How to Fix Your Dishwasher: Troubleshooting & Repair

Repairing dishwashers that won't start, overflow or leak, clean poorly, and more

Empty dishwasher with tools on door

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 mins - 1 hr, 30 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins - 1 hr, 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $70

A dishwasher is one of the hardest working home appliances, usually lasting 10 or more years, but it might need repairs in its lifetime. When that day comes, you can do many common dishwasher repairs before you call an appliance technician. While it may seem intimidating, a dishwasher is a straightforward device you can repair independently with some guidance.

Warning

DIY dishwasher repairs are sometimes tricky, particularly if you have little experience. If you're uncomfortable working with electric appliances or uncertain about your ability to complete any steps in this project, call a professional.

Basics of How a Dishwasher Works

Before diving into repairing your dishwasher, it helps to understand how it works. Most dishwasher issues center around basic core functions and require only simple tools and general skills to fix problems.

Your dishwasher heats water as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit in its lower basin (below the bottom rack) with a metal heating element. Spray arms pump that water over the dishes while dispensing the detergent. After a second rinsing spray, the heating element dries the dishes. High temperature and water pressure mean the door and other potential escape points must remain perfectly sealed.

Safety Considerations

Follow these procedures for all repairs that involve removing the machine from its location. Dishwashers are top-heavy, so they are likely to fall forward after being removed from the bay.

  1. Turn off the circuit breaker at the service panel.
  2. Under the kitchen sink, shut off the water supply line. Disconnect the dishwasher drain and supply lines. Disconnect the power cord.
  3. Open the door. Unscrew the machine where it is attached to its metal frame or the underside of the countertop.
  4. Open the door slightly to gain a hand-hold on the machine. Hold both sides of the machine. Gently wiggle the machine side to side while pulling it toward you.
  5. Do not open the door with the machine out of its bay, as it can tip forward and injure you. If you need to open the door, push the machine halfway into the bay to prevent it from tipping.

Ensure the electrical cord is fully unplugged from the outlet, and all hoses are disconnected before working on the dishwasher. When the dishwasher door is open, do not lean on it for support.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

The parts and tools you need depend upon what you find when troubleshooting.

  • Screwdrivers (helpful for troubleshooting)
  • Multimeter (helpful for troubleshooting)

Instructions

Materials and tools to repair a dishwasher

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Fix an Overflowing Dishwasher

Located in the dishwasher basin, the float assembly is a saucer-shaped device that floats up as water rises in the basin. When the water reaches a certain height, the attached overfill float switch signals the dishwasher to cut off the water. If the float is not moving or the switch is not working, the water will rise until it overflows.

  1. Fix the Float

    • Raise and lower the float a few times by hand to "unstick" it. The float needs to move freely to activate the switch.
    • If this is not happening or if the float is visibly damaged, replace the entire float assembly.
    Dishwasher float lifted by hand for fixing

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Check the Overfill Float Switch

    The float switch is a small relay switch that allows or cuts off a low-voltage electrical current.

    • Lift the float and listen carefully. If you hear a hard metallic click, there is a good chance that the switch itself is working correctly.
    • If not, replace this inexpensive part.
    Float lifted to check overfill float switch in dishwasher

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Replace the Overfill Float Switch

    • After performing shut-down procedures, locate the switch.
    • Unsnap the old switch, which should be very easy.
    • Snap the new switch into the proper place.

    Tip

    Access points to the float switch vary between models, so consult your owner's manual to find the location. Depending on your model, it may be located behind the machine or in front, under the toe kick.

    New overfill float switch snapped into place

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Fix a Leaking Dishwasher Door

If water is dripping from the bottom or sides of your dishwasher door, your door seal is most likely no longer functioning properly and needs to be replaced. Your door may leak even though the machine is working well or leaking in conjunction with overflow problems.

  1. Check for Door Obstructions

    If the door leaks randomly, it may be because you have loaded the machine improperly. Large items placed on the lower rack towards the sides may prevent the door from closing firmly. Water may leak out as a result. Load large items far back, clear of the door. 

    Large plates rearranged inside dishwasher rack

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Remove and Clean the Door Seal

    • Pull the seal out by hand.
    • Clean the channel with a mild mixture of dish soap and warm water, as debris will prevent the seal from adhering. Let the channel dry.
    • Press the seal back into the channel.
    • Do a test run of the dishwasher.
    • If the leak remains, it's time to replace the seal.
    Old door seal removed from dishwasher next to bucket with soapy water

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Replace the Seal

    • Use a hairdryer on low heat to straighten out the new seal, as it will be creased and folded from being in the package.
    • Press the seal into the channel, starting at the top and working down to the left and right sides.
    • Double-check on the seal before closing the door.
    • Cycle on the dishwasher for a test run while watching for leaks.
    New door seal replaced inside dishwasher

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Fix a Dishwasher That Will Not Drain

When the dishwasher does not drain or drains slowly, your machine probably has a blockage you can clear by hand.

  1. Check the Sink and Drain Tube

    • Look at the kitchen sink first. Your sink and dishwasher share a common drainage system. If the dishwasher drain is clogged, the sink might be, too.
    • While under the sink, verify that the dishwasher's drain tube (a corrugated plastic tube) is not kinked. It should run in a smooth curve from the dishwasher to the drain.
    Dishwasher drain tube readjusted to kitchen sink drain

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Inspect and Clean the Drain Filter

    • Check out your dishwasher drain filter in the basin at the bottom of the machine. Some food particles pass through the filter, but it is designed to block larger particles.
    • Clear the filter by pulling the particles out (do not force them into the filter).
    • If there are no visible particles, remove the filter cage by removing the two screws from the top of the cage.
    • After removing the cage, clear any blockages.
    Dishwasher drain filter lifted to check for particles

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Clear the Drain Tube

    • Shut down and remove the machine.
    • Locate the plastic drain tube attached to the back of the machine. Detach it and blow into the tube. If air does not flow freely, the tube is blocked.
    • Clear the tube by forcefully running water into it in a sink. If the block is difficult to clear or the tube appears damaged, purchase a new one.
    Drain tube inspected on back of dishwasher machine

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Fix a Dishwasher That Isn't Cleaning Well

It can be frustrating to run your dishwasher on a full cycle only to discover dried, caked-on food after the drying cycle. For machines not cleaning dishes well, follow this procedure to clean and unclog the vital spray arms.

  1. Clean the Spray Arms

    Water leads to mineral buildup. Remove all spray arms and soak them in vinegar to remove mineral deposits.

    Dishwasher spray arm lifted for cleaning

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Replace the Inlet Valve

    • Remove the toe kick access panel.
    • Remove the water line that attaches to the inlet valve.
    • With pliers, remove the brass fitting.
    • Then, remove the valve bracket from the machine with a hex-nut driver.
    • Remove the attached electrical harness.
    • Attach the new inlet valve fitting, taking care to first wind Teflon tape on the threads.
    • Reattach the assembly and the toe kick panel.
    Dishwasher inlet valve replaced and connected to water line

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won't Dry Dishes

Are the dishes still wet even after a complete cycle? That metal horseshoe-shaped heating element at the bottom of the machine, in the basin, is in charge of drying operations. This heating element is relatively inexpensive and straightforward to replace.

  1. Disconnect the Heating Element

    • Shut down the machine, disconnect it, and remove it from its bay so that you can access the back.
    • On the back of the machine, locate the two wires that attach to the heating element terminals.
    • With a flat-head screwdriver, gently pry the wires loose.
    • Set the wires on the floor, taking note of their positions (left or right).
    • With a wrench, unscrew the two plastic retainer nuts. Sizes may vary, but typically, you will use a 3/4-inch wrench.
    Heating element disconnected with screwdriver on back of dishwasher

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Remove the Heating Element

    • Go to the front of the machine and push it halfway back into its bay.
    • Open the door and remove the lower rack.
    • Remove the heating element. Since you have already loosened it from the back, it should be easy to lift out.
    Heating element disconnected from bottom of dishwasher

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Replace the Heating Element

    Replacement of the dishwasher heating element works in reverse.

    • Seat it gently in the proper space and go to the back of the dishwasher.
    • Tighten the retaining nuts carefully to avoid cracking them, then connect the wires.
    Heating element replaced from back of dishwasher with wrench

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Other Common Dishwasher Issues

Door Latch Failure

Door latch problems are common. The usual culprits are misalignment of the machine, a latch dirty with food, soap, and grime, a dishwasher rack sticking out, a micro switch in the latch is faulty, problems with the mechanical hinges or springs on the door, or the gasket seal is failing.

Check each of these components. Make sure the machine is firmly seated. Look at the door hinges and springs to ensure they're intact and not loose. Confirm the rubber gasket is intact, clean, and operational.

If the door spring tension is improperly set, it may not be strong enough to keep it closed. If it's too loose, adjust the tension on the springs for a tighter-fitting door.

Buttons Not Working

If the buttons on a dishwasher appear dead, several reasons can cause those problems.

  • The door latch: If a door latch isn't working correctly, it may be a failsafe that does not allow the dishwasher to function. Also, if your dishwasher is the type that has a micro switch in the door latch, it could be malfunctioning. Use a multimeter to test the switch for current. If it's dead, replace the switch.
  • Touchpad or Control Panel: If some of the buttons appear glitchy or work one minute but not the next, it could be the touchpad or control panel is faulty. The main control board serves as the brain of the dishwasher. A main control board problem may not send power to the dishwasher touchpad, causing the touchpad buttons not to work. Check the wiring is secure; if it is, replace the control panel or touchpad.
  • Power outage, tripped breaker, or unplugged electrical cord: Check the power is running to the dishwasher and the electrical cord did not come loose. Look at the circuit breakers and GFCI outlets (ground-fault circuit interrupter) to ensure they haven't tripped or blown a fuse.

Lights Flashing

When a dishwasher's control panel or indicator lights start flashing, it usually signals something is wrong. All dishwashers operate differently. It's likely a fault code; flashes vary from indicating the door is not latched correctly to a drain pump malfunction to problems with the heating element.

Look up your model online or consult your instructions manual to fully understand the meaning behind flashing lights on your machine.

Machine Makes Noises

If you hear a loud, usual buzzing or squealing sound from your dishwasher, you may need to replace the water pump or motor. If the noise is accompanied by pooled water, it's likely a faulty drain pump that needs replacement.

Look at the circulation pump if the dishwasher makes a loud, droning sound and won't work. It has bearings that can get worn. To replace the circulation pump, you will need to disconnect the pump hoses and wiring harness and unthread the pump's mounting screws.

If you hear your dishes getting hit or scaped during the wash cycle, they are likely jostled by the spray arm as it goes around. Ensure the tall dishes and items are not impeding the movement of the spray arm.

FAQ
  • What causes a dishwasher to stop working?

    Some causes could be broken wires, fuses, or a malfunctioning electrical panel inside the dishwasher's door preventing power from reaching the appliance.

  • Is it worth it to fix a dishwasher?

    Many times, it may not be worth fixing a dishwasher. For example, if you've made a few repairs to the appliance in a short period, it may be time to replace the dishwasher. Another general rule of thumb: if repairing the dishwasher would cost half of the price of a new dishwasher, it may not be worth the fix.

  • What is the lifespan of a dishwasher?

    Most dishwashers should last at least 10 years.