A Busted Dishwasher Could Keep You From the Backyard Festivities
Dishwashers make everyone’s lives easier. Without them, cooking and cleaning would be much bigger and more time-consuming tasks. It’s so convenient to be able to load up the racks, pop in a bit of detergent, and let the machine take care of the day’s dishes. It means there’s more time to enjoy the summertime activities like relaxing and playing in the backyard.
But when the dishwasher goes on the fritz, it can be more than an inconvenience. It’s one thing to have to wash the dishes by hand, but it’s another to have dirty water leaking all over the floor. Keep reading to learn about the most common dishwasher problems, how the pros fix them, and how to help prevent them in the first place.
Common Dishwasher Issues To Watch For
If the dishes aren’t getting very clean, the upper discharge housing gasket may need replacing, the spray arm may have become clogged with debris, or a wayward dish or utensil could be obstructing its movement. There may also be food particles trapped in the strain screen - an issue usually accompanied by a nasty odor.
More severe issues include a dishwasher that won’t drain, won’t fill, or won’t stop filling. These could be caused by a faulty pump, worn or broken valve, or malfunctioning float switch (a device that tells the dishwasher when it has enough water). A leaky dishwasher may have a faulty pump, loose or damaged drainage hose, or a cracked or worn gasket.
When To Call for Professional Help
Homeowners can solve many of the smaller dishwasher problems - cleaning the spray arm or strain screen, freeing a stuck float switch, tightening a loose drain hose, etc. But when it comes to replacing faulty parts or performing more complicated repairs, homeowners are better off enlisting the help of a professional plumber.
Dishwashers are complex machines, and any errors made during repairs can cause further damage. The risk of injury from burns or electrocution is also a factor when working on dishwashers, so a trained and licensed technician should only make some repairs. Pros have the knowledge and the right tools to pinpoint and solve even the trickiest of problems safely.
Avoid Future Mishaps With Proper Maintenance
Homeowners can avoid many dishwasher problems altogether by keeping the unit clean and well-maintained. First, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual for proper loading and operation. This usually includes scraping off excess food waste before putting dishes in the racks, not overfilling the racks or the detergent compartment, and keeping the spray arms free from obstructions.
Second, a little routine cleaning every few months goes a long way. Wiping down the door gasket with a damp cloth helps ensure a proper seal. Clearing debris from the strain screen and cleaning the filter (if the dishwasher has one) helps reduce clogs and odors. Wiping off the sprayer arm and clearing any obstructions with a toothpick or pipe cleaner helps the sprayer function properly.
It’s always best to consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions - some manufacturers even include extensive DIY maintenance checklists to help homeowners preserve and protect their dishwashers.
About B&L Plumbing
The experts at B&L Plumbing have been serving Colorado Springs, CO, with pride for over 20 years. As an award-winning, veteran-owned business with countless 5-star reviews, they are all about providing outstanding service and workmanship at an honest, competitive price. B&L offers financing, membership perks, and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees. Call now for plumbing service!
