How To Repair A Dishwasher
The control panels on the latest dishwashers can look intimidating. They’re loaded with so many dials, push buttons, and other features that the machine looks too complex to repair. This is not the case. Except for the control panel, dishwashers haven’t changed much in basic design over the last two decades. You can repair most dishwasher malfunctions yourself, and we’ll discuss tips for do-it-yourself service and maintenance in this article.
Dishwasher parts can be replaced as a unit, which is often easier and less expensive than having a professional service person make repairs. If you aren’t sure a part is still usable, remove it from the dishwasher and take it to a professional for testing. You can then decide whether to buy a new part or have the old one repaired based on the repair estimate.
Dishwashers usually run on 115-volt or 120-volt power. The water they use comes directly from the water heater, and wastewater is drained into the sink’s drainpipe. The dishwasher is not connected to the cold-water supply. For best dishwashing results, set the temperature control of the water heater to no less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Water cooler than this usually doesn’t get the dishes clean, unless your dishwasher is a newer model that preheats incoming water. The water shutoff for the dishwasher is typically located below the adjoining sink.
Dishwasher Repair Tips
- The clear majority of expense here is heating the water to clean your dishes. While no one will recommend running your dishes through a cold cycle, you can cut cost by only running full loads.
- Many models now feature an “air dry” option, which can save you up to 50 percent of the energy used. If your unit doesn’t include this option, simply opening the door at the end of the cycle works just as well. It also fills the kitchen with a nice little blast of heat (you can do the same with the oven when you’re done cooking during the winter months).
Caution: Because the dishwasher is connected to both the plumbing system and the electrical system, you must consider both systems when working on this appliance. Before doing any work on the dishwasher, make sure the unit is unplugged or the power to the unit is turned off, and remove the fuse or trip the circuit breaker that controls the circuit at the main entrance panel or at a separate panel. Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher at the shutoff in the basement or crawl space under the kitchen sink.
Rush Hour Appliance Repair Can Help
So, if your dishwasher isn’t working or has an issue (such as not running properly, leaking water, not filling, or not draining properly)? we can help!
Here’s why to choose Puget Sound Appliance Tech for dishwasher repairs:
- Training: Technicians receive specific training on dishwasher repair.
- Guarantee: 90-day parts and labor guarantee.
- Honest Assessment: Our team will give you the facts so you can make an educated choice to repair the appliance or move on to a new appliance.
Contact us today at 253.455.2080 for washer service and repair or schedule an appointment online quickly and easily. www.pugetsoundappliance.com
