Dishwashers are incredibly convenient — until they aren’t. If your dishwasher isn’t draining, leaking water, or making strange noises, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common dishwasher problems and show you how to fix them safely at home.
Whether it’s a clogged drain or a malfunctioning valve, here’s how to troubleshoot issues before calling in a professional plumber.
1. Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning Dishes Properly? Here’s What to Check
One of the most common dishwasher problems is that the dishwasher stops cleaning the dishes properly. You may be experiencing this problem due to dirty filters, an obstructed spray arm, or incorrect dish loading.
Potential Causes
Dirty Filters
If your dishwasher’s filters are dirty, it can restrict water flow and prevent the dishwasher from cleaning properly.
Solution: Cleaning or replacing the filters should solve the problem.
Obstructed Spray Arm
The spray arm is what sprays water onto the dishes to clean them. If something obstructs it, the dishwasher may not clean correctly.
Solution: Clearing the obstruction in your dishwasher should solve the problem.
Incorrect Loading
If you don’t load your dishwasher correctly, the water and detergent can’t reach all the dishes, and they won’t get clean.
Solution: Consult your dishwasher’s manual for proper loading instructions.
2. The dishwasher leaves spots on the dishes.
Another common dishwasher problem is that the dishwasher leaves spots on dishes. This problem can be caused by hard water, incorrect detergent, or dirty filters.
Potential Causes
Hard Water
If you have hard water, it can leave spots on dishes after using the dishwasher.
Solution: There are many ways to solve this problem, such as using a water softener. Contact Watters Plumbing to help with this!
Incorrect Detergent
If you’re using the wrong kind of dishwasher detergent, it can leave spots on dishes.
Solution: Consult your dishwasher’s manual for the recommended type of detergent to use.
Dirty Filters
As we mentioned, dirty filters can restrict water flow and prevent the dishwasher from cleaning properly.
Solution: Cleaning or replacing the dishwasher filters should solve the problem.
3. Dishwasher smells bad
Another common dishwasher problem that many people face is the dishwasher starting to smell bad. This problem is usually caused by food particles and grease build-up, mold growth, or a bad hose.
Potential Causes
Food Particles
When food particles are not effectively rinsed off dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, they can accumulate in the dishwasher’s filter, spray arms, and other components. Over time, these food particles can decompose and emit foul odors, resulting in a smelly dishwasher.
Solution: To eliminate odor caused by food particles in your dishwasher, start by thoroughly cleaning the dishwasher, ensuring all trapped food debris is removed. Moving forward, be sure to rinse off your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher to eliminate the food particles throughout the appliance.
Mold Growth
Mold growth in a dishwasher can lead to a foul smell due to the warm and moist environment that promotes mold proliferation. When leftover food particles and moisture are not properly cleaned or dried, mold can thrive on various surfaces.
Solution: To eliminate the odor caused by mold growth in your dishwasher, regularly clean and disinfect all dishwasher components, including the rubber seals, using a solution of bleach and water, ensuring to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, to effectively kill mold spores and prevent their recurrence.
Other Common Dishwasher Problems
These are just a few of the most common dishwasher problems and their solutions. If you’re having other issues with your dishwasher, contact Watters Plumbing for help! Watters Plumbing services all of Northeastern Wisconsin for plumbing needs. We will thoroughly investigate your plumbing service needs to provide you with the best options and prices possible!
