Troubleshooting Common Dishwasher Problems: 2025 Update
In the realm of household appliances, few things are as indispensable as the dishwasher. But when common issues like dirty dishes or a malfunctioning rack arise, the frustration can be palpable. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into these problems and more, offering practical solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently, whether through DIY methods, professional repair, or timely upgrades, ensuring your dishwashing duties are always handled with ease.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Dishwasher issues range from clogged sprayer arm nozzles and mineral deposits to malfunctioning racks, with solutions often found in DIY cleaning or parts replacement.
- Component failures like a broken heating element or a high-limit thermostat malfunction can prevent dishes from drying, necessitating a more in-depth troubleshooting process.
- If a dishwasher is over seven years old and requires costly repairs, or over ten years with worn-out parts, it is recommended to consider a timely upgrade over repair.
From residue buildup to dryers that don’t work, we identify some common dishwasher issues, and how to solve them.
Most people dread all the scrubbing, sudsing and drying that goes into doing dishes by hand. Which is exactly why the dishwasher has become something many of us don’t want to live without. So when something does go wrong with your dishwasher, you’ll want to diagnose the problem ASAP. Our guide helps you figure out exactly what ails your dishwasher and what you should do about it — so you can avoid doling out dishwashing duties.
Here are common dishwasher problems, and whether the solution is a DIY project, a job for a repairman, or time for an upgrade.
Dirty Dishes
If a sprayer arm nozzle is clogged with detergent or mineral buildup, it doesn’t clean dishes as effectively. To fix, use a dishwasher cleaner and repeat twice a year for optimal results.
Find additional DIY tips for fixing your dishwasher when it doesn’t clean dishes well in this YouTube video:
Streaks or Spots
Mineral deposits from hard water can leave white streaks or spots on your dishware. Add a water softener, and use your dishwasher’s rinse aid feature – making sure it’s adjusted to your water’s mineral levels. Using hard water cleaner every two months can also help eliminate residue buildup.
Rack Doesn’t Roll
Remove the rack from its track and check the see if the rollers or wheels are cracked or damaged. If so, reorder the same type of rollers as a replacement.
Follow the steps in the DIY YouTube video below that corresponds to your part to replace the dishrack roller in your dishwasher.
- For part WP3385088, use Replacing upper dishrack metal height adjuster rollers on Kenmore 665-series and Whirlpool dishwashers video.
- For part W10888592, use Replacing upper dishrack stationary or adjustable rollers on Kenmore 665-series and Whirlpool dishwashers video.
- For upper dishrack roller part 154522902 and lower dishrack roller part 154174503 use Replacing dishrack rollers on Kenmore 587-series and Frigidaire dishwashers video.
- For part W10195416V, use Replacing a lower dishrack roller on Kenmore 665-series and Whirlpool dishwashers video.
- For track roller part 54767502, use Replacing a dishrack track roller on Kenmore 587-series and Frigidaire dishwashers video.
If the rack was only unaligned from its track, simply realign it.
Dishwasher Won’t Drain
When your dishwasher won’t drain, the problem may be as simple as a clogged sink drain, but there are other places that can get clogged, too. This Sears DIY repair video shows you how to find and clear a clog to get your dishwasher draining again.
If you’re unable to find the cause of the drain problem and fix the dishwasher yourself, it’s time to call in a repair professional.
Dishes Not Drying
There are a few things that could be causing the problem. Certain dishes like plastic items don’t dry as well as others. Other issues like water temperature and incorrect loading could also affect drying performance.
We’ll show you how to check for these simple issues before talking about some component failures. A broken heating element or a malfunctioning high-limit thermostat could also keep your dishes from drying. We’ll walk you through the whole troubleshooting process and help you get your dishwasher back in good working order.
Follow the DIY troubleshooting steps in this YouTube video to fix the problem.
Dishwasher Won’t Fill
The problem could be as simple as something stuck in the overfill float or a problem with the water supply line. Or one of several parts might have failed. Watch this DIY YouTube video to learn how to test the door switch, overfill float switch and water inlet valve to see which part to replace to get your dishwasher working again.
Dishwasher has No Power
When your dishwasher won’t power up, the problem could be as simple as checking the power source or making sure the on/off switch is on. If the quick fixes don’t solve the problem, this Sears DIY video also walks you through how to access and check the wire connections in the junction box and the user interface control so you can get your dishwasher working again.
When to Upgrade Your Dishwasher Instead of Repairing It
When your dishwasher is older than seven years, we recommend that you replace it if repairs would cost at least half of its original price.
You’ll also need to consider replacing your dishwasher when it’s over 10 years old and parts begin wearing out.
When the time comes to replace your dishwasher, or all of your kitchen appliances, visit our Sears.com Upgrade page to easily select the products you need and get help with financing.
We’ve consolidated all help, financing offers and savings into one location on our Upgrade page to make it easy for you to replace your appliances now. No hassles and no waiting. Get your new kitchen appliances today.
Efficient and durable appliances help make a house a home. Whether you just need a new dishwasher or you’re buying a whole set of new appliances, Sears carries a wide selection of home appliances from top brands like Kenmore, Frigidaire, GE, Samsung and LG.
No matter what you need, we have all the products and resources to help you manage your home and make your life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Repair Dishwasher Resources
Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.
If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.
If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Many common issues stem from simple misuse.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.
A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher is not heating are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.
The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.