A dishwasher is a very useful machine, and one that gets a lot of use! It’s also a machine that has a number of moving parts and electrical systems, and while one dishwasher may last a long time without problems, others will break down through natural wear and tear.

No components of this type are designed to last forever, so if you do have a problem with your dishwasher, it’s very possible that a simple replacement part may be the answer. There are other possible faults that can cause malfunction too, so let’s talk about the most commonly seen dishwasher faults, and what can be done to get your machine working again.

The Common Problems with Dishwashers

1: Leaking Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is leaking, it could be down to a number of possible problems. The three  main causes of a leaking dishwasher are a fully pump, damaged door, or leaking hose. Let’s talk about each.

The Pump – this is the device that circulates the water needed to wash your dishes. As an electrical and mechanical part, it will fail eventually, and may need replacing. You will find the pump behind a small panel at the base of the machine, and it should be easy to access and check. However, the chances are you’re not an expert on dishwasher pumps, so we recommend you call in the experts if you suspect this is your problem. A pump can usually be easily repaired or replaced, but that will depend on the age of the machine.

The Door – the door of your dishwasher is sealed by a rubber gasket, and this is the most likely cause of leaks via the door. If the rubber becomes brittle, it will crack and the seal will be broken. Even the smallest crack will mean a loss of water, and this should be easy to see – run the dishwasher, and watch if water emerges from the door. A gasket can be replaced easily – it may be a DIY job if you are competent – provided the parts are available for your make and model.

The Hose – the hose takes the water from your dishwasher to the outlet, and again it’s a perishable part. It could be that the hose itself is fine but the clamps that keep it in place have come loose – in which case new clamps can be fitted – or you may need a new hose. This should be a standard part for most dishwashers, so it may be a DIY job or if you prefer, get in touch with a dishwasher repair company for the best results.

Those are the three most common causes of a leaking dishwasher, and there can be many more, of which you can find more details here. Now let’s look at another problem – the machine will not start!

2: Dishwasher Will Not Run

The problems that can cause a dishwasher to refuse to run are varied, so here’s the most commonly seen faults.

The Door – it’s that door again! Your dishwasher won’t run if the door is not shut and sealed. There is an electronic sensor on the door latch that signals the motor to start when it is in place. This can become damaged or may fail. For electrical work, always get a dishwasher expert in. Also, check that there is nothing jamming the door – even the tiniest of gaps will prevent it from starting – by having a close look inside. All too often it’s something simple!

The Motor – listen for a humming noise when you try and switch the dishwasher on; if you can hear one, that’s the drive motor trying to get going – and failing! A dishwasher technician will be able to either fix or – more likely – replace the motor, if your machine is not discontinued and the parts are available.

Timer and Control Panel – quite often it can be a fault with the actual control panel and timer that causes the machine to stop running. You may even see an error code on the digital display. This is a fault that is not for DIY, so you do need to contact a repair company and have someone look at the machine – they will likely replace the control unit with a new one.

Before we move on to another potential problem, one further thing you should check: is the dishwasher plugged in, and is there power to it? Things can get switched off by accident, so if there are no lights or displays on the dishwasher, this could be your problem!

3: Dishwasher Not Cleaning

This is a problem that is frequently reported, and one that may be very simple to repair. Let’s check out the most commonly-seen faults that leave your dishes unwashed.

Blocked Filter – this is one of the most common problems with dishwashers. The filter is there to keep particles from getting into the system, and allow water through. You will find the filter close to the pumps, behind the access panel (your user handbook should guide you to it). If you find it is clogged with food and other stuff, take it out and give it a thorough wash, and you should solve the problem.

Broken Spray Arms – it should be easy to see if the spray arms are damaged, so have a good inspection of them. If you suspect this is your problem, you need to get an engineer out as it is a specialist job, and interfering yourself may invalidate your warranty.

The above are some of the most commonly seen problems that can occur with dishwashers, but it should be remembered they are not the only ones! These are machines with which, in time, there are plenty of parts to fail, and as we have already said no component will last a lifetime. If you are having problems with your dishwasher it’s worth contacting an expert who will be able to advise you as to whether it is possible – or financially viable – to repair your dishwasher.

With 2 hour and weekend slots available for your convenience, North London Appliance Repairs will notify you up to 30 minutes ahead of arrival to ensure that you don’t miss our visit, and our website even allows customers to track the status of their dishwasher repairs online.

With a 1 year parts and labour guarantee on every job, you can be sure that you’re in good hands with North London Appliance Repairs. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today for more information or to request a quote.