Prioritizing Your Appliances

4 Signs You Need To Service Or Replace Your Dishwasher

Owning a home can be stressful, since there are so many tasks needed to keep it clean, appealing, and functional. You may already mow the lawn and wash your exterior siding regularly, but you should also spend time maintaining your appliance. In most households, the dishwasher is a well-loved and constantly-used appliance. Due to this usage, ongoing maintenance is imperative, but you may not know where to begin. Unfortunately, without this proper cleaning and maintenance, your dishwasher will wear out, decreasing its ability to perform. With this guide, you will know when to repair or replace your dishwasher to ensure it is cleaning in an effective, efficient manner.

Lukewarm or Cold Water

Water that is lukewarm or cold will not properly clean and sanitize your dishes. If you open your dishwasher during a cycle, the water should be hot. For the most effective cleaning and killing of bacteria, the water should be approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the water in your dishwasher is warm or cold, consult a professional, since there is most likely an issue with your appliance's heating element. The heating element is a durable part of your dishwasher, but its function is reduced over time.

An appliance technician can measure the element's OHM levels using a multimeter. A higher OHM reading signifies the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Standing Water

If you open your dishwasher after a cycle completes and notice water is standing on the bottom of the tub, there is a draining issue. Standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher tub is a common issue, but it requires immediate attention before the water begins leaking under the appliance and onto your floors and cabinets.

To diagnose the drainage problem, power down your dishwasher and disconnect the electrical connections to the unit. Use your hands to check the drain cover for visible food and debris. Remove the drain cover and pull out any food, broken glass, or other debris that may be clogging up the drain.

Check the drain hose, as well, for kinks or damage. The hose will connect underneath your kitchen sink. If the hose is old or worn, contact a technician to replace immediately. Older drain hoses are more likely to kink, decreasing the dishwasher's ability to drain.

Door Does Not Latch

Washing your dishes in an effective manner will require a sealed dishwasher. If the appliance's door will not close and seal properly, the dishwasher will not be able to hold in heat and water, which are essential components for cleaning dishes.

In most cases, repairing the issue will involve replacing the door latch. However, if you have replaced the door latch multiple times, it may be because constant heat and use has warped the door frame over time. This is a sure sign that your appliance needs to be replaced.

It Is Old

If you have recently moved into an older home, you may not spend much time trying to determine the age of your dishwasher. Unfortunately, this could be a costly mistake.

Dishwashers made before 1994 are not only wasteful, but also expensive to run. While surprising for many homeowners to learn, a dishwasher made before 1994 can cost you an extra $35 per year in energy costs. Also, these older dishwashers waste a great deal of water during operation. On average, dishwashers made before 1994 waste 10 gallons of water with each cycle.

If you have an older dishwasher in your home, make sure to replace it with an energy and water efficient model.

Ensuring your dishwasher is in good working condition is wise, but it can be overwhelming. With this guide, you will know when to repair or replace your dishwasher so that it is cleaning in a proper, efficient manner. Contact a company like Goldman  Appliances Inc for more information.


Share