If your dishwasher repair is making an unusual amount of noise, it might be time to call in the pros. Excessive noise could indicate a faulty pump or a bad bearing ring.
The noise can also be caused by jammed racks, a dirty float valve or a stuck spray arm. These problems can be difficult to repair on your own.
Power
The power supply for a dishwasher provides the electricity needed to run the machine. The dishwasher may be connected to a wall outlet, or it could be hardwired into a junction box.
A circuit breaker protects your home wiring, appliances and other electronics from sudden voltage spikes that can cause damage. If you suspect a breaker has tripped, reset it.
Often, the first troubleshooting step is to make sure the dishwasher is receiving electrical power. This means checking the cord, plug and outlet to ensure they are working properly.
Water
The water supply for a dishwasher is the line that connects the appliance to your home’s plumbing system. A damaged or clogged supply line can cause a dishwasher to not fill with water.
Luckily, the water supply is fairly easy to fix yourself. Start by examining your supply line, including the hose and valve that connects it to your dishwasher.
If the hose is connected properly and there are no kinks in it, this should solve your problem. However, if your supply line is damaged or clogged, it may be time to replace it altogether.
Pump
A pump is a device that uses centrifugal force to transfer fluids from one location to another. It can be a static or dynamic pump.
The efficiency of a pump is usually a function of the pressure at which it operates, and variations in this pressure can dramatically decrease it. This is called the Best Efficiency Point (BEP).
When performance declines away from this point, it can lead to issues such as accelerated bearing or seal wear, excess temperature rise or cavitation. If these issues are not addressed promptly, they can quickly lead to failure.
Inlet Valve
If the water inlet valve of your dishwasher is defective, it can cause your dishes to not get cleaned. It also can lead to water leaks that damage your floors.
The inlet valve connects the hot and cold water lines from your home to the back of the washer. It also contains solenoids that open one or both of the valves to provide the proper temperature for the wash cycle.
The inlet valve is usually located behind the kick plate panel on the lower left side of the appliance. It is connected by two hoses, one for hot and one for cold.
Heating Element
The heating element in your dishwasher works to heat water during the wash and rinse cycles as well as to dry dishes during the heated drying cycle. A broken or malfunctioning heating element can disrupt the dishwasher’s operation and cause a variety of problems.
Before you test the heating element, unplug the dishwasher repair or shut off the power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid an electrical shock hazard. Then, use your multitester to touch the red lead to one of the two terminals on the heating element and the black lead to the other.
Timer
A timer is a device that can control a variety of electrical devices in a home. They can help to save electricity by turning appliances off when not in use.
They can also be used to time healing treatments, tracking the progress of a project or recording daily activities. Some people use them to schedule meals and exercise regimens.
A timer in your dishwasher is a mechanical device that works by using a small synchronous AC motor to turn a cam against a comb of switch contacts. These are the most common type of timers used in appliances, including washers, driers and dishwashers.