Dishwasher not working? Don’t panic.
It’s annoying when an appliance doesn’t operate as it should, and no one likes washing up by hand when you’re used to a dishwasher doing the dirty work for you.
But the good news is that there’s often a simple explanation – and solution – for common dishwasher issues. And even if there’s not, it’s likely a quick, professional fix can get your dishwasher up and running again.
So, when it comes to dishwasher troubleshooting, what are the most common culprits?
1. ‘My dishwasher won’t start’
It’s worrying when you switch on your dishwasher and nothing happens. First, check that a fuse hasn’t blown. If it has, a simple fuse replacement is all you need.
If it’s not the fuse, check the dishwasher door, particularly the latch mechanism that closes it and keeps it shut. If this is broken or worn out, and the door cannot be kept securely closed, the dishwasher may not start.
You might have to remove the control panel inside the dishwasher door to access the latch mechanism, and replace it with a new latch if needed. Depending on the model, this can be fairly simple to do yourself, or you may prefer to call in the experts to fix the dishwasher latch.
2. ‘Dishes aren’t coming out clean’
Dishwashers have one important job to do, and when plates, dishes and cutlery are not being cleaned, it’s frustrating to say the least. Luckily, it can often be easily solved.
A common cause is overloading the dishwasher, or not rinsing leftover food off plates before popping them in. Check whether anything is restricting the spinning spray arms and preventing certain items being washed properly.
Think about when you last cleaned your dishwasher. Residue or debris build-up inside the machine could cause it to perform poorly. Cleaning the machine can usually be done using just vinegar, baking soda and a toothbrush, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you’re spotting water marks on otherwise clean dishes, try using rinse aid. And if you live in a hard water area, consider switching to a dedicated hard water detergent, to avoid dishes emerging covered in white residue.
3. ‘My dishwasher is leaking’
A leaky dishwasher is often caused by the door not sealing properly. This could be due to physical damage or cracks, or something getting in the way of the door gasket, which runs around the outside of the door to seal it shut.
Inspect the rubber gasket carefully. If it’s very worn, or you spot cracks or other damage, you’ll need to replace it. This is fairly straightforward to do yourself, but for ease, you may prefer to get an expert in.
Or it could be a problem with the float switch, which regulates the water levels in the dishwasher. If this is stuck in the wrong position, the machine could overfill and leak. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the float – found on the bottom of the dishwasher – and give it a good clean to remove anything that could cause it to get stuck.
If you’ve tried these fixes but still have problems, book an appointment with one of our qualified engineers and get your dishwasher repaired within 48 hours.