Sears Home Services
Sears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo646-440-2692
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop Parts
Resources
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop PartsResource CenterGlossaryHelp
sears home advantageSears Home Advantageappointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair
  2. Whirlpool
  3. Whirlpool Dishwasher
  4. Dishwasher won't wash

Whirlpool dishwasher won't wash

Common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher won't wash

The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher won't wash are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.

  • 50%

    50% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Spray Arm

  • 33%

    33% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Use The Repair or Replace Calculator

    Determine What's Best For Your Appliance

    Product Type
    Home Appliance Brand
    How Old Is Your Appliance?

    Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool 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.


    Electronic Control Board 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 Whirlpool 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, electronic control board 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 scheduling a Whirlpool dishwasher repair with a Sears Home Services professional who can 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.

    Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Washing Top Rack

    If your Whirlpool dishwasher is not washing the top rack, there are a few specific issues to consider. Here are some common reasons and solutions:

    1. Clogged Spray Arms: The spray arms responsible for cleaning the top rack can become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits. When this happens, the water flow is restricted, and dishes on the top rack may not get clean. To address this issue, remove the spray arms and clean them thoroughly. Ensure all the holes are clear to allow proper water flow.

    2. Faulty Water Inlet Valve: The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. If it’s malfunctioning, it may not supply enough water to reach the top rack. Replacing the faulty water inlet valve can restore proper water flow and ensure the top rack is cleaned effectively.

    3. Malfunctioning Upper Wash Impeller: The upper wash impeller helps distribute water to the top rack. If it’s damaged or not working correctly, the top rack won’t receive sufficient water for cleaning. Inspect the impeller and replace it if necessary to ensure proper water distribution.

    4. Blocked Filters: Clogged filters can restrict water flow and pressure, impacting the dishwasher’s ability to clean the top rack. Regularly check and clean the filters to maintain optimal performance.

    5. Incorrect Loading: Overloading the dishwasher or placing large items on the bottom rack can block the spray arms and prevent water from reaching the top rack. Ensure dishes are loaded correctly, allowing adequate space for water to circulate.

    Addressing these common issues can resolve the problem of your Whirlpool dishwasher not washing the top rack. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, consider scheduling a professional repair service to diagnose and fix the problem.

    Using these tips, you can ensure your Whirlpool dishwasher performs effectively, keeping all your dishes, including those on the top rack, clean and spotless.

    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

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Portable Dishwasher Work?"
    7 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a portable dishwasher works.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Recirculation Pump Work?"
    5 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a recirculation pump works in a dishwasher and how to troubleshoot pump problems.

    Draining Your Dishwasher Manually: A Detailed Guide image.
    6 min readNov. 13

    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!

    A father and his daughter load dishes into their dishwasher.
    5 min readNov. 04

    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.

    Additional possible Whirlpool dishwasher symptoms you may experience

    These dishwasher brands may also experience won't wash