Hand-washing dishes is the last thing you want to do after a big meal.
Fortunately, we now have innovative dishwashers that not only leave your pots and pans sparkling clean but are designed to work quietly. But, like every other appliance in the house, dishwashers need some maintenance from time to time.
Apart from general maintenance and temporary hardware issues, an old dishwasher standing on its last legs may stop functioning. Depending on the diagnosis, you may have to either repair or replace the appliance.
So, how do you know that your dishwasher needs extra attention? Read on to find out what our experts in dishwasher repairs Sutherland Shire say on the topic.
7 Signs Your Dishwasher Needs To Be Repaired
1. Not Enough Water In The Dishwasher
Most modern dishwashers are equipped with sensors that signal the machine to pump water to begin a cycle. So, if the appliance fails to pump in water, the issue may be a faulty or dirty sensor. In either case, the best solution would be to call in an expert, as the related repair and replacement jobs require opening up the unit.
2. Water Not Draining Out
Apart from pumping in water, the device sensor is responsible for initiating the draining of water from the dishwasher. So, you may need to call in an expert to check the appliance part if the dishwasher doesn’t drain. Alternatively, the issue could be a broken drain pump, which your local plumber can quickly troubleshoot.
But before you hire a professional, check that the drainpipe isn’t clogged with food particles and other small objects. In such a case, clearing the blockage with a solution of equal parts vinegar and baking soda may do the trick.
3. Dishes Are Coming Out Cold
Dishwashers rely on a technology that sprays hot water to clean dishes. In fact, these appliances typically maintain the correct water temperature required to sanitise dishes, making them too hot for your hands to handle.
So, when the dishes come out of the dishwasher, they should feel uncomfortably warm to the touch. In case they come out cold, the issue may be a faulty heating coil at the bottom of the unit.
Here, you will need to hire professional help to fix the broken part. On a side note, remember that heating elements can be expensive to replace or fix and upgrading to a new unit may be more cost-efficient in the long run.
4. Water Leaking On The Kitchen Floor
Water leaking on the kitchen floor is a telltale sign that it’s time to turn off the water supply and call a plumber immediately. More often than not, water escapes the unit because of old or broken door seals that prevent the door from latching. And if you’re lucky, you can quickly fix this issue by installing a replacement part.
However, before you call an expert to examine the issue, check that the dishwasher is not overloaded, thus preventing the door from closing.
5. Water Leaking On The Machine Floor
A pool of water that has collected on the floor of the machine indicates a drainage issue. First off, you should check that the drainage pipes are not clogged by pouring a cleaning solution down the pipe. Alternatively, you can fish out the blockage with a wire coat hanger bent in a U-shape. Also, you should check for clogs in the garbage disposal drainage line.
If there are no physical blockages, the drainage system may have malfunctioned. In such cases, you will need to call a maintenance specialist or go shopping for a replacement machine.
6. Dirty Dishes
There’s no doubt that a dishwasher that fails to perform its primary function is in need of attention. So, if you find food residue on your dishes after a wash cycle, don’t ignore the sign and immediately get to the root of the problem.
Fortunately, dirty dishes do not always call for replacements or repairs. Sometimes, operation errors, such as rinsing the dishes, may interfere with the functions of the dishwasher. But modern dishwasher soaps are designed to be most effective when used without rinsing.
Furthermore, the residue could be hard water, caked-on food, or leftovers from a previous cycle that got stuck to the drain screens, filters, and other parts. So, consider thoroughly cleaning the entire unit before you start worrying. This includes cleaning the spray arm and rinsing the filter in hot, soapy water.
7. Old Dishwasher Model
If your dishwasher is more than ten years old, it’s safe to say that the machine is past its prime. As a result, you may see regular signs of wear and tear, such as rust, cracks, and so on.
For the most part, signs of rusting on the exterior indicate that there is water damage, which may be expensive to repair. On the other hand, rust on the inside could mean that a part has broken away and the underlying metal is deteriorating. Nevertheless, rusting on the interiors is worrisome as the flakes can contaminate dishes.
But before you call a plumber, consider putting citric acid in the soap container and running the dishwasher on empty. If that doesn’t clear the rusting issue, be prepared for a repair job or replacement.
Final Words
Dishwashers are resilient appliances that can last for a decade or even more. However, if your dishwasher is over ten years old and giving you frequent problems, it’s perhaps time to buy a new one.
Fortunately, investing in a new model is an excellent idea as you can upgrade to an advanced, noiseless and energy-efficient unit that will decrease your utility bills. But if your dishwasher is relatively new, staying alert and catching the warning signs we listed can prolong its life.
Anyhow, letting any underlying issues simmer can worsen the problem, leading to more expensive repair jobs or unnecessary replacements. So, if you notice any of these signs and require dishwasher repairs in Sutherland Shire, don’t hesitate to call in the experts.
