Dishwasher Repair Guide

Appliance repairs are nearly predictable, but don’t be hopeless, fixing it isn’t that difficult. Below are some guidelines for better and simple dishwasher repair.

CAUTION: Before you do any work on the dishwasher, make sure it is unplugged and see to it that the unit is turned off. Please exercise extreme caution. Noble Appliance Repair cannot be held accountable for injuries due to misuse of our repair guides.

How a Dishwasher works?

A dishwasher works with a mixture of water with detergent and sprays it into the dishes. It drives dirty water and washes the dishes with clean water mixed with a rinse agent. A heating or air drying will then follow after pumping out the rinse water.

Dishwasher Repair Troubleshooting Guide

PROBLEM	REMEDY
Dishwasher does not work – no sound, water or lights	Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker and check the door latch Ensure that the dishwasher is plugged in securely and inspect for possible wiring burns or breaks. Test the door switch, timer motor, selector switch, the motor itself and the motor start relay
Dishwasher does not start but motor hums	Test the motor start relay and the motor itself. Check the drive belt
Dishwasher does not fill with water or it drains while filling	Ensure that the water supply is turned on. Check the door latch, inlet valve filter screens, and drain valve. Test the door switch, float switch, drain valve lever arm and water inlet valve Inspect the float assembly and fill tube if twisted.
Water does not drain from the dishwasher	Check the drain valve, drive belt, sink drain and drain hose for restrictions If you have a brand new dishwasher or garbage disposer, test the knock out plug on the garbage disposer.
Dishwasher is leaking water	Check for overfilling, water inlet valve and pump. Inspect the water and drain hoses and door gaskets. Examine the seals for the main tub, float, heating element and blower diffuser.
Water or soap leaks around the door	Inspect the door seal gasket, door hinges as well as spray arms for damage. Make sure that your detergent is intended for dishwashers. Do not use liquid dish soap.
Water drains through the air gap into the sink	Check the air gap.
Dry cycle problems	Test the thermostat, drying fan and the heating element.
Dishwasher is noisy	Check the fan motor and blade, motor and mounts, the spray arm for damage and any obstructions. Test the water inlet valve.
Door drops down with too much force	Check the door springs.
Door does not close or latch properly	Check for obstructions, and door latch Inspect the door seal gasket as well as door hinges.
Dishwasher cycle does not complete	Test the thermostat, time motor and the heating element.
Detergent cup does not open	Check actuator arm and detergent cup for obstructions. If possible test the timer motor and bimetal assembly.
Cycles times are too long	Test the thermostat, time motor and the heating element.
Dishes are not cleaned adequately	Check for adequate water level, spray arms and spray tower, water temperature, detergent cup, fine particle filter, inlet filter screens, water pressure and the drain valve. Test the water inlet valve, selector switch, timer motor, heating element and the bimetal terminal assembly.
The walls, racks or tub are rust stained	Scrub the interior with oxalic acid and repair the exposed metal.

If you have any questions regarding our Dishwasher Repair Troubleshooting Guide, feel free to contact us at 678-646-4346 or simply email us at admin@noblebhs.com and we’ll be happy to assist you!