Common Dishwasher Problems
The dishwasher is a life-saver for busy families. They allow you to spend less time post pasta night standing at the sink, and more time being with your loved ones or getting other things on your to-do list done!
So, when something goes wrong with the dishwasher, it’s glaringly noticeable. From dirty dishes to a machine that won’t start at all, here are some common dishwasher problems and what the solution might be.
Dishes Come Out Dirty
If your dishes are coming out of the cycle still covered in bits and scraps of food, there’s something fishy going on inside. Afterall, a dishwasher washes dishes, right?
If this is happening, there could be a dirty component within the machine. Check the strain screen, door gasket, and sprayer arms for grease, food particles, or hard water mineral build-up. Clean away any of this debris and run an empty cycle with soap to give it a final good clean.
It’s also important to make sure there is no dish obstructing the sprayer arms from rotating during the cycle. If your dishes continue to come out spotty, consider using a pre-wash or rinsing agent!
Dishes Come Out Wet
This problem usually means there is an issue with your heating element. Not only does the heating element dry your dishes, it also heats them up to the FDA recommended temperature of 171° F to kill off harmful bacteria.
A new heating coil may be your solution here.
It Leaks
Small or large, a leak from your dishwasher should be addressed immediately as it could cause worse damage to the rest of your kitchen. Leaks could be caused by:
- Cracks, damage, or debris on the door or door gasket
- A faulty or stuck float switch
- Damaged drainage hose
- Bad heating gaskets
- Defective pump or pump seal
Check these items for damage and replace parts as needed. If these fixes are a little over your head, you can always call a technician to diagnose and solve the problem for you!
It Has a Consistent Smell
A smelly kitchen is never appetizing. If the smell seems to be coming from your dishwasher, it could be old, wet food lingering. It’s easy to get into the mindset that since your dishwasher is constantly cleaning other things, it will clean itself.
However, it’s important to remember that you should be cleaning your dishwasher every once in a while to avoid food build-up and bad odors.
Plumbing Services in Long Island
A drain cleaning could be just the refresher your dishwasher needs. For this and all other plumbing needs, call AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (516) 217-2196.