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Is your dishwasher not draining water? Learn 7 easy fixes for clogs, pump failures & more.
Dishwasher won't wash
Common reasons your dishwasher won't wash
The most common reasons your dishwasher won't wash are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
50% of the time it's the Pump and Motor Assembly
9% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
8% of the time it's the Spray Arm
33% of the time it's the Something else
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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 fails to wash, a defective pump and motor assembly are often to blame. This assembly propels water up through the spray arms to cleanse dishes during the cycle. If a damaged pump impeller or malfunctioning motor disrupts its operation, dishes won't receive a thorough cleaning. Unusual sounds like buzzing or grinding from the pump and motor assembly may indicate a problem. Arrange for a Sears Home Services technician to assess and repair your dishwasher if you suspect a faulty pump.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When your dishwasher fails to clean dishes, a malfunctioning pump and motor assembly are often at fault. This assembly is responsible for directing water up through the spray arms to wash the dishes during the cycle. If a damaged pump impeller or a malfunctioning motor disrupts its operation, the dishes won't receive a thorough cleaning. Unusual sounds like buzzing or grinding from the pump and motor assembly may indicate a problem. Arrange for a Sears Home Services technician to visit your home and repair the dishwasher if a faulty pump is suspected.
Spray Arm Replacement
When your dishwasher fails to clean dishes effectively, a blocked spray arm might be the culprit. Mineral deposits or debris can accumulate around the spray arm holes, obstructing the flow of water and hindering proper cleaning. Additionally, if the spray holes become clogged, the spray arm won't spin correctly. To address this issue, it's advisable to request a visit from a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to inspect your dishwasher. The technician will assess the situation and clear any blockages in the spray arms to restore efficient cleaning performance.
What to expect when you experience a dishwasher won't wash issue
How to repair the won't wash problem
To address most issues where the dishwasher fails to wash dishes, the typical solution often entails replacing either the pump and motor assembly, the electronic control board, or the spray arm. However, since there can be various underlying reasons for this problem, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving it effectively. A precise diagnosis is vital for determining the extent of the repair needed and its associated costs.
Sears Home Services advice for a dishwasher that won't wash
If your dishwasher isn't washing dishes, there could be multiple causes. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians are skilled at diagnosing various dishwasher problems.
What you'll see with a dishwasher won't wash diagnosis
Identifying issues with modern appliances can be tough without the right expertise. Trying to fix your dishwasher without proper diagnostic methods might lead to replacing parts randomly. Appliances, particularly those made in the last decade, have complex electronic components that are hard to check. DIY repairs on newer appliance models are getting more challenging.
A dishwasher that fills but never actually circulates water fails to wash away grime. Damaged pumps or blocked spray arms commonly cause this. Schedule dishwasher service.
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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
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my dishwasher wash?
A faulty pump, clogged spray arms, or malfunctioning control board could be preventing the dishwasher from washing properly.
Could clogged spray arms stop my dishwasher from washing?
Yes, if the spray arms are clogged with debris, they won’t be able to distribute water properly. Clean or replace the spray arms if necessary.
How can I fix my dishwasher if it won’t wash?
Check the pump, spray arms, and control board for issues. Replacing any faulty components should restore washing functionality.
What should I do if my dishwasher still won’t wash after cleaning the spray arms?
If the problem persists, the control board or pump may require inspection or replacement.
Repair Dishwasher Resources
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Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.
If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.
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.