Top 10 Most Common Dishwasher Repair Questions Answered

1. Why is my dishwasher not draining properly?

A dishwasher that won’t drain is one of the most common issues. First, check and clean the filter at the bottom of the tub; food debris often clogs it. Next, inspect the drain hose under the sink to make sure it’s not kinked or clogged. Also check the garbage disposal inlet (if the dishwasher drains through it) to see whether a knockout plug was left in after installation.

If there’s standing water, try running the drain cycle again and listen for the drain pump. No sound may indicate a failed pump. If the hose, filter, and disposal are clear but water still won’t drain, or if you smell burning or hear grinding noises, call a professional, as the drain pump or control board may need replacement.

2. Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes well?

When dishes come out dirty, cloudy, or with food stuck on them, start with the basics. Make sure you aren’t overloading the racks and that water can reach all surfaces. Check and clean the spray arms—food particles and mineral deposits can block the spray holes. Use a toothpick or soft brush to clear them.

Verify you’re using the right detergent for your water hardness and that the water temperature is at least 120°F (49°C). Run the hot water at the sink before starting the dishwasher so hot water enters immediately. If circulation sounds weak or you find standing water after cycles, the circulation pump may be failing. Persistent poor cleaning after these steps is a good reason to bring in a technician to test the pump, diverter, and water pressure. 🍽️

3. Why does my dishwasher smell bad?

Bad odors usually come from trapped food, grease, and standing water. Remove the bottom rack and clean the filter, sump area, and around the door seal. Wipe down the interior with a mix of white vinegar and warm water. Run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner or a cup of vinegar on the top rack.

Make sure the dishwasher is draining fully—stagnant water will cause persistent smells. Also check that you’re scraping heavy food off plates (no need to pre-wash, just remove the big stuff). If you see mold or black slime in the drain hose or around the air gap (if installed), deeper cleaning or hose replacement may be needed. Strong sewer-like smells that don’t improve could indicate plumbing vent or drain issues, which is a job for a plumber or appliance pro. 🤢

4. Why is my dishwasher leaking from the bottom?

Leaks are often caused by door seal issues, over-sudsing, or internal component problems. Start by inspecting the door gasket for tears, warping, or food buildup; clean it and the door edges thoroughly. Make sure you’re using dishwasher-specific detergent only—regular dish soap will cause excess suds and leaks. Check that dishes aren’t blocking the door from closing fully.

Then, look under the unit (if accessible) with a flashlight while it runs. Leaks from the front usually relate to the door or overfilling; leaks from underneath can come from the circulation pump, drain hose, or water inlet.

If you see water dripping from a pump housing, motor, or cracked tub, switch off power and water to the dishwasher and call a professional. Persistent leaks can damage cabinets and flooring, so don’t ignore them.

5. Why won’t my dishwasher start at all?

If your dishwasher won’t start, first confirm power: check that the unit is plugged in, the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped, and any wall switch (some homes have one) is turned on. Next, ensure the door is fully closed and latching—a faulty door latch or switch will prevent starting. Try pressing different buttons; if the control panel is unresponsive, it may be in child lock mode—consult your manual for how to turn this off.

Some dishwashers also won’t start if they detect water in the base pan (leak protection). If you hear a constant humming or drain pump running with no cycle, there may be a leak.

If power is confirmed, the door closes firmly, and child lock is off, but nothing happens, the issue could be the control board, keypad, or wiring. At that point, it’s wise to call an appliance technician for diagnosis and safe electrical testing. ⚡

6. Why is my dishwasher so loud or making strange noises?

Modern dishwashers are usually quiet, so new grinding, squealing, or rattling noises are a red flag. First, open the unit mid-cycle (after pausing) and check for loose utensils or dishes hitting the spray arms. Reposition items so spray arms spin freely. Clicking or light humming is often normal as valves open and pumps change modes.

Grinding or buzzing can come from debris stuck in the pump or chopper blade. You can sometimes access and clean this area under the filter, but always disconnect power first. A high-pitched squeal may indicate a worn pump motor or bearings, especially on older units.

If noise is persistent, especially metal-on-metal sounds, or you notice poor cleaning or draining along with the noise, the pump assembly may be failing. This repair involves electrical and water connections, so it’s usually best left to a professional technician.

7. Why is my dishwasher not drying dishes properly?

If dishes are consistently wet or covered in droplets at the end of a cycle, first check that you’re using rinse aid, which helps water sheet off and speeds drying. Many energy-efficient dishwashers rely heavily on rinse aid, especially with plastic items. Also verify that you’re selecting a heated dry or extended dry option if available.

Avoid overloading and don’t nest bowls; trapped water won’t evaporate. Plastic dishes naturally dry worse than glass or ceramic because they don’t retain heat as well. If your unit uses a heating element, see whether it gets warm at the end of a cycle (carefully, it can get very hot). No warmth could mean a failed element or thermostat.

For models that use condensation drying, make sure the final rinse uses hot water (at least 120°F). If everything seems correct but drying remains poor, a technician can test the heater, sensors, and control board. 🌡️

8. Why won’t my dishwasher fill with water?

When your dishwasher runs but doesn’t fill, you may hear a humming sound with no water entering. First, make sure the water supply valve (usually under the sink) is fully open. Check for a kinked or frozen water line, especially in colder climates. Next, open the door mid-cycle: if you don’t see any water in the bottom after a minute, the inlet valve or float switch might be the issue.

Look for the float assembly (a small dome or cylinder in the tub) and gently move it up and down; it should move freely. If it’s stuck in the “up” position, the dishwasher will think it’s already full and block water.

If the water supply is on, the float moves easily, and there are no kinks, the water inlet valve or control board may have failed. Because this involves live water and electrical connections, call a professional to replace the valve safely.

9. Why does my dishwasher leave white film or spots on dishes?

A white, chalky film is usually hard water buildup or detergent residue. Start by checking and adjusting your detergent amount—too much detergent can leave a film. Make sure you’re using a quality dishwasher detergent and rinse aid. If you have hard water, using a detergent formulated for hard water or adding a dishwasher booster can help.

Try running an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar to remove mineral deposits from the interior and heating element. If your dishwasher has a built-in water softener, check the salt level and adjust settings per the manual.

Persistent white film especially on glassware is almost always a water quality issue rather than a machine failure. If you already use soft water or a whole-house softener, and the problem began suddenly, the dispenser or rinse aid system may be malfunctioning, which a technician can inspect. ✨

10. Why does my dishwasher run for so long?

Newer dishwashers commonly run 2–3 hours, which can feel excessive compared to older models. Longer cycles are often normal and help improve efficiency. However, if your dishwasher suddenly runs much longer than before or never seems to finish, start by checking the water temperature—if incoming water is too cold, the machine spends extra time heating it. Run hot water at the sink first to help.

Excess foaming from the wrong soap can also confuse sensors and extend cycles. Make sure filters and spray arms are clean so the unit doesn’t have to repeat wash phases. If the dishwasher appears stuck on one part of the cycle, or you see an error code, the thermistor (temperature sensor), heater, or control board may be faulty.

When cycles routinely exceed the stated time in your manual by 30+ minutes without explanation, it’s a good idea to have a technician diagnose sensor or control issues.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly

1. Clean the filter monthly. Remove and rinse the filter under warm water, brushing away food debris to maintain good drainage and cleaning performance.
2. Run hot water at the sink before starting. This ensures the dishwasher fills with hot water from the beginning, improving both cleaning and drying.
3. Use the right detergent and rinse aid. Stick to high-quality dishwasher detergent, adjust the amount for your water hardness, and keep rinse aid topped up.
4. Avoid overloading and blocking spray arms. Load dishes so water can reach all surfaces and make sure spray arms spin freely before starting a cycle.
5. Run a cleaning cycle every 1–2 months. Use a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar on an empty, hot cycle to remove grease, odors, and mineral buildup.
6. Inspect seals and hoses periodically. Check the door gasket and visible hoses for cracks, leaks, or buildup so you can catch small issues before they become major repairs.