Dishwashers are supposed to make life easier, but when they malfunction, they can quickly become a source of frustration. Whether your dishwasher isn't cleaning properly, won't drain, or is making strange noises, we've got you covered.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the 10 most common dishwasher problems, their causes, and practical solutions for each. Plus, you'll learn when to DIY and when to call a professional.
1. Dishwasher Not Draining Water
Frequency: 30% of dishwasher service calls
Average Repair Cost: $100-$250
The Problem: Standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle.
Common Causes:
- Clogged filter (most common - check this first!)
- Blocked drain hose
- Faulty drain pump
- Garbage disposal connection issues
- Air gap blockage (if you have one)
Quick Fixes:
- Remove and clean the filter thoroughly
- Check drain hose for kinks
- Run garbage disposal with hot water
- Clean air gap if present
When to Call a Pro: If filter is clean and water still won't drain, likely a pump or valve issue.
Prevention: Clean filter every 2-4 weeks, scrape large food particles before loading.
2. Dishes Not Getting Clean
Frequency: 25% of issues
Average Repair Cost: $100-$200
The Problem: Dishes come out with food residue, spots, or film.
Common Causes:
- Clogged spray arms (holes blocked by mineral deposits or debris)
- Low water temperature (needs 120-150°F minimum)
- Wrong detergent or too little detergent
- Improper loading (blocking spray arms)
- Worn spray arm bearings
- Water pressure too low
- Hard water mineral buildup
Quick Fixes:
- Remove spray arms and clean holes with toothpick
- Run hot water at sink before starting dishwasher
- Use quality detergent (pods or powder recommended)
- Load dishes properly - don't overcrowd
- Run dishwasher cleaner monthly
- Add rinse aid to dispenser
When to Call a Pro: If spray arms are clean and loading is correct but dishes still dirty, may be pump or circulation issue.
Prevention: Use rinse aid, run hot water first, monthly cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner.
3. Dishwasher Leaking Water
Frequency: 20% of issues
Average Repair Cost: $100-$300
The Problem: Water on your kitchen floor, either during or after the cycle.
Common Leak Locations:
Front of dishwasher:
- Worn door gasket/seal
- Door latch not closing properly
- Oversudsing from wrong detergent
Bottom/underneath:
- Loose hose connections
- Cracked water inlet valve
- Damaged door latch assembly
- Failed pump seal
How to Check:
- Inspect door gasket for cracks, tears, or food debris
- Check if door closes firmly with a click
- Look underneath (pull dishwasher out) for wet spots
- Run cycle and watch for leak source
Quick Fixes:
- Clean door gasket with warm soapy water
- Adjust door latch strike plate
- Tighten hose connections
- Use proper detergent (never use regular dish soap!)
When to Call a Pro: Leaks from internal components, pump seals, or if you can't locate the source.
Prevention: Clean door gasket monthly, use HE detergent only, don't overfill detergent dispenser.
4. Dishwasher Won't Start or Turn On
Frequency: 15% of issues
Average Repair Cost: $150-$350
The Problem: Nothing happens when you press start, or the dishwasher starts then immediately stops.
Common Causes:
- Door not fully latched
- Control lock engaged ("child lock")
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Door latch mechanism failure
- Control panel malfunction
- Thermal fuse blown (safety device)
Quick Checks:
- Ensure door is firmly closed until it clicks
- Check for "control lock" indicator light (usually press-and-hold a button to unlock)
- Check circuit breaker
- Try unplugging for 60 seconds then plugging back in (resets control board)
When to Call a Pro: If basic checks don't work, likely a latch, control board, or thermal fuse issue.
Cost: Door latch $100-$200, control board $200-$400, thermal fuse $150-$250
5. Bad Odor or Smell
Frequency: 10% of complaints
Average Repair Cost: $75-$150 (usually just cleaning)
The Problem: Dishwasher smells like mold, mildew, rotten eggs, or wet dog.
Common Causes:
- Trapped food particles in filter
- Mold/mildew in door gasket folds
- Stagnant water in drain
- Dirty spray arms
- Not running dishwasher frequently enough
Quick Fixes:
- Clean filter thoroughly
- Wipe down door gasket with vinegar
- Run empty cycle with 2 cups white vinegar on top rack
- Follow with baking soda cycle (sprinkle 1 cup in bottom)
- Use dishwasher cleaner monthly
- Leave door slightly open between uses
When to Call a Pro: If smell persists after thorough cleaning, may be drain line or internal buildup issue.
Prevention: Run dishwasher at least 2-3 times per week, clean filter weekly, leave door ajar when not in use.
6. Dishes Not Drying Properly
The Problem: Dishes come out wet, even after the dry cycle.
Common Causes:
- Rinse aid dispenser empty
- Heating element failure (if dishwasher uses one)
- Vent not opening properly
- Plastic items placed on bottom rack
- Interrupted cycle
- Wrong cycle selected
Quick Fixes:
- Fill rinse aid dispenser
- Select "heated dry" option
- Place plastic items on top rack only
- Ensure cycle completes fully
- Open door immediately after cycle for air drying
When to Call a Pro: If heating element or vent mechanism is broken.
Cost: Heating element $150-$250, vent assembly $100-$200
7. White Residue or Film on Dishes
The Problem: White chalky residue or cloudy film on glasses.
Common Causes:
- Hard water mineral deposits
- Too much detergent
- Low water temperature
- Dirty filter allowing recirculation
Quick Fixes:
- Use less detergent (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust)
- Add rinse aid (helps with hard water)
- Run dishwasher cleaner with citric acid
- Increase water heater temperature to 120-140°F
- Use water softener tablets if you have very hard water
DIY Solution for Hard Water:
- Run empty cycle with 2 cups white vinegar
- Wipe down interior
- Add rinse aid to dispenser
Prevention: Use rinse aid, proper detergent amount, monthly cleaning cycles.
8. Dishwasher Making Loud Noises
The Problem: Grinding, buzzing, humming, or banging sounds.
Common Causes:
Grinding:
- Foreign object in pump (glass, bones, twist ties)
- Worn wash pump bearing
Buzzing:
- Spray arm hitting dishes
- Drain pump struggling with clog
Banging:
- Spray arm hitting rack or dishes
- Loose wash arm
Thumping:
- Drain solenoid operating (may be normal)
Quick Fixes:
- Check for foreign objects in filter/pump area
- Ensure spray arms spin freely
- Reload dishes so nothing blocks spray arms
- Tighten spray arm mount nut
When to Call a Pro: Bearing failure, pump damage, motor issues.
Cost: Wash pump $200-$350, foreign object removal $100-$150
9. Dishwasher Door Won't Close or Latch
The Problem: Door won't stay closed or latch properly.
Common Causes:
- Broken door latch assembly
- Misaligned strike plate
- Door spring failure
- Warped door (rare)
Quick Fixes:
- Check if something is blocking door from closing fully
- Adjust strike plate position (screws on door frame)
- Clean latch mechanism
When to Call a Pro: Spring or latch assembly replacement.
Cost: Door latch assembly $100-$200, spring replacement $150-$250
10. Dishwasher Won't Fill with Water
The Problem: Cycle starts but no water enters, or very little water.
Common Causes:
- Clogged water inlet valve screen
- Faulty water inlet valve
- Kinked water supply line
- Low water pressure
- Float switch stuck
Quick Checks:
- Check water supply valve under sink - is it fully open?
- Inspect supply line for kinks
- Clean inlet valve screen (small screen where water line connects)
When to Call a Pro: If inlet valve is faulty.
Cost: Water inlet valve $150-$250
Maintenance Schedule to Prevent Problems
Weekly:
- Wipe down door gasket
- Quick filter check
Monthly:
- Deep clean filter
- Run cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner
- Inspect spray arms
Quarterly:
- Clean spray arm holes thoroughly
- Check door latch operation
- Inspect hoses for wear
Annually:
- Deep clean entire interior
- Check all moving parts
- Test heating element (if applicable)
- Professional tune-up if dishwasher is 5+ years old
When to Repair vs. Replace
Repair if:
- Dishwasher is less than 7 years old
- Repair costs less than 50% of new dishwasher
- It's a simple fix (pump, element, latch)
- You have a high-end brand (Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid)
Replace if:
- Dishwasher is 10+ years old
- Multiple components failing
- Repair cost exceeds $400
- Control board needs replacing on older unit
- Energy-efficient models would save you money
Average Dishwasher Lifespan: 9-12 years (12 years average)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher? A: Filter every 2-4 weeks, full cleaning cycle monthly. Annual deep clean recommended.
Q: What's the average cost to repair a dishwasher? A: Simple repairs (pump, latch, element) average $150-$300 in the Bay Area. Complex repairs (control board) can run $300-$500.
Q: Is it worth repairing a 7-year-old dishwasher? A: Usually yes, if it's a quality brand and repair is under $300. Dishwashers average 12 years lifespan.
Q: Why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs? A: This is typically bacterial growth in the filter, drain, or gasket. Deep clean with vinegar and baking soda cycles.
Q: Can I use regular dish soap in my dishwasher? A: Never! It will create massive suds that can overflow and damage the machine. Use only dishwasher-specific detergent.
Professional Dishwasher Repair
If you're dealing with persistent dishwasher problems, EasyBear can help:
- Same-day service available
- All brands serviced: Bosch, KitchenAid, Samsung, LG, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire, and more
- 90-day warranty on repairs
- Free diagnosis with repair
- Upfront pricing - no surprises
Book your dishwasher repair online today and get back to hassle-free dish cleaning!
