‘how to’ dishwashers

Dec

2014

7 Troubleshooting Tips for Fixing a Leaking Dishwasher

If your dishwasher starts leaking water on to the kitchen floor, don’t worry. It doesn’t necessarily imply that you need to spend loads of money on dishwasher repairs or buy a new dishwasher. A few basic checks may remedy the leak and save you a great deal of trouble.

Before you begin the inspection, turn off the dishwasher and unplug the power chord. Here are some faults that could possibly be causing the leak:

1) Dishwasher overloading: One of the most common reasons for the dishwasher to leak water is overloading it with dishes. Too many dishes may block the spray of water and cause the water to leak out.

2) Damaged spray arms: Remove the spray arms to check for blockages and clear any debris with a toothpick. Frequent overloading can also damage the spray arms and prevent them from spinning properly. Replacement spray arms will cost you between £10 and £30.

3) Dishwasher not level: If the dishwasher is not completely stable, it will raise the water level in the tray and cause the water to leak.

4) Damaged door seal: A common reason for the water to leak from the dishwasher is worn out door seals. Check that the upper door seal (running through the side and top of the dishwasher) and lower door seals are clean and in good condition. Upper seals are easy to replace but replacing the lower door seal can be tricky. It may be a good idea to call the appliance technician for the job.

5) Excessive dishwasher detergent: Using the incorrect quantity of dishwashing detergent will cause excessive foaming and may result in the dishwasher leaking water. Ensure that you use the right quantity of detergent, as specified in your appliance manual and as per the type of detergent used.

6) Blocked drain filter: If you see water in the dishwasher after the cleaning cycle is completed, it may be due to a blocked drain filter. Clear the blockage using a plunger.

7) Damaged inlet hose or drain hose: The leak may be due to a broken drain hose that needs replacement. Worn out washers on the ends of the inlet hose will also cause the water to flow out. Remember to specify the dishwasher model when buying replacement parts.

As part of the dishwasher upkeep, it’s a good idea give the dishwasher a thorough clean once a month to keep get rid of food debris clogging the water inlet/outlet and remove hard water deposits/scale. Also, keep the salt-dispenser drawer topped up.

Sep

2014

Why is My Dishwasher Leaving Grit?

Why is My Dishwasher Leaving Grit After a Wash?

Are you baffled by the presence of grit on dishes after they are washed in the dishwasher? This common dishwasher problem has a simple explanation.

When the dishwasher does not clean properly, the high temperature at which the dishes are dried burns the food residue on the dishes. This forms grit or dust like particles on the items washed. The appearance of grit on your dishes may also occur because of short wash cycles, low water temperature, and use of poor quality dishwasher detergent.

Before you call the appliance engineer to look at the problem, try the following dishwasher maintenance steps:

Clean the dishwasher filter of any food residue and debris
Ensure that you use the right amount and type of detergent as described in the appliance manual
Do not use the quick cycle if there are a lot of items to be washed
Load the dishwasher correctly, placing the items at the right levels in the dishwasher
Ensure that nothing is blocking the dishwasher spray arms
Also, check that the dishwasher spray arms are clear and clean

Do not connect the dishwasher to hot supply unless it is clearly marked as suitable for use. Running the dishwasher with hot water will shorten the wash cycle, causing the detergent to decompose too early and give poor wash results.

Run the regular cycle and do not add items in the midst of a wash cycle. If the problem of the dishwasher leaving grit persists there could be a fault with the main recirculation pump. Most dishwashers take in cold water and heat the water to a higher temperature. A heating fault with the dishwasher will also result in poorly cleaned dishes. It is advisable to call the appliance technician for further troubleshooting.

The dishwasher is a wonderful time-saving home appliance. To keep it functioning smoothly, clean the dishwasher once a month and follow the maintenance instructions provided in the product manual.