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Encountering dishwasher dilemmas like dishes refusing to dry or stubborn food residue can turn kitchen cleanup into a headache.
Whirlpool Dishwasher will not spray water
Common reasons your Whirlpool Dishwasher will not spray water
The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher will not spray water are a faulty circulation pump, a clogged spray arm, or a defective electronic control board.
31% of the time it's the Circulation Pump
28% of the time it's the Spray Arm
15% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
26% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher
Circulation Pump Replacement
A faulty circulation pump is often the problem when your dishwasher will not spray water. The pump sends water up through the spray arms to clean dishes during the cycle. If the pump isn't working, the water won't spray. You may hear unusual noises from the circulation pump such as buzzing or grinding when it isn't working, and dishes won't get clean. Schedule an in-home repair appointment through Sears Home Services to have a technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher if you suspect the circulation pump isn't working.
Spray Arm Replacement
A clogged spray arm can prevent water from reaching dishes. Hard water deposits or debris can build up around the spray arm holes so water won't spray out of the spray arm properly. The spray arm also won't spin properly if spray holes are clogged. When your dishwasher won't spray, have a Sears Home Services Repair expert visit your home and examine the dishwasher. The technician can determine if the clog can be cleared or if the spray arm should be replaced.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A dishwasher that will not spray water could have a defective electronic control board. If the control board fails, it can stop sending signals to the circulation pump, and water won't circulate to the spray arms. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher if it will not spray water.
How to Fix a Whirlpool Dishwasher that Won’t Spray Water
Damaged spray arms, low water fill, circulation pump problems, a faulty control board or a wiring failure can prevent your Whirlpool dishwasher from spraying water.
Inspect the spray arms
Check the spray arms for clogs or damage. Clear debris and deposits from the spray arm holes if they’re clogged. Use bamboo skewer to clean the spray arm holes thoroughly.
Replace a spray arm if it’s cracked or damaged.
Check water fill level
A Whirlpool dishwasher should fill with water to a level just under the heating element and just touching the bottom of the mushroom float valve.
If the dishwasher isn’t filling or it isn’t filling properly, follow the expert tips in this safe DIY troubleshooting video:
Resolving a filling problem will allow the dishwasher to spray water properly.
Check the circulation pump
If the dishwasher fills with water properly, start a wash cycle and listen closely for the sound of the circulation pump running. If the pump makes loud or unusual noises, you may need to replace the circulation pump.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the circulation pump in a Whirlpool dishwasher:
Replacing the circulation pump is an advanced repair. If you’re not completely confident that you can replace the circulation pump on your own or you need to have a service technician diagnose and fix the spray failure in your Whirlpool dishwasher, schedule dishwasher repair service.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dishwasher will not spray water issue
How is the dishwasher will not spray water issue fixed?
Correcting most dishwasher will not spray water issues involves replacing the circulation pump, spray arm, or electronic control board. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher will not spray water problem
When a dishwasher will not spray water, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.
What to look out for with a dishwasher will not spray water diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
If your Whirlpool dishwasher fails to spray at all, the circulation pump or clogged jets might be blocking water output. Instead of facing poorly rinsed dish loads, schedule a dishwasher repair near me. Proper spray function helps ensure spotless, fully-cleaned plates and utensils.
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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 isn’t my Whirlpool dishwasher spraying water?
A clogged spray arm, faulty pump, or blocked water inlet valve can prevent the dishwasher from spraying water. Inspect these parts for clogs or damage.
Could a clogged spray arm cause my Whirlpool dishwasher to not spray water?
Yes, a clogged or damaged spray arm will block water from reaching the dishes. Clean or replace the spray arm to restore functionality.
How can I fix my Whirlpool dishwasher if it’s not spraying water?
Inspect the spray arm and check for blockages. If the pump or water inlet valve is malfunctioning, replace them to restore water flow.
What should I do if my Whirlpool dishwasher still isn’t spraying water after cleaning the spray arm?
If cleaning the spray arm doesn’t fix the issue, the problem could be with the pump or control board, which may require professional repair.
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Glossary Terms
A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.
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.