Dishwasher Not Working? Fort Worth Experts Have Solutions

Dishwashers are supposed to be super convenient, and for the most part, they are. They take on load after load of dishes after big family gatherings and can be conveniently run at night. But no one wants to wake up to a puddle of soapy water all over their floor. If you have noticed your dishwasher not working properly in the last few days, you might need help from our local Fort Worth appliance repair team. Until then, Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth has created this handy dishwasher troubleshooting guide to diagnose ten common dishwasher problems. Who knows? You might even fix them before you need to call us. So, keep reading to see how your dishwasher problems can be identified with these simple troubleshooting steps.

Here Are 10 Common Dishwasher Problems and How To Troubleshoot Them

We’ve compiled a list of ten common problems you may face with your dishwasher. We’ll explain them and give you solutions that you can tackle on your own. Some can be more complicated than others and require professional dishwasher repair. When that happens, you can always count on us to get the job done right the first time.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly

If your dishwasher is not cleaning properly, you are probably frustrated, and rightfully so; that is basically its whole job. If you are noticing food particles, soap scum, or hard water stains on your dishes after you run a dishwasher cycle, even if you've already scraped off the food waste, there is a problem with your dishwasher. It is probably due to clogged dishwasher spray arms, dirty filters, improper loading, or detergent issues. Clean your spray arms, ensure proper loading of your dishes—consult the dishwasher manual—and consider using a rinse aid for better drying and cleaning.

Dishwasher Not Draining Correctly

Standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher may indicate a clogged drain hose, a faulty pump, or blockages in the drain filter. These prevent water from properly leaving the dishwasher after a cycle. In this case, remove the filter to clean it out. Then, check and clean the drain hose of any debris. It could be why your dishwasher is not working correctly or draining properly.

Dishwasher Not Filling With Water

One of the signs you have a dishwasher not working correctly is that the unit will not fill with water, which makes it hard to clean dishes properly. In most cases, this is an issue with the water inlet valve; it could be clogged or damaged, causing water to be blocked from entering the dishwasher. Another issue can be an improperly closed dishwasher door due to faulty door seals. If the door is closed properly and your unit still won't fill with water, it could be the overfill protection float. Check for obstructions in the inlet valve and the float, and clear them out before running your unit again.

Cycle Will Not Start

If you attempt to run the dishwasher, and it won't start its cycle, there are a few reasons your dishwasher is not working correctly. If your dishwasher won't start, the first problem could be a power issue. Check that your dishwasher is plugged in and the circuit breaker is on. It could also be your control panel or door switch causing the problem. In both cases, check the panel and switch and look for cracks or any signs of damage. If they aren't the problem, it could be an electrical issue; in that case, contact a professional to avoid potential injury or electric shock.

You Have a Leaky Dishwasher

If your dishwasher runs and leaks all over your floor, it may be due to a loose water inlet hose. It brings the water supply into your unit; check if it is loose or has any signs of damage. If that doesn't resolve the issue, the door seal may be the issue. Check for signs of damage or cracked seals because that may be causing water to leak from the unit onto your floor. Tighten those hoses and replace your door seals.

Strange Noises During Operation

If your unit is cleaning your dishes properly but making a lot of noise while doing it, there are a few reasons it could be banging away. Check for loose or damaged parts, such as the spray arms or the water pump. The issue could also lie with an internal component. After you've inspected and replaced the visible components, if the issues persist, call a professional for dishwasher repair.

Detergent Not Dispensing

If your dishwasher isn't cleaning your dishes properly because the dishwasher detergent isn't dispensing, it could be because you're using the incorrect detergent. Consult your unit's manual for instructions on which detergents it works best with. The other issue could be that the dispenser may be clogged. Clear out the dispenser and ensure it functions correctly by running a test cycle.

Faulty Buttons or Controls

You should always check the manual for more information about your unit's buttons and controls. However, faulty buttons and controls could be why your dishwasher isn't working correctly. In most cases, this is a problem with the unit's control panel, but take a second to check the power cable to make sure it is plugged in. If the buttons are not working, you'll need a professional to handle the complex electrical repairs or control panel replacement.

Foul Odor Inside the Dishwasher

If your dishwasher smells, it could be due to mold and mildew growth within the unit. You don't want that smell coming off onto the dishes in the dishwasher. Instead, clean the unit thoroughly with vinegar and water or a specialty dishwasher tablet to remedy the problem. Make sure you dry it properly!

Dishwasher Stops Mid-Cycle

Is your dishwasher not working correctly and stopping mid-cycle? If you load the dishes properly and ensure the door is closed, it could be connected to the dishwasher door interlock switch or the power supply. In the case of the door latch, check it and look for any signs of warping or damage. You'll need to replace the door switch or latch to get the unit to run through the cycle. If the problem lies with a faulty power supply or cord, you'll need to consult a professional.

Get the Expert Dishwasher Repair Fort Worth, TX Needs—Call Mr. Appliance Today.

We hope you enjoyed our guide on troubleshooting common dishwasher problems. We hope it helps you get cleaner dishes. If any of the steps do not resolve your issues, you can count on the experts at Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth to diagnose and fix the issue. We have years of experience providing reliable appliance repairs. Whatever your dishwasher needs, from replacing your filter to repairing complex components and offering reliable maintenance advice, we have your back.

Call us today for reliable appliance services you can count on.