Dishwasher malfunctions

Why is my dishwasher not working?

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Dishwashers are common appliances in most Australian kitchens, and when they malfunction it can be disastrous – no one enjoys cleaning up piles of dishes by hand! So, to help you whip your appliance back into shape without getting your hands dirty, here are some common dishwasher problems and solutions.

Why is my dishwasher not turning on?

There are several reasons as to why your dishwasher may not be starting in the first place. These include:

  • No power: ensure that your dishwasher is plugged into the wall. If it is, check that the socket is working by plugging in another appliance. Also inspect the wires for any damage.
  • Door latch or door latch switch: dishwashers are equipped with a door switch for safety, so if the door is open, it won’t allow the dishwasher to start. Inspect the dishwasher to check if the latch or the switch are broken and replace if necessary.
  • Faulty control panel: it’s possible that the control panel is faulty and may require replacing.
  • Key lock is on: some dishwashers feature a key lock. When it’s on, the buttons are deactivated but the sound still beeps. To cancel the key locking function, press down the button and hold it until the key lock indicator turns off.
  • Water tap is off: ensure the water is turned on and connected.
  • Strainer blocked: the dishwasher strainer is located where the water inlet hose screws into the tap. Inspect the strainer for blockages and clean if necessary.

Dishwasher Troubleshooting

Dishwashers are complex appliances and as a result, there could be many reasons as to why your machine is not working effectively. Good places to check are the following areas:

  • Sprayer arms: check that they can move without any obstruction. The spray arm holes might be blocked by small items or food particles, which will require cleaning. Replace if they’re worn out.
  • Blocked filters: clean out your dishwasher filters, as they may not be working efficiently.
  • Strain screen: this screen might be blocked and will require cleaning.
  • Door seal/gasket and upper discharge housing gasket: check if these are loose or need replacing.
  • Detergent: you might not be using enough detergent, or it might be too old or low quality.
  • Unsuitable program for the load: the water temperature might be too low. Select a wash program with a higher temperature.
  • Dishes not rinsed: ensure to scrape off baked-on soil or excessive food before loading.
  • Dishwasher overloaded: remove some dishes to ensure there is enough space within the machine.
  • Hard water build-up: run a cleaning cycle with a cleaning solution to prevent build-up.

Dishwasher Servicing

It’s important to note that some dishwasher problems cannot be solved by you alone. Consult your manual before cleaning any part of the machine and never attempt to correct any serious mechanical or electrical issues. Instead, ensure you contact a qualified electrician to service the appliance.

Before spending money on a service, it’s important to consider how long you’ve had your dishwasher for. It would be wise to do your research and consider if it’s worth doing a repair. When you calculate the fees, it might end up costing you more to fix the dishwasher compared to buying a new one. As a result, purchasing a new dishwasher might be the way to go. To help you decide which model is best suited to you and your home, check out some of Canstar Blue’s best-rated dishwashers.

Dishwasher Reviews & Ratings

Original Author: Veronika Hleborodova

Kate Lockyer
Kate Lockyer is a content producer for Canstar Blue’s Home and Lifestyle team. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Queensland and has written for a variety of different organisations and publications for multiple years.

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