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How to Repair Your Dishwasher
by Kent Pinkerton
Your dishwasher isn't measuring up to the price you paid for it. The
dishwasher might not even turn on, the dishes aren't getting clean, or
the machine won't even drain. What do you do?
Your dishwasher isn't measuring up to the price you paid for it. The
dishwasher might not even turn on, the dishes aren't getting clean, or
the machine won't even drain. What do you do? Instead of calling the
repairman, you can save a bundle and try servicing it yourself. Open up
the kick panel in back and get to work, carefully following these
dishwasher repair tips:
1) If your dishwasher doesn't seem to be working at all, first check the
plug and the circuit breaker. If these are working, check the door
switch, timer, and selector switch. If any of these three items are
broken, replace them. If all of these check out, the problem is internal
and the wiring must be replaced. Call a technician.
2) If the dishes aren't getting clean, there might not be enough water
coming into the machine. There might even be no water at all. Check the
water shut-off valve under the kitchen sink to make sure it's on.
Otherwise, the machine might have a faulty internal water valve and will
need professional service. Before you call to get the internal water
valve serviced, however, try checking the spray arms for clogs, and
unclogging them by hand if necessary. Once you've done this, see if the
water is hot enough. Cool or cold water won't clean dishes. Be sure the
water temperature is at least 120. If your dishes still won't get
clean, try adding soap to both soap cups. Furthermore, if there is a
smoky film on your dishes, it means your water is "hard". You will need
to clean your dishwasher with a dishwasher cleaner. Use one that is
specially formulated by your dishwasher's manufacturer, or use a quality
cleaner such as Washer Magic, Dishwasher Magic, Glisten (which also acts
as a deodorizer and can be used in any porcelain-lined machine or tub),
or Glass Magic.
3) If your dishwasher won't drain, there are seven lucky things you can
do before calling an expert. First, check the air gap of the sink, near
the faucet, and unclog it if necessary. Unscrew the top cap and rinse it
well. Second, check the drain hose leading from the air gap to the
garbage disposal. Clean it out and reattach it. Third, if your
dishwasher uses a belt to drive the pump, and the pump doesn't seem to
be working, try replacing the drive belt. It may be broken or stretched
out. Fourth, for models that have both a wash impeller and a drain
impeller, the drain impeller might be broken, either at the shaft or at
the blades. Replace the broken parts of the drain impeller. Fifth, some
dishwashers use a drain solenoid to drain the water. This might be
stuck. Try loosening it by hand. If that doesn't work, replace the pump
assembly. Sixth, perhaps the motor is stuck. Try getting the motor going
by spinning it by hand. If that doesn't work, replace the motor.
Finally, if the wash timer is busted, you'll have to replace it.
If you follow these basic tips, you'll have a good, solid start in
becoming a dishwasher repair expert on your own.
About the author
Dishwashers Info provides detailed information on standard and portable
dishwashers, dishwasher parts and repair, and reviews of the best
dishwasher manufacturers and products. Dishwashers Info is the sister
site of Water Softeners Web.
Article Source:
www.homehighlight.org
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