How to Repair a Dishwasher

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

Repairing a dishwasher can be done by just about anyone provided it's not a major problem. You can save yourself some money by trying these basic steps before calling a repairman. The only trick is that the same symptom can manifest for different problems.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Turn on the dishwasher to see of the power is working. If it will not run, you may need to replace the door switch, timer or selector switch.
Step 2

Check to see if water fills the machine. If it does not, make sure the water is turned on and check the float inside the dishwasher. This is a small plastic dome mounted at the tub's base. Take the float out and clean around the area it sits in, rinse off the float after removing it and then replace it making sure it will move up and down easily. Clean the debris off the screen from the valve, which is behind the front panel of the dishwasher.
Step 3

Unplug your dishwasher to test it with a volt-ohm meter if it won't stop filling with water. Make sure the power is off before doing this. Lift the float out, clean it and label the wires attached so you can replace it properly. Set the meter to Rx100. It is a correct reading when the float is down and reads zero. If it does not, unscrew the switch and replace it.
Step 4

Look at the water standing in the dishwasher that has not drained. Clean water just means the pump isn't pumping the water out, the drain hose isn't carrying the water to the drain or there is a backup in the lines. Dirty water means there is a kink or clog somewhere. Remove the air gap cover to the sink and clean it with a wire. Clean the strainer by removing it from the base of the unit, and clean it with a brush.
Step 5

Check the door gasket or tightness if you have a leak. Sometimes it also is something as simple as too much detergent or an improperly loaded machine. Make sure the machine is level as this can cause a leak.