Dishwasher Repair
DISHWASHER
How To Fix It?
Have you been opening your dishwasher after running it, only to find half your dishes still dirty? Is your pre-wash rinse getting longer and longer? Having a dishwasher can be a huge convenience, but it can just as easily become a hassle if it’s not in good shape. That’s where Starfix’s appliance repair service comes in!
Although many common issues found in household dishwashers can be fixed by cleaning or replacing the drain screen or hose, it can be difficult to accurately diagnose the problem. Furthermore, more complex issues, such as a failing drain pump, motor, or soap dispenser, will usually need an experienced technician to identify, and specialized tools to fix.
Dishwasher Repair Solution
Common dishwasher problems
Thankfully, a dishwasher malfunction is usually easy to identify. Either your dishes come out still dirty (or sometimes dirtier than when they went in), you’re noticing a strange noise while it’s running, or perhaps it’s still full of water when you go to open the door. Other dishwasher issues we commonly run into through our work at Starfix include:
- Dishwasher is not draining out the water
If your dishwasher isn’t draining after a wash cycle, it could be because of a number of issues. Even just a little bit of water is cause for concern—you are not supposed to see any water after a cycle has been completed. If there’s still excessive water inside of the machine, it’s likely a sign of a more serious problem.
One reason for a dishwasher refusing to drain could be a blockage in the drain pump, usually created by food debris, pieces of broken glass, or any other item.
Assuming your dishwasher is receiving power as normal, and the knockout plug is working, the problem likely lies within your drain hose. This bit of hardware is responsible for emptying out the water at the end of the cycle. Although the concept of the drain hose is pretty straightforward, actually knowing how to access, diagnose, and repair a faulty hose is less simple.
A repair technician will pull your dishwasher out, and check the hose for kinks and physical damage. If the issue still isn’t clear, we’ll ensure the hose isn’t blocked by any food debris, which can pass through the drain screen if it’s not regularly cleaned. If this isn’t the issue, it could be that your drain hose is too long or is hanging down too low, causing the excess water to get backed up.
In the event these repairs don’t solve your issue, your drain hose may need to be replaced, which is a fairly straightforward repair when completed by a technician.
- Dishwasher is not filling with water properly
To clean just about anything, you’ll need two things: soap and water. When your dishwasher isn’t filling with water, it could point to a few problems with the machine. The most popular cause of them all is the water inlet valve, which may not be working correctly.
In the event these repairs don’t solve your issue, your drain hose may need to be replaced, which is a fairly straightforward repair when completed by a technician.
- Dishwasher won’t start a cycle
This is a problem that usually points to a few issues. If you go to start a dish cycle, and hear an unusual humming noise, it may mean several different things: a failed drain system or drain pump, a failed water inlet valve, or a failed main control board. These fixes should only be done by an experienced technician.
- The door's latch doesn't close properly
Perhaps one of the easiest dishwasher problems to diagnose yourself, a broken door latch can be a tricky fix for a typical homeowner. Often, a dishwasher door not latching means the striker plate is out of place, or perhaps the latch itself has become damaged due to normal wear and tear. In both cases, the hardware will need to be replaced.
- Dishwasher doesn’t clean dishes
One of the most frustratingly common dishwasher issues is when it isn’t able to do its one job—wash your dishes. This is sometimes solvable by changing your dish washing and rinsing procedures. You may need to do a better job scraping food bits off your plate before tossing it in the dishwasher. However, sometimes even the most thorough rinse results in dirty dishes. This often means an issue with the drain screen, or the filter in your dishwasher.
An experienced dishwasher repair person will be able to quickly identify the root issue, and help you solve it and get back to quick, easy, dish cleaning.
- Water leaking from the dishwasher
This dishwasher problem has the most potential for damaging the rest of your house, and is probably the most urgent repair to call in. In some cases, this just means you overfilled the washer. But if it’s happening most or every time you run it, it probably means the seals and gaskets responsible for keeping the water inside the dishwasher are starting to fail.
This is a tough DIY fix, and we highly recommend calling a professional to have a look at it straight away.
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About Starfix
Starfix serves the Lower Mainland area in repairs for major home appliances. If you’re experiencing any of the above issues with your residential dishwasher, it’s a good idea to get a professional diagnosis and fixes as soon as you can. With years of appliance repair experience under our tool belts, Starfix is more than equipped to fix your broken, leaking, or clogged dishwasher. Our top-level service extends to a number of home dishwasher brands, including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Amana, Bosch, AEG, KitchenAid, GE, Kenmore, Asko, Fisher & Paykel, Miele, Viking, Thermador, Electrolux, Frigidaire, and Maytag. If you’re ready to quit handwashing, give Starfix a call today!
