You need to know how to fix a dishwasher — and fast! Luckily, our appliance experts have tips and tricks to help you troubleshoot the problems you can fix and determine when professional repair is required. Bookmark this page for quick reference and a direct connection to the best appliance repair in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
At a Glance:
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain
How to Fix a Leaking Dishwasher
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Clean
Before following through with any of our dishwasher repair tips, make sure to protect yourself by unplugging the unit from the power source. To keep messes to a minimum, we also recommend turning off the water supply.
Why Won’t Water Drain from My Dishwasher?
When it comes to a dishwasher not draining, there are several possibilities to consider. Following these tips on how to fix a dishwasher that won’t drain can potentially save you the price of professional appliance repair.
✓ Check the Dishwasher Filter
There are two schools of dishwashers when it comes to filters. Some, like select GE dishwashers with a Piranha Hard Food Disposer, process food debris by pulverizing it into tiny particles that can be washed away in the rinse portion. However, a lot of the dishwashers on the market today still use a fine mesh basket to capture pieces of food. These drain baskets need to be manually and routinely cleaned to clean properly.
How to clean a dishwasher drain:
- Locate the dishwasher drain basket on the bottom basin.
- Depending on the model you have, either twist or unscrew the cover.
- Once the drain basket cap is uncovered, remove the filter, and empty it of food debris.
- After cleaning, reinstall the dishwasher filter, twist the cap back on, or screw it in place.
✓ Examine the Dishwasher Hose
The direct line between a dishwasher and plumbing is the dishwasher hose. Removing the kickplate at the bottom of a dishwasher exposes this hose, and by doing so, you can check to see if there are any kinks in the line or large objects blocking water from flowing.
The bad news is once a dishwasher hose kinks, it will probably continue to warp after it’s reshaped into its original form. In this case, it’s best to replace the hose altogether, and fortunately, the solution is inexpensive and easy to do.
How to replace a dishwasher hose:
- Start by disconnecting your dishwasher from its power supply and turning off the water supply.
- Then, remove the kickplate at the bottom of a dishwasher.
- Once removed, line the area with a towel to catch any water that releases from the old hose.
- Next, locate where the dishwasher hose connects to either your kitchen drain or garbage disposal beneath the kitchen sink; using pliers, pinch the spring clip to remove the hose from the connection.
- Using tape, fix your new dishwasher hose to the end of the old hose and slowly feed the tube through the feed, being careful not to bend the line. With the new and old hose still connected, you can also drain any remaining water from the line for minimal mess.
- Return to the exposed dishwasher kickplate. Disconnect the old dishwasher hose (most often, the hose will be connected with a stainless-steel clamp).
- Using the original spring clip, connect the new dishwasher hose to the drain or garbage disposal.
Lastly, you’ll need to make sure the new dishwasher hose is installed in a high loop. This serves two purposes:
- It allows water to fill the tube, creating enough pressure to close the inlet valve, preventing water from re-entering the dishwasher — in other words, it won’t drain.
- The captured water acts as a natural barrier that keeps debris and sewage odors from entering the dishwasher.
Double-checking your dishwasher setup has the proper drain connection can prevent clogs from happening.
✓ Know Your Dishwasher Drain Connection
There are four main dishwasher drain connections every homeowner should be familiar with. Most use a high loop bracket, which can be kept in place with special screws, tape, or in some cases, a string.
For air gap drain systems, a dishwasher hose remains elevated by connecting to a knob located above the sink. This creates a “dam” of air that keeps wastewater from leaking back into the dishwasher. This dishwasher hose setup uses a dual inlet air gap valve (this looks like an upside-down Y below a collar on the sink and uses a separate hose for the dishwasher and the sink).
On top of determining whether your dishwasher setup is set up correctly, make sure items below the sink aren’t creating kinks in the hose(s), which will cause your dishwasher to retain water.
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High Loop to Disposal
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High Loop to Drain |
Air Gap to Disposal |
Air Loop to Drain |
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The hose feeds into the sink cabinet, is suspended in a high loop, and connects to the garbage disposal.
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The hose feeds into the sink cabinet, is suspended in a high loop, and connected directly to the sink drain.
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The hose feeds into the sink cabinet and connects to the dual inlet air gap valve. A secondary hose connects to the disposal.
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The hose feeds into the sink cabinet and connects to the dual inlet air gap valve. Instead of connecting to a garbage disposal line, the secondary hose hooks up directly to the sink drain.
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✓ A Case for the Pros: A Faulty Dishwasher Inlet Valve
A dishwasher inlet valve is like the “highway connector” for hot and cold water. Signs your dishwasher inlet valve is damaged include slow fill times or a dishwasher that doesn’t fill with water at all, or it might just take forever for a cycle to finish. Worst of all, a failing inlet valve can even signal your dishwasher to stop working completely.
In some cases, cleaning the filter or unclogging the line can solve the problem. However, this often requires several specialty tools, which the common household might not have. That’s why we recommend a professional diagnosis and repair for this issue.
How Do I Fix a Leaking Dishwasher?
Apart from being a nuisance, dishwasher leaking can be dangerous, and it can also cause water damage to your floor or cabinetry when not taken care of in proper time. Here’s what to check for if your dishwasher is discharging water.
✓ Test Your Float Switch
The inside of every dishwasher uses a mechanical trigger to tell the machine when the basin is full. On many models, the float switch is a round cap that rises and lowers depending on the water level in a dishwasher. The simple solution is to check for any obstructions below the cap that might prevent the switch from lowering.
If there are no interferences, it might be a bad float switch pump. In this case, the switch will need to be replaced, but the process is simple.
How to replace a dishwasher float switch:
- First, shut off the power supply to your dishwasher.
- Then, refer to the manufacturer’s manual for step-by-step instructions on how to access the float switch; some models require you to remove the front panel.
- Once you’ve located the float switch, open the housing covers.
- Next, disconnect the wire from the switch, and remove the actuator (this will look like a seesaw).
- Remove the bad float switch.
- Replace with a new float switch and reconnect the switch and actuator.
- If necessary, replace the front of your dishwasher, along with any other dishwasher parts the manufacturer instructed you to remove.
✓ Review Dishwasher Gaskets
Dishwasher gaskets are designed to be durable, but they’re not indestructible. Even older gaskets are prone to cracking, which can cause water to leak. Additionally, food particles can accumulate along the lining of your dishwasher door, creating gaps where leakage can occur, which is easily solved with a thorough cleaning.
If gasket leaks still happen, the next best solution is a replacement. Since each brand is different, refer to your owner’s manual for the gasket model number and instructions on how to install a new dishwasher gasket.
✓ It Could be a Broken Spray Arm
Dishwasher spray arms are the number-one used part on a dishwasher, so damage is a possibility. In most cases, that means compromised cleaning, but a broken or clogged dishwasher arm can also be the cause of leakage. That’s because their jets are engineered to spray at precise angles — any major shift can change their trajectory. In the worst case, water sprays into the basin or toward the dishwasher door causing leaks on the floor.
How to check for a damaged dishwasher arm:
- As always, practice safety by unplugging your dishwasher from its power source.
- Once disconnected, spin the dishwasher arm to check if anything is obstructing the spray; remove any items you might find.
- Next, inspect the jet sprays. To do so, remove the dishwasher arm by twisting it counterclockwise (or according to the manufacturer’s instruction).
- Once detached, check the holes for any blockage or damage. If the water sprays are damaged, you might need to replace the part entirely; check the owner’s manual for the specific model number before ordering a replacement from your local appliance experts.
If there is no damage, the spray arm might just need to be cleaned. Fortunately, pantry items like white vinegar, baking soda, or even dish soap are usually all that’s needed to unclog the jets. Apply to the arm, let it set, and rinse off before replacing the spray arm in the dishwasher.
Damaged Drain Hose
As mentioned above, dishwasher hoses can be delicate, so cracks, chips, and kink fissures can be the reason why your dishwashing machine is leaking. Review the steps above to access the hose and for instructions on how to replace a dishwasher hose.
Why is My Dishwasher Not Cleaning Well?
One of the more frustrating issues users face is a dishwasher not cleaning. This is a double offender: Not only do you not have clean dishes, but you’ve also wasted water, energy, and time in the process. The silver lining is you can troubleshoot and solve the majority of the reasons your dishwasher isn’t cleaning with a little DIY.
- Unclog and clean the dishwasher filter with vinegar.
- Inspect the arm spray for clogs (see instructions above on how to replace a damaged dishwasher arm).
- Use hotter water for your washes.
- Only use high-quality dishwasher detergents and rinse aids (water softener helps, too).
✓ It Could Be the Inlet Valve (Again)
An inlet valve that has failed can also affect a dishwasher’s performance. Along with the signs mentioned above (see our final section under troubleshooting dishwasher draining issues), a bad inlet valve might also cause a hammering sound when your dishwasher is in use. Unfortunately, this is an advanced repair, so we also recommend professional help if this is the case.
Dishwasher Repair Cost
When in doubt, search “dishwasher repair near me” to find professionals (like us!) who can assess dishwasher problems accurately. Here’s what to expect.
According to Home Advisor, the average price to repair a dishwasher is $100–$200 per hour. On average, you can expect to pay $230 for a repair, while extreme cases can run up to $600 or more, depending on what’s being fixed. Additionally, it may take a few weeks for service to be done on your dishwashing machine. This comes down to each individual team of service members and their schedules.
Common dishwasher repair costs:
- Spray arm________ ≤ $100
- Filter____________ ≤ $100
- Water inlet valve___≤ $125
DIY vs Professional Dishwasher Repair Service
For the most part, it’s more cost affordable to repair your dishwasher yourself, and it many cases, the process is actually simple. If you’ve tried the DIY tips provided in this guide, but your dishwasher still fails to work, it’s time to call the professionals. But if your current dishwashing machine is more than eight years old or constantly needs repair, it might be cheaper to buy a new dishwasher altogether.
Learn More: The Best Types of Dishwashers
Why Trust Us?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Get the Best Dishwasher Repair at Don’s Appliance
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today and find professional dishwasher repair new you online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find affordable appliance repair — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: What You Need to Know About Appliance Servicing