Dishwasher repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What dishwasher repair is

Dishwasher repair diagnoses a unit that does not drain, clean, fill or start, then replaces the failed part. Common culprits include the drain pump, spray arms, filters, door latch, inlet valve and control board. People call when dishes come out gritty, water sits in the tub or the machine goes silent after a cycle begins.

Signs you need it

  • Water sits in the bottom of the tub at the end of a cycle
  • Dishes come out gritty, spotted or with food left on them
  • The machine does not fill, or fills slowly and then stops
  • The door will not latch, or the cycle stops when you open the door
  • A loud grinding, humming or banging comes from under the tub
  • The control panel lights up but the cycle does not start

What the pro does

  • Run a diagnostic cycle and note the error code, if the model shows one
  • Check the filter, the spray arms and the wash arm bearings for blockage or wear
  • Test the drain pump and circulation pump motors with a multimeter
  • Check the inlet valve, the float or level switch, and the door latch and switch
  • Replace the failed part, such as a drain pump, inlet valve, door latch or control board
  • Run a full cycle, check for leaks at the hose connections, and confirm the rinse and dry work

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Which part failed, since a filter or spray arm is simpler than a control board
  • Brand and model, and whether parts are stocked for that line
  • Built-in install that limits access to the pump and hoses
  • Whether a part must be ordered, which can mean another visit
  • Condition of the drain hose and air gap, which may need replacing
  • Age of the unit and whether replacement is the better choice

What a written quote should spell out

  • Make, model and serial number, and the error code if one was shown
  • Each failed part by name and the test that confirmed it
  • Whether the drain hose, air gap or inlet hose is included and what material it is
  • Warranty on the parts and the labor, in writing
  • Confirmation that a full cycle was run and checked for leaks

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What error code did the unit show, and what does it point to on this model?
  • Did you check the filter and the spray arms before ordering parts?
  • Do you carry the drain pump or inlet valve for my model?
  • Will you check the drain hose and the air gap for a clog?
  • Does the warranty cover a leak at a hose connection you made?
  • Will you run a full cycle before you leave?
  • Is the control board the likely fault, and how did you confirm that?

Red flags

  • A control board replaced before the pump, valve and filter were tested
  • No check of the filter, drain hose or air gap
  • Hoses left loose or unclamped after the work
  • A quote that names only a generic dishwasher part
  • No cycle run or leak check before the pro leaves

What you can do yourself

You can safely clean the filter, clear debris from the spray arm holes, check that the drain hose and air gap are clear, and confirm the door latches fully. Unplug the unit or turn off its breaker before you reach under the tub. Do not test the control board, the motor wiring or any live connection; call a pro for pump, valve, board or wiring faults.

Licenses and permits

Dishwasher repair is often not a licensed trade, but water and drain connections often fall under plumbing rules and electrical work can need a licensed electrician, with a permit in some areas. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your building department before you hire.

Dishwasher repair questions

Why is my dishwasher leaving food on the dishes?

The most common causes are a clogged filter, blocked spray arms, low water temperature or a failed circulation pump. Clean the filter and spray arms first, then have a pro test the pump if the problem stays.

Should I run hot water before starting the dishwasher?

Running the hot tap until it is hot helps many dishwashers fill with hot water. Ask your pro whether your model benefits from it.

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About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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