Your dishwasher should never end the cycle with dirty dishes, water leaks, or overheating. Several factors can result in a malfunctioning dishwasher, and it’s important to recognize common signs of issues so that you can contact a plumber to address them. Consider the following problems that homeowners most often experience.

A Guide to Dishwasher Problems & Their Solutions

1. Spotty Dishes

If you notice a consistent mineral building or spots on your dishware after a cycle, it could indicate that you have hard water. A supply of hard water comes directly from an aquifer and is untreated, which means it still has calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in it. Over time, this type of water will deposit a film on your glasses and accumulate in your piping, which could lead to clogs.

A plumber can install a water softener or filter system that will remove these minerals from the water before it is used in your appliances.

2. It’s Not Draining

The food particles that collect after a wash cycle may clog the drain system if they’re too big. This can leave wastewater in your unit that may eventually begin spilling out into your kitchen.

Check the sump drain at the base of the dishwasher. You may be able to remove the build-up of food. If there’s a clog further down the piping, or if the drain pump motor is damaged, a plumber will need to handle more extensive repairs. You can avoid future problems by always clearing food from dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.

3. Leaks

Leaks are the most severe dishwasher problem. Water will collect around cabinet bases and may seep below flooring. The resulting water damage usually requires replacing flooring or cabinetry, and it could also lead to mold growth.

Any number of components could be leaking. You may have a weak seal around the washer door, or the heating element gaskets or drainage hose could be cracked. The pump seal could also be broken. It’s not easy to detect all of these issues, which is why a plumbing inspection is warranted if you notice any puddles around the dishwasher.

4. The Unit Isn’t Filling

Poor cleaning could be a result of not enough water reaching the unit. This issue is often related to a clogged water inlet valve or damaged float switch—the component that lets the dishwasher know when enough water is in the unit. While these components are easy to replace, you don’t want to risk a poor installation that could lead to water overflow. Be sure to reach out to a plumber if you consistently notice dirty dishes after a cycle.

Powell Plumbing & Pumps Inc. has proudly served Wisconsin Rapids, WI, since 1985, by handling a wide variety of installations and repairs. Their team addresses septic systems, sump pumps, well services, and appliance repairs. You can explore their full range of services online and call (715) 325-2050 today to connect with a residential plumber.