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  1. Repair
  2. KitchenAid
  3. KitchenAid Dishwasher
  4. Dishwasher won't wash
  1. Dishwasher won't wash

KitchenAid dishwasher won't wash

Common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher won't wash

The most common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher won't wash are a faulty pump and motor assembly, clogged water valve or a clogged spray arm.

  • 49%

    49% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Water Valve

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Spray Arm

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Something else

    • Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

    We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 100,000 KitchenAid dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid dishwasher

    Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

    A faulty pump and motor assembly is often causing the problem when your dishwasher won’t wash. The pump sends water up through the spray arms to clean dishes during the cycle. When a broken pump impeller or failed motor prevents the pump from working, dishes won’t get sprayed clean. You may hear unusual noises from the pump and motor assembly such as buzzing or grinding when it isn’t working and dishes don’t get clean. Schedule in-home repair through Sears Home Services to have a technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher when a faulty pump is apparent.

    How to replace a dishwasher pump and motor assembly

    Water Valve Replacement

    A faulty pump and motor assembly is often causing the problem when your dishwasher won't wash the dishes. The pump sends water up through the spray arms to clean dishes during the cycle. When a broken pump impeller or failed motor prevents the pump from working, dishes won’t get sprayed clean. You may hear unusual noises from the pump and motor assembly such as buzzing or grinding when it isn’t working and dishes don’t get clean. Schedule in-home repair through Sears Home Services to have a technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher when a faulty pump is apparent.

    How to replace a dishwasher water valve

    Spray Arm Replacement

    A clogged spray arm can prevent water from reaching dishes when the dishwasher won’t wash properly. Hard water deposits or debris can build up around the spray arm holes so water won’t spray out of the spray arm properly. The spray arm also won’t spin properly if spray holes are clogged. When your dishwasher won’t wash the dishes properly, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit you home and examine the dishwasher. The technician will clear clogs in the spray arms to fix the cleaning problem.

    How to replace a dishwasher lower spray arm

    What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid dishwasher won't wash issue

    How is the won't wash problem fixed?

    Correcting most won't wash problems usually involves replacing the pump and motor assembly, water valve or spray arm. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that won't wash

    When the dishwasher won't wash it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

    What to look out for with a dishwasher won't wash diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    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

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    Glossary Terms

    What is Hard Water?

    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.

    What is a Ductless Range Hood?

    A ductless range hood, also known as a recirculating hood, filters and recirculates air in the kitchen, removing smoke, heat, and cooking odors without venting outdoors.

    What is a Freezer Compressor?

    A freezer compressor is a vital component of a freezer's refrigeration system, functioning as a pump to circulate refrigerant through the system, which cools the interior by absorbing and expelling heat.

    What is a Freezer Door Gasket?

    A freezer door gasket is a flexible seal that outlines the edge of the freezer door, ensuring an airtight closure to maintain cold temperatures inside and prevent warm air from entering.

    Additional possible KitchenAid dishwasher symptoms you may experience

    These dishwasher brands may also experience won't wash