Dishwasher repair
Standing water and dirty dishes are the most common dishwasher complaints, and the fix is sometimes something you can do yourself.
Common dishwasher problems
- Standing water / not draining: clogged filter, garbage disposal knockout plug not removed (new installs), kinked drain hose, drain pump
- Dishes not clean: dirty filter, clogged spray arm holes, low water temperature, hard-water buildup, wrong detergent amount
- Leaking: door gasket, overfilling from a faulty inlet valve, loose hose connections, cracked tub
- Won't start: door latch, child lock, control board, blown thermal fuse
- Not drying: rinse aid empty, heating element, or the energy-saving dry setting is selected
Try this first
- Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub. Many modern dishwashers have a manual filter that should be rinsed monthly.
- Clear the spray arms: remove them and rinse out debris with a toothpick.
- Run the kitchen faucet hot before starting, so the dishwasher fills with hot water.
- If it drains into the disposal, run the disposal first to clear it.
- Use rinse aid. Southern California's hard water leaves spots and film without it.
When to call
Persistent leaks, error codes, a humming but not draining pump, or a unit that won't power on are good reasons to schedule a technician.
Related services
Refrigerator repair
Not cooling, leaking, noisy, or freezer not freezing.
Washer repair
Won't drain, won't spin, leaking, or stuck door lock.
Dryer repair
Not heating, taking too long, squealing, or won't turn on.
Areas
Northridge
Neighborhoods around CSUN and the north-central Valley.
Granada Hills
Large ranch-style homes in the northern Valley.
Porter Ranch
Newer master-planned homes in the northwest Valley foothills.
Chatsworth
Homes and ranch properties in the northwest Valley.
North Hills
Single-family homes and apartments in the central-north Valley.
Mission Hills
Historic neighborhoods near Mission San Fernando.