A dishwasher is a vital piece of equipment in the kitchen that saves time and effort spent manually cleaning dishes. However, when it malfunctions, it can pose a significant hazard, making it important to address issues immediately. Here are some common problems that can occur with dishwashers:

Issue 1: Failure to clean

Several factors may cause the dishwasher to fail to clean, including a defective or clogged water inlet valve, a broken or worn water pump belt, defective wash arms, or defective circulation pump, motor or impeller. Also, a clogged upper arm for washing could obstruct the flow of water.

Issue 2: Failure to drain

When the dishwasher fails to drain, it could be due to a broken drain impeller, defective drain pump motor, failed drain solenoid, clogged drain valve, or a clogged drainage hose.

Issue 3: Buttons not working

If the buttons on the dishwasher are unresponsive, the problem could be a defective touchpad or a faulty main control board.

Issue 4: Flashing or blinking lights

When the dishwasher lights flash or blink, it could be due to a faulty heating element, a defective drain pump, or a defective touchpad or control panel that needs replacement.

Issue 5: Leakage

Leakage may occur due to a malfunctioning water inlet valve, damaged wash arm assembly, damaged door gasket or door seal, or damaged hinges for the door.

Issue 6: Leakage from motor area

When water seeps out through the motor area, the cause could be a leaking impeller or shaft seal, defective seal on the shaft, or a defective motor shaft seal, which may require replacing the entire motor and pump assembly.

Issue 7: Failure to start

A defective door switch, blown thermal fuse, broken door latch, or faulty touchpad, MCB, control panel, or timer may cause the dishwasher not to start.

Issue 8: Failure to latch

If the dishwasher door won’t latch, the cause could be broken or bent hinges, a broken or misaligned door catch, a broken latch or damaged door strike and assembly.

Issue 9: Failure to dispense soap

The dispenser may not dispense soap due to several reasons, including a burned-out bi-metal, a damaged or broken detergent container, a broken dispenser part or cover, or a defective dispenser actuator, door pin, latch, door spring or lever, and dispenser slide and repair kit. Sometimes, the issue may be with the MCB not providing sufficient water supply to the dishwasher.

It is important to seek help from a reputable kitchen appliance repair service provider for dishwasher repairs as DIY attempts may lead to serious hazards.