Common Dishwasher Problems and How to Prevent Them

Modern dishwashers save hundreds of hours of household labor every year, but because they combine high water temperatures, detergents, and electronic sensors, routine maintenance is essential to avoid sudden malfunctions.

1. Dishwasher Not Draining & Standing Water in the Tub

One of the most frequent service calls involves standing greywater remaining in the sump basin after a cycle finishes. This is typically caused by food debris clogging the cylindrical mesh filter, a kinked waste hose under the sink, or a blocked non-return check valve in the drain pump assembly.

2. Dishes Emerging Dirty or With Gritty Residue

If glassware feels gritty or plates have baked-on grease, the upper or lower rotating spray arms are often blocked by seeds or limescale. In other cases, the circulation impeller may not be developing sufficient spray pressure due to a failing capacitor or wash motor.

3. Leaks from the Bottom Corners or Door Perimeter

Door perimeter leaks are commonly caused by degraded perimeter gaskets or bottom door wipe seals that have hardened over time. Additionally, using excessive rinse aid or improper detergents can create excessive suds that breach the flood sensor float chamber.

4. Dishes Wet and Cold at the End of the Cycle

When dishes come out soaking wet and lukewarm, the flow-through heating element or the NTC temperature sensor has likely failed. Without heated water, tablet detergents cannot dissolve properly, leading to poor cleaning results.

5. Unpleasant Odours Developing Inside the Cabinet

Grease and food soils trapped within the filter micro-screen and the door perimeter crevices decompose in humid conditions. Regular monthly maintenance washes at 65°C+ with a dedicated descaler will prevent bacterial slime buildup.

Essential Dishwasher Prevention Tips

Scrape large food bones and grease prior to loading (no need to rinse thoroughly), clean the micro-filter weekly under warm water, inspect the spray nozzles every month, and keep the salt reservoir topped up to prevent limescale buildup across sensitive internal solenoids.