3 Common Dishwasher Faults

Published On 24th November 2023
3 Common Dishwasher Faults

3 Dishwasher Faults and How To Resolve Them

Most dishwasher faults are due to small errors that can be easily resolved without having to call in a technician. Being aware of these faults and how to rectify them will help you get back on track without having the nightmare of washing your dishes by hand while you wait for the technician to arrive.

Of course, that does not mean you should attempt any major repair work on your dishwasher. Unless you have some knowledge about appliance repair, it is inadvisable to attempt any major DIY repair yourself.

Here are 3 of the most common dishwasher breakdown faults and what to look for when this happens to you.


1. The dishes do not look as clean as you would like them to!

There could be several reasons for getting poor results from your appliance. The best way to identify the problem is by the elimination process.

First take another look at the load patterns. Are you loading your dishwasher as recommended? Are you overloading it with too many dishes? All dishwashers have a maximum capacity. If you put in too many dishes at a time, it will be impossible for the machine to work as efficiently as it should. Also, make sure you using enough dishwashing liquid for your load.

If you are loading the dishwasher correctly and using sufficient dishwashing liquid, take a look at the spray arms. These sometimes get blocked so the water does not spray out as it should and the dishes do not get cleaned out properly.

If it is none of the above, you need to call in a technician as it could be one of several internal problems such as pressure loss or a faulty motor capacitor.


2. Water is leaking from underneath or the door of the dishwasher

If you find water on your kitchen floor while your dishwasher is running, the first thing you need to do is identify where the water is leaking from. In most cases you will find that the water will leak from the door or from under the appliance.

Check the door seal and see if there is any spot where the seal has been compromised. If the seal seems okay, you will need to explore other possibilities.

Did you use the correct detergent and in the right quantity? Some detergents tend to foam too much and result in a leak. Using too much detergent (even if it is the right type) can also result in excess foam, which has to find a way out.

Other reasons for a leak, for which you will have to call in a professional, include:

  •  Faulty or split spray arms
  •  Hose failure
  •  Defective pump


3 . The water does not drain out

Different dishwasher models have different drainage systems. Depending on your model, the water may be unable to drain out because of a problem within the pump or house plumbing. In most cases, the reason for the water being unable to drain out is because there is something stuck in the drain pump or because the drain pump has gotten damaged.

If the drain pump seems clear and undamaged but the water still does not drain out it could be because of a fault in the main recirculation motor or because there is an object stuck in the housing of the main recirculation impeller. If it is the latter, you will need to call a technician to resolve the problem.

To recap – most dishwashing problems are because of minor faults. Before you call in a professional to sort it out, take time to identify where the fault lies so you can try and fix it yourself. As mentioned earlier, only attempt minor fault fixing. If it looks like the problem could be major, it is safer to get professional help.


Dishwasher Faults - What Next

Being aware of common dishwasher faults and how to rectify them will help you get back on track without having the nightmare of washing your dishes by hand while you wait for the technician to arrive. However, it is inadvisable to attempt any major DIY repair yourself. If you have a major problem with your dishwasher, it is safest to call in a qualified technician to fix it.

Dishwasher insurance is a specialized form of coverage that provides cover for one of the most essential kitchen appliances. It safeguards against unforeseen issues and breakdowns that can disrupt daily routines and household chores. 

Explore expert tips and methods for achieving optimal cleanliness with your dishwasher. Discover top-notch cleaning strategies and maintenance advice on our dedicated dishwasher care blog. 

Explore practical tips and troubleshooting techniques for fixing common dishwasher issues. Find step-by-step guidance to effectively address problems and restore your dishwasher's functionality on our comprehensive repair tips.