Dishwasher Not Working? 6 Signs You Need an Appliance Repair in Portland
Within three to four years of purchasing a new dishwasher, it has a 20 percent chance of breaking down. While that may not seem too bad, if you invest several hundred dollars in a new appliance, the last thing you expect is for it to stop working after a few years.
Unfortunately, this is a harsh fact of life. While modern appliances are built using innovative technology, there are also a lot of moving parts and components. As a result, there’s a higher likelihood of a total breakdown – sooner, rather than later that leads to your dishwasher not working as it should.
The good news is, most dishwashers don’t stop working suddenly. Instead, you are going to begin noticing signs that there is something wrong and that appliance service is needed.
Getting to know the signs of a problem is the best way to prevent a complete breakdown. Keep reading to learn about the most common signs of a problem with your dishwasher, here.
1. The Dishes Don’t Come out Hot
One of the most important factors in getting clean and germ-free dishes is the use of hot, sudsy water. This is true if you are washing the dishes by hand or putting them in your dishwasher. In fact, it’s necessary for the water to reach a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit to be fully sanitized.
If you take your dishes out of the dishwasher only to discover they aren’t steamy and toasty, then it could indicate a problem with the heating coil or the electric heater. This is what gets the water from your tap hot enough, so it can sanitize the load.
If this component is broken, it can be expensive to fix. In some cases, it may be better to invest in a new machine altogether.
2. A Broken Latch
Another problem that can indicate your dishwasher needs to be repaired is if the appliance doesn’t latch. This is an issue that many people are going to ignore and put off having fixed if their dishwasher is still running.
However, even if it seems as though the dishwasher is working properly, it’s very likely that the door isn’t sealing completely. This can cause sub-par cleaning. Eventually, it may even lead to a rather significant flood in your kitchen.
3. Your Dishwasher Is Old
The age of your dishwasher is a tell-tale sign that it may break down in the near future. If you have a unit that is more than 10 years old, then it is probably time to think about upgrading. This is especially true if you have a lower-end model.
Older models aren’t as efficient as their newer counterparts. As a result, upgrading to a new dishwasher can help you save money and reduce your electric and water costs.
4. You Have Noticed Rust
Once in a while, it’s a good idea to wipe the floor beneath your dishwasher using a paper towel or light-colored cloth. If you notice flakes of rust on the cloth, then it means that the water has begun to leak and that it is getting into areas where it should not be.
If there is rust on the interior of your dishwasher, see if it is caused by one of your dishes touching the tub. If that is the problem, then you can run an empty cycle using citric acid. That should fix the issue.
If the metal or the plastic has started to corrode and you have noticed rust, it is going to need a more significant repair. In some cases, a replacement will make more sense.
5. It Isn’t Draining Properly
If, after the dishwasher cycle has completed, you still notice a pool of water at the bottom of the dishwasher, then you need to investigate why. It may be that there’s an issue with the drain.
Before calling for repairs, make sure there isn’t any food or other debris blocking the drain. This can prevent the water from draining properly.
If you can’t see a problem, then it could be that the drain has crumbled or cracked. If this is the case, then the best solution is to replace the entire unit.
6. It’s Making Strange Noises
One of the most obvious signs of a problem with your dishwasher is if it has begun to make strange noises. This is a surefire sign that there is something wrong.
In most cases, odd sounds are going to be caused by the motor. If this is the case, then you should have the motor repairs or replaced. However, in some cases, this is more expensive than a new unit.
Be sure to contact a professional to determine if repair or replacement is the best option. In most cases, if the repairs are close to the cost of a new unit, it makes more sense to go ahead and replace your dishwasher.
Dishwasher Not Working? Don’t Wait to Call for Help
A dishwasher not working properly can be caused by a myriad of reasons. As a result, it’s a good idea to figure out the underlying issue or have a professional do so.
In many cases, the repairs that are needed for issues with dishwashers aren’t worth it. If this is the case, then it may be time for you to invest in a new unit altogether.
However, there are some situations when a minor and affordable repair can be made. If you aren’t sure whether or not this is possible, then be sure to call us to schedule an appointment. We can evaluate your dishwasher and make a recommendation regarding if you should repair or replace the unit if you’re in the Portland area.
