A Busted Dishwasher Can Put a Damper on Backyard Fun
There are few things as frustrating as having a major appliance go on the fritz. And unfortunately, they tend to do so at just the wrong time. There’s no better example of this than a dishwasher that decides to quit working in the middle of a summer dinner party or barbeque.
When the house is full of friends and neighbors and the sink is full of dishes, the last thing anyone wants to do is get stuck washing the night’s dishes by hand. Okay, maybe the last thing anyone wants is to get stuck doing damage control in a flooded kitchen. Either way, a broken dishwasher is no fun. But knowledge is power, so this article will outline a few of the most common dishwasher issues, what to do about them, and how to help prevent them.
Watch Out for These Common Dishwasher Problems
Dishwasher problems are most often the result of inadequate maintenance or general wear and tear. In the former category, the most common issues are funky smells, dishes not getting clean, or water pooling in the bottom of the dishwasher. These usually indicate that the filter, strain screen, or spray arm are not getting cleaned often enough.
In the latter category, the most common issues are water leaks, a door that won’t latch, loud and unusual sounds, dishes not getting dry, and no heat in the dry cycle. Problems like these are often the result of broken or worn components that need replacing.
A Professional Plumber Can Save the Day
For problems that homeowners can’t solve themselves, such as repairing electrical faults or replacing components like motors, pumps, heating elements, and thermostats, professional expertise will be needed. That’s where the friendly neighborhood plumber comes in.
Though many people don’t realize it, licensed plumbers are trained to work on appliances like dishwashers as part of their general education and certification. Even better, they also know the ins and outs of all the plumbing that the dishwasher is connected to. For instance, if the dishwasher isn’t draining due to a clog in the sewage line or the dishwasher isn’t filling due to a buildup of mineral deposits in the supply pipe, a plumber can diagnose and fix it.
Prevent Future Issues with Dishwasher Maintenance
Homeowners can help their dishwasher do its thing more effectively by pre-rinsing dishes, loading the racks in an orderly and efficient manner, using a rinse aid, and not overloading the detergent compartment. In terms of basic maintenance, a few simple things can go a long way.
Homeowners can use a dishrag and warm, soapy water to wipe down the spray arm, racks, door, and door gasket, as well as the whole interior of the dishwasher. This will help prevent mildew and help the door gasket properly seal. Regularly cleaning the strain screen and filter in the bottom of the dishwasher will help prevent both clogs and odors. Using a toothpick to clear any obstructions from the holes in the spray arm will help ensure proper function.
About Miracle Plumbing Inc.
The friendly experts at Miracle Plumbing Inc. have been serving San Jose, CA since 1992. As a BBB A+ rated local business, they take pride in their unparalleled customer care, fast response times, attention to detail, and up-front pricing. They offer financing, membership perks, and 24/7 emergency plumbing service.