Dishwasher problems, lifespan and upkeep

A dishwasher fills with hot water, sprays it through rotating arms, then pumps it out through a drain hose, with a filter at the bottom catching food. Most trouble is one of two things: it's not emptying, or it's not cleaning. A dishwasher that is not draining usually has a clogged filter or hose; one that is not cleaning usually has a dirty filter, blocked spray arms or a detergent problem. Switch off power before reaching into the tub's bottom.

Common problems
How long it should last

Typical lifespan: about 8–10 years, some 15+

Signs it is near the end:

  • Repairs are getting more frequent, and one nears half the price of a new unit.
  • Dishes stay dirty even with a clean filter, clear arms and fresh detergent.
  • Water leaks from the door or under the unit.
  • The door gasket or latch no longer seals.
  • The pump or motor is loud, or the control board is failing.
Basic upkeep
  • Rinse the filter at the bottom of the tub every month or so.
  • Scrape plates, but you don't need to pre-rinse them.
  • Run the kitchen tap hot before starting a cycle.
  • Check that the spray-arm holes are clear and the arms spin freely.
  • Never pour chemical drain cleaner into it.
Common fixes

  • Furnace won't heat?

    FurnaceFall

    The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.

  • Heat pump not heating?

    Heat pumpFall

    The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.

  • Washer won't drain?

    Washer

    Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.

  • Fridge not cooling?

    Fridge

    The fridge section is warm or warming. The cause depends on whether the freezer is still cold, and the first fix is often free.

  • Washer won't spin?

    Washer

    The drum fills and washes but won't spin, which is usually an unbalanced load, the lid switch, or a drain problem.

Sharpen the read

Diagnose your dishwasher in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

  • the filter at the bottom of the tub, removed
  • the spray arms and their holes
  • the model label on the door edge

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

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