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  1. Repair

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%

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

  • 23%

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

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Spray Arm

  • 32%

    32% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

    We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 19.7M dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

    Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.

    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.


    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.

    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.

    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

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