Common Dishwasher Faults & How to Fix Them | Domestic Appliance Installation
Is your dishwasher acting up? A faulty dishwasher can be frustrating, especially when dishes come out dirty or the appliance won’t start at all. At Domestic Appliance Installation, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the most common dishwasher problems and their potential solutions — so you can get your kitchen back to normal fast.
Top 10 Most Common Dishwasher Faults
1. Dishwasher Won’t Start
Your dishwasher might not start due to:
Door not properly latched
Faulty start button or control panel
Power supply issues
✅ Quick Fix: Check the power cord and door latch. If those are working, the control board may need professional repair.
2. Dishes Come Out Dirty
One of the most common complaints, dirty dishes could be caused by:
Clogged spray arms
Water not heating
Overloading the dishwasher
🧽 Solution: Clean the spray arms and filters, avoid overpacking, and run a hot wash cycle.
3. Water Not Draining
If there’s standing water in your dishwasher:
The drain hose may be blocked
The drain pump could be faulty
The filter might be clogged
🛠️ Pro Tip: Clean the filter and inspect the drain hose. Still having trouble? You may need a technician.
4. Leaking Dishwasher
Leaks are usually caused by:
A worn-out door gasket
Loose or cracked hoses
Overfilling or improper detergent use
💧 Fix: Check the seal around the door and inspect for loose connections.
5. Dishwasher Making Unusual Noises
Unusual sounds may be due to:
Items interfering with the spray arms
Worn pump or motor
Loose internal parts
🔊 Tip: Remove loose utensils or large items and try running a cycle empty. Persistent noise should be inspected by a pro.
6. Bad Smells Coming From Dishwasher
Foul odors come from:
Food debris stuck in filters or drain
Mold and mildew buildup
Using cold water cycles too often
🌿 Maintenance Tip: Clean the filter regularly and run a vinegar or baking soda cycle monthly to freshen the interior.
7. Dishwasher Won’t Fill With Water
This issue might stem from:
A faulty water inlet valve
A stuck float switch
Low water pressure
🚰 What to Check: Ensure the water supply is on and no visible pipes are kinked.
8. Dishwasher Doesn’t Dry Dishes
If your dishes come out wet:
Heating element may be broken
Rinse aid dispenser might be empty
Using an eco cycle without heat drying
🌬️ Solution: Refill rinse aid and check if the water is heating.
9. White Film or Cloudy Glassware
This is often caused by:
Hard water deposits
Not enough rinse aid
Too much detergent
🧼 Fix: Use a dishwasher cleaner and add rinse aid. A water softener may help long-term.
10. Error Codes on Display
Modern dishwashers show error codes for:
Drainage issues
Water supply problems
Temperature or sensor errors
📘 What to Do: Consult your user manual or contact us with the code for expert diagnosis.
Need Professional Dishwasher Repair?
At Domestic Appliance Installation, I offer reliable, same-day dishwasher repair services for all major brands and models. I am fully equipped to handle any issue — big or small.
✅ Why Choose Me?
Same-day or next-day appointments
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Skilled for all brands
Warrantied repairs
📞 Call 07365865653 today or Book a repair online to get your dishwasher working like new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I fix a dishwasher myself?
A: You can tackle minor issues like cleaning filters or unclogging hoses. For electrical or mechanical faults, we recommend a professional.
Q: How much does dishwasher repair cost?
A: Repair costs usually range from £60 to £150, depending on the fault and replacement parts needed.
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
A: At least once a month to prevent buildup and ensure optimal performance.
Contact Us
Got a dishwasher that won’t cooperate? I’m here to help.
📍 Worcestershire
📞 Phone: 07365865653
📧 Email: jon@d-a-i.co.uk