Dishwasher Parts

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When one of your major appliances, such as your dishwasher, isn't working properly, it can be frustrating. You might think you have to budget to buy a new one. However, with the right parts and tools, you might be able to repair your appliance yourself. Repairing your dishwasher saves you money, and the experience can also be very rewarding, giving you a sense of accomplishment. We're here to help you understand your dishwasher and how to repair it yourself so you don't have to buy a new one.

Understanding Your Dishwasher

A dishwasher is a great tool to have when it's working, but you may feel otherwise when the appliance isn't doing its job. Common dishwasher models many people have in their homes include Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and Bosch. Most of these dishwashers offer the same basic functionality, though they also have their own unique features. For example, Whirlpool offers dishwashers with a third rack or an adjustable top rack, while some Frigidaire dishwashers have DishSense Technology, which can determine the best water temperature for each dish-cleaning cycle.

Some of the most common problems people have with their dishwashers, regardless of the model, are:

        •   Leaking.
        •   Clogging.
        •   Bad smells.
        •   Loud noises.
        •   Cleaning issues.

If your dishwasher is exhibiting any of these signs of trouble, with the right parts, you might be able to make repairs and get it working again. Normal wear and tear means that you'll need to replace certain dishwasher parts more often than others, and timely dishwasher maintenance is key to keeping your appliance working. The dishwasher parts that wear out most frequently are the rack rollers, hoses, and spray arms. These parts get significant use, so it makes sense that they wear out first.

The rack rollers are the wheels that move the dishwasher racks in and out of the appliance. Every time you open your dishwasher to remove clean dishes or fill it with dirty ones, you're moving the racks in and out. This puts stress on these small rollers. Replacing the rollers can be a simple, easy fix, and new ones are inexpensive.

Your dishwasher has multiple hoses that bring clean water into the appliance and remove dirty water. These hoses accumulate mineral and calcium deposits, causing them to break down. They can also become clogged with food particles and dirt, preventing water from entering or leaving the dishwasher. Hoses aren't always easy to get to, so replacing them could take some time. Most dishwasher hoses don't cost a significant amount, and replacing them can make a big difference in how well your dishwasher works.

Spray arms inside the dishwasher spin around and release water that covers the dishes. If the arms stop spinning or can't spray water, your dishes won't get clean. Because the spray arms move and use water, they're a common culprit when your dishwasher isn't performing as it should. You won't have to spend much on a new spray arm for your dishwasher, but this part can be a little more challenging to swap out.

Essential Tools and Safety Precautions for Repairing Your Dishwasher

You can usually take care of dishwasher maintenance with tools you already have around the house. The tools you should have include:

        •   Screwdrivers.
        •   Wrenches.
        •   Nut drivers.
        •   Putty knife.
        •   Pliers.
        •   Multimeter.
        •   Wire cutters.
        •   Towels.

It's important to remember safety before you begin any appliance repair project. You'll want to wear gloves and safety goggles while working on your dishwasher to keep yourself safe. Make sure you unplug the dishwasher and turn off the water to it as well.

Dishwasher Repair Troubleshooting and FAQ

This troubleshooting guide answers frequently asked questions about dishwasher repair to help you accomplish your dishwasher maintenance project.

Why Is My Dishwasher Leaking?

A float at the bottom of every dishwasher helps the appliance know when to stop letting water in. If the float gets stuck, the dishwasher will overflow, causing water to leak out. You can easily replace the float, and depending on the model, a new float won't be too costly. Another common reason why dishwashers leak is a damaged door seal. You can try cleaning the seal, but if doing so doesn't stop the leak, you might need to replace the entire dishwasher door seal. Use a hairdryer to straighten the seal and remove creases.

Why Isn't My Dishwasher Draining?

Your dishwasher may not be draining due to a blockage in a hose or filter. Inspect the drain hose to ensure that it's not plugged up and that there aren't any kinks in the line. Remove the drain hose and blow air through it to push out anything that could be stuck inside it, then remove the filter in the bottom of the dishwasher basin and clean it. If the dishwasher still has a clog, try replacing the drain hose or filter.

What Can I Do if My Dishwasher Isn't Drying the Dishes?

You'll know that your dishwasher isn't drying the dishes if your dishes are still dripping wet at the end of the cycle. The dishes won't be hot, and there won't be any steam coming from the appliance when you open it. In this case, the problem is likely with the heating element.

To replace the heating element, you'll need to disconnect it from the dishwasher. Make sure that power to the unit is turned off before you get started because you'll have to remove the wires connecting it to the dishwasher. A dishwasher heating element is usually inexpensive to replace, but doing so can be tricky.

Our Dishwasher Parts Inventory Has You Covered

We know that your dishwasher makes your life easier. That's why we have an extensive inventory of dishwasher parts for every model that can help you repair your appliance. If you need help finding the right part for your dishwasher, contact our team at Automatic Appliance Parts using our convenient online form. We also make it easy to look up dishwasher parts using the model number so you can locate the exact part you need.