Dishwasher not cleaning bottom rack
Common reasons your Dishwasher not cleaning bottom rack
The most common reasons your dishwasher is not cleaning the bottom rack are a faulty pump and motor assembly, clogged water valve or a defective PCB (printed circuit board).
31% of the time it's the
Pump and Motor Assembly
23% of the time it's the
Water Valve
16% of the time it's the
PCB
30% of the time it's the
Something else
Most common repairs needed to fix a dishwasher
Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement
When the dishwasher is not cleaning the bottom rack, it's probable that a faulty pump and motor assembly isn't generating sufficient water pressure and flow through the water delivery system to rotate the spray arms and disperse the spray. You might notice loud noises like buzzing or grinding emanating from a faulty pump and motor assembly. If your dishwasher becomes noisy and fails to clean the dishes effectively, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect your dishwasher and address the issue.
Water Valve Replacement
If debris or deposits clog the fill valve inlet screen, it might not allow enough water into the dishwasher to fill properly, leading to low water level. You might notice loud noise from the circulation pump when the dishwasher isn’t filling with water. If debris or deposits stop the water valve filling the dishwasher all the way, turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and arrange for a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to replace it.
PCB Replacement
When your dishwasher isn't cleaning the bottom rack, it might be due to a faulty PCB (printed circuit board). When the board's internal memory and logic are corrupted, it can fails to send electric current to the circulation pump to properly clean dishes in the bottom dishrack. A malfunctioning relay or electronic component on the PCB board could be the culprit behind this issue. Assessing the board's condition can be challenging. To address this problem, schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services technician to diagnose and fix your dishwasher when it's not working.
What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not cleaning the bottom rack
Expert tips for resolving a problem with your dishwasher not cleaning the bottom rack
Fixing a dishwasher not cleaning the bottom rack typically involves replacing the pump and motor assembly, water inlet valve or the electronic control board. However, there may be other issues preventing dishes on the bottom rack to get clean, so a full diagnosis is essential to fixing the problem. In some dishwashers, a clogged or broken spray arm can inhibit cleaning of dishes on the bottom dishrack. Getting an accurate diagnosis by a repair technician is essential to fixing the problem right.
Our advice for fixing a dishwasher not cleaning dishes in the bottom rack
Cleaning problems at the bottom of the dishwasher can stem from loading problems or damage to the lower spray arm. Check your owner’s manual for proper dish loading instructions and make sure the spray arm isn’t blocked by dishes. Look for damage to the lower spray arm and have a service technician replace that part if it’s damaged. Having this problem professionally fixed by an appliance repair expert will ensure that the issue gets fixed efficiently and permanently.
Fixing a dishwasher that is not cleaning dishes in the bottom rack
To fix a dishwasher that’s not cleaning dishes in the bottom dishrack, our Sears Home Services technician will start by thoroughly checking the bottom spray arm for damage or clogged spray arm holes. If the tech finds no problems with the spray arm, further diagnostic tests will be performed to check the pump, diverter and other components in the dishwasher that can cause the cleaning issue. Once the cause if found, the technician will repair or replace parts needed to fix the problem. Our experienced Sears Home Services technician will be able to quickly find and fix the cause of cleaning problem no matter what type of dishwasher you have.
What our customers say about us
With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it
Thorough
James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.
Kirsten A, Oxford, PA
Service Call
Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
James G, Hillsboro, MO
Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO
Repair Dishwasher Resources
Learn how a portable dishwasher works.
Learn how a recirculation pump works in a dishwasher and how to troubleshoot pump problems.
Learn how to manually drain a dishwasher with our helpful guide. Sears Home Services has the expertise and resources to keep your dishwasher running smoothly!
Find out the most common problems with Bosch dishwashers and learn effective troubleshooting tips. Get expert advice from Sears Home Services.
Glossary Terms
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.
A furnace condensate pump is a device installed in HVAC systems, particularly high-efficiency furnaces, to collect and automatically remove the water (condensate) produced during the heating process.
A furnace door is a crucial component of a home heating system, providing access to the interior of the furnace for maintenance, repairs, and inspections. It helps in maintaining the system's efficiency and safety.
A furnace fan, also known as a blower, is an integral component of your HVAC system that circulates air throughout your home, ensuring consistent temperature and air quality.
Common dishwasher symptoms to look out for
- Dishwasher won't wash
- Dishwasher won't turn off
- Dishwasher won't start cycle
- Dishwasher won't drain
- Dishwasher not working
- Dishwasher not washing
- Dishwasher not turning on
- Dishwasher not starting
- Dishwasher not spinning
- Dishwasher not heating
- Dishwasher not filling
- Dishwasher not drying
- Dishwasher not draining properly
- Dishwasher not draining
- Dishwasher noisy
- Dishwasher no water
- Dishwasher no power
- Dishwasher no heat
- Dishwasher lights flashing and will not start
- Dishwasher light not working
- Dishwasher leaks water
- Dishwasher leaking water
- Dishwasher leaking from bottom
- Dishwasher leaking
- Dishwasher door not closing
- Dishwasher display not working
- Dishwasher dispenser not working
- Dishwasher detergent not dispensing
- Dishwasher burning smell