Few household conveniences compare with that of a fully functional dishwasher. We may not give these machines much credence in our day-to-day lives, but when they stop working? You bet we notice. Strange noises, odd odors, dirty dishes—at G&G Appliance Service, these are complaints we hear on a daily basis. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common dishwasher issues our customers face, and today, we’ll discuss how to deal with them. Let’s take a look.
Your Dishwasher is Unusually Noisy
All dishwashers make at least a little bit of noise, and if you own an older model, you can count on it to make more of a racket. However, if you notice an unusual amount of noise while your dishwasher runs, this usually indicates a failing component.
A loud whining noise may indicate a failing wash pump motor or bad bearings. Buzzing noises may alert you to objects caught in the pump intake, while loud grinding sounds could reveal an issue with the drain impeller (plastic, rotating blades). In any case, it will most likely prove difficult, if not impossible, to locate the source of the noise and determine the urgency of the situation without extensive appliance knowledge. If you notice unusual noises, it’s best to call an appliance repair professional to examine your dishwasher.
You Smell Something Strange During the Drying Cycle
If you’re getting a whiff of spoiled food, chances are it’s time to clean your machine. If, however, you catch a burning smell drifting through your kitchen, this is cause for concern. As water forcefully sprays around the interior of your machine, unsecured plastic dishes can fall through the openings in the racks of your dishwasher. When they do, they can land directly on the machine’s heating element, where they’ll begin to melt and emit a burning odor.
If you notice your machine emitting an unusual burning aroma, turn it off immediately to allow the heating element to cool down. Once cool, you can locate the offending piece of plastic and remove it from the machine. Never allow the machine to keep running if you smell something strange. Doing so could potentially result in extensive damage, necessitating dishwasher repair, or the purchase of an entirely new machine.
Your Dishwasher Doesn’t Get Your Dishes Clean
What good is a dishwasher if it doesn’t clean your dishes, right? There are many potential culprits behind half-clean dishes, most of which should be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified dishwasher repair company. The issue might be your spray arm, insufficient water supply, a faulty inlet valve, a clogged inlet screen or dirty seals. While you can scrub the seals and spray arm yourself, if those components aren’t the issue, you’ll need to call in the professionals.
Dishes Don’t Come Out Dry
If your dishes suddenly come out with water droplets everywhere, the first thing you should do is check to verify that the heated dry cycle is activated. It’s easy to inadvertently bump the controls as you move about your kitchen, and even easier for tiny hands to fiddle with the buttons. If the dry cycle is indeed activated, but your dishes still come out wet, the issue is most likely the machine’s heating element or thermostat. You can test the functionality of these components using a multimeter, but if you don’t have one, your best bet is to call a dishwasher repairman.
Dishwasher Cycles are Unusually Lengthy
Unusually long dishwasher cycles can indicate an issue with several different components of your machine. Typically, it’s either the heating element, timer motor, or the thermostat that’s causing the issue, but if your machine has a sensor wash or automatic wash, the problem could result from buildup on the sensor. A clogged filter or damaged drain hose can also lengthen cycle duration, so you’ll need to examine each of these components for damage and functionality. You can test electrical components using a multimeter, and visually examine any other parts you believe contribute to the problem.
The Wash Cycle Won’t Start
First thing’s first: Check to verify that your dishwasher is properly plugged in and the circuit breakers are on. If the plug and breakers appear normal, the issue may stem from a faulty door latch or damaged wiring. As a safety measure, your dishwasher will not start unless the door is properly latched and locked. Examine the latch for damage and if you find something unusual, have the latch replaced by a qualified dishwasher repair technician. If the latch appears normal, however, the issue is likely electronic. You’ll need to call your local appliance repair company to have the machine safely tested and repaired.
Your Reliable Appliance Repair Experts
At G&G Appliance, we know non-functional appliances make your life more difficult than it needs to be. That’s why, for over 20 years, we’ve been serving customers across New York state with prompt, honest, and reliable repair services. We work on all appliance types from major manufacturers, and our certified technicians are highly trained in industry best practices and superior customer service. Reach out to us to schedule your repair online, or contact our team at 718-848-2100 to get started with your appliance repair today.