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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% of the time it's the Pump and Motor Assembly
13% of the time it's the Water Valve
9% of the time it's the Spray Arm
29% of the time it's the Something else
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Filling but never spraying in a KitchenAid implies blocked arms or a failing circulation motor. Dishes remain grimy unless corrected. Rather than scrubbing everything by hand, schedule dishwasher maintenance near me.
What our customers say about us
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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
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dishwasher Resources
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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.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
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.