Dishwashers can operate effectively with either hot or cold water; however, hot water offers superior cleaning and sanitation performance than its cold counterpart.
That is why dishwashers typically require hot water. Otherwise, your dishes won’t get washed thoroughly and may still contain remnants of detergent or food particles.
Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve on a dishwasher draws water from your home’s water line into the machine. If this valve malfunctions, it could prevent your dishwasher from filling with enough water or failing entirely!
Dishwasher experts suggest testing the water inlet valve with a multimeter before replacing it. To do this, disconnect power and water to the unit, then connect an ohmmeter or multimeter to one of its terminals.
If the tester does not illuminate, then your valve may be malfunctioning and needs replacement.
Another common issue with dishwasher inlet valves is a buildup of filter screen material, which slows water flow through the washer. Repair professionals usually clear away this buildup and replace the inlet valve to restore proper water circulation.
If your dishwasher’s water inlet valve is malfunctioning, it’s best to contact a professional for an accurate diagnosis and solution. If unsure of what the issue is, trying to diagnose and fix it yourself could prove hazardous and lead to damage to either your appliance or property.
Heating Element
Dishwashers heat water as they wash your dishes, guaranteeing the cleanest and sanitized results. To do this, dishwashers draw in water from your sink supply lines and pump it into a small basin at the base of the machine.
Water enters a small basin where heating elements raise it to an impressive 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Once heated, this steam is then forced up into jets that spray water onto your dirty dishes for extra cleaning power.
If your dishwasher stops heating the water after a cycle, it could be due to an issue with its heating element. In this instance, testing the element with a multi-meter is recommended.
Flow-Through Element
Your dishwasher’s flow-through element heats the water that enters it, guaranteeing it reaches sanitizing temperatures. Additionally, this helps dry dishes faster, shortening cycle times and providing you with a faster clean.
When your dishwasher is turned on, water from your home’s water supply is pumped into a pool at the bottom. Here, it’s heated and mixed with detergent before being dispensed through an automatic dispenser.
Once the wash cycle is over, water reenters the pool at the bottom of the machine and flows to powerful spray arms that rotate through powerful jets to forcefully wash away dirt from your dishes.
Water is then drained away with a drain pump or sometimes directly to your sink’s drain line. Some dishwashers feature reversible pumps, which alternate between spray arms and drain by rotating the motor direction. On other models with direct-drive pumps which only run in one direction – meaning water is drained to the pipe instead of passing through spray arms – some dishwashers feature only direct drive pumps that run continuously in one direction.
Drain Pump
The drain pump of a dishwasher is an integral component. It consists of a motor that drives an impeller, forcing water out the bottom hose.
Some models utilize the same motor for both washing and draining; however, others utilize a separate drain pump motor solely for that task.
Poor draining performance can be caused by several things, such as a kinked hose or blocked drain. But you might also have an issue with the drain pump itself.
If you hear a low and persistent humming sound when your dishwasher runs, this could be indicative of an issue with the drain pump. Usually, this is caused by something stuck inside of it preventing its impeller from turning properly.
If you have the proper safety gloves, you can attempt to clear away any blockages by hand. Otherwise, it may be time for a replacement drain pump. If unsure, contact an authorized appliance technician near you for an obligation-free repair estimate.
