishwasher Parts?
Some customers want to purchase their own replacement parts.
Starfix allows customer-supplied appliance parts under certain conditions.
However, there are important differences.
After the inspection, we identify the recommended part.
If you decide to supply that part yourself, let us know before proceeding.
We can then prepare an updated labour-only quote.
Remember, customer-supplied parts are not covered by Starfix’s parts warranty.
Additional labour may also apply if a customer-supplied part is defective or needs to be removed and replaced.
👉 Read our complete customer-supplied parts policy:
🏢 Dishwasher Repair for Property Managers
A broken dishwasher in a rental property creates another problem for the property manager.
Someone needs to contact the tenant.
Someone needs to arrange access.
Someone needs to diagnose the dishwasher.
Then, the property manager needs enough information to decide whether to repair or replace it.
Starfix can help coordinate the process.
We can assist with:
✔ Tenant scheduling
✔ Dishwasher diagnosis
✔ Clear repair quotes
✔ Parts research
✔ Parts ordering
✔ Return appointments when required
✔ Communication with the property manager
The goal is simple.
Give the property manager the information needed to make a decision without having to manage every step of the service call.
📍 Dishwasher Repair Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley
Starfix Appliance Repair provides dishwasher repair throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
Our service area includes:
West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Delta, Tsawwassen, Surrey, South Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Langley City, Langley Township, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Mission, Abbotsford, Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Sardis, Rosedale, Agassiz, Harrison Mills and Ruby Creek.
Therefore, if you’re searching for:
Dishwasher repair Vancouver
Dishwasher repair Burnaby
Dishwasher repair Richmond
Dishwasher repair Surrey
Dishwasher repair South Surrey
Dishwasher repair White Rock
Dishwasher repair Langley
Dishwasher repair Coquitlam
Dishwasher repair Maple Ridge
Dishwasher repair Abbotsford
Dishwasher repair Chilliwack
Starfix provides dishwasher repair service across the region.
From West Vancouver to Chilliwack, we’re ready to help.
📞 Before Replacing Your Dishwasher, Find Out What’s Wrong
If your dishwasher isn’t working, don’t immediately assume you need a new one.
Is it:
💧 Not draining?
💦 Leaking?
🍽️ Leaving dishes dirty?
🚨 Not starting?
🚰 Not filling?
🔊 Making strange noises?
🌡️ Not drying?
💡 Showing an error code?
Start with the problem.
Then find the cause.
Before replacing your dishwasher, find out whether it can be repaired.
Starfix Appliance Repair provides professional dishwasher diagnosis and repair throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
📞 Call Starfix Appliance Repair: 604-900-2105
🌐 Visit Starfix.ca
If you need dishwasher repair Lower Mainland, give us the brand, model number and a detailed description of the problem when you call.
The more information we have before the appointment, the better prepared we can be.
