Dishwasher not washing

Common reasons your dishwasher not washing

The most common reasons your dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.

35% of the time it's the
Pump and Motor Assembly

23% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

10% of the time it's the
Spray Arm

32% of the time it's the
Something else

Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

When your dishwasher isn't washing dishes properly, it's often due to a faulty pump and motor assembly. This part pumps water up through the spray arms to clean the dishes during the cycle. If the pump impeller is broken or the motor fails, the pump won't work, and the dishes won't get cleaned. You might hear strange noises like buzzing or grinding from the pump and motor assembly when it's not working right. To fix this issue, schedule a repair with Sears Home Services to have a technician come to your home and repair the dishwasher if a faulty pump is suspected.

How to replace a dishwasher pump and motor assembly

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dishwasher isn't washing, it might be due to a faulty electronic control board. This board can freeze up and stop sending power to the wash motor if its internal memory or logic gets corrupted. Problems like a failed relay or malfunctioning electronic parts on the board could cause it to freeze up. Figuring out if the control board is defective can be tricky. To resolve this issue, it's best to have a Sears Home Services technician examine and repair your dishwasher when it's not washing properly.

How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

Spray Arm Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't washing dishes well, a clogged spray arm might be to blame. This happens when hard water deposits or debris block the holes in the spray arm, preventing water from reaching the dishes. When the holes are clogged, the spray arm can't spin properly either. To solve this issue, you can schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Repair Expert. They'll come to your home, check your dishwasher, and clear any clogs in the spray arms to make sure your dishes get clean.

How to replace a dishwasher lower spray arm

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not washing issue

Fixing a dishwasher not washing problem

Repairing most issues with dishwashers not washing properly often requires replacing the pump and motor assembly, electronic control board, or spray arm. However, because there could be various reasons for the problem, it's crucial to conduct a thorough diagnosis to pinpoint the issue accurately. Getting an accurate diagnosis is vital for understanding the cost of the repair.

Sears Home Services provides solutions for a dishwasher that is not washing

If your dishwasher isn't washing dishes properly, several factors could be causing the issue. To prevent replacing unnecessary parts, we advise having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause of the problem. Our technicians are skilled at identifying various types of dishwasher failures.

What to look for when diagnosing a dishwasher not washing

Diagnosing issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right expertise and training. Attempting to fix your dishwasher problem without employing proper diagnostic methods often leads to replacing parts based on guesswork. Over the past decade, appliances have become highly advanced, with many incorporating intricate electronic components that are hard to assess. As a result, DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are growing more complex.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.

Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!

James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.

Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Repair Dishwasher Resources

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Learn how a portable dishwasher works.

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How Does a Recirculation Pump Work?

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Learn how a recirculation pump works in a dishwasher and how to troubleshoot pump problems.

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Glossary Terms

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

What is a French-Door Refrigerator?

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

What is a Furnace?

A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

What is a Furnace Blower Motor?

A furnace blower motor is a crucial component of a home heating system that drives the fan responsible for circulating air throughout the HVAC system and into the living spaces of the home.