Why your dishwasher isn’t working (and how to fix it)

Dishwashers are among the hardest-working appliances in any household. And they’re putting in overtime these days, as more families stay home—and eat at home—a trend that will continue or increase in the near future, according to a consumer marketing survey.

A typical household runs their dishwasher at least 215 times per year, according to the government agency Energy Star. So when that appliance doesn’t work well—or stops functioning entirely—it’s a major inconvenience. You’ll need to call a professional plumber or appliance-repair technician to fix or replace your machine, or try troubleshooting and fixing the problem yourself. 

Learn more: How to find a good plumber.

Which choice is best? This guide will explain the most common dishwasher problems, what issues you can deal with on your own, and when to call a service pro or consider a replacement.

Before you can begin troubleshooting a dishwasher problem, it’s important to understand how your machine operates. Here’s what happens when you close the dishwasher door and push the start button on the control panel: 

You may be able to handle some of the most common dishwasher issues yourself, with just a little patience and a couple of basic products.

DIY facts

Skill level: Easy
Cost: $10
Repair time: 15 minutes
Tools needed:
Cooking thermometer

Dishwasher cleaner

White vinegar 

Toothbrush

A switch in the door latch prevents your dishwasher from running when the door isn’t properly closed. If the start button doesn’t respond, open and reclose the door firmly to make sure it’s locked. If it still won’t run after several attempts, check that the circuit breaker in your electrical box hasn’t tripped and cut power to the unit. If it has, turn the breaker back on and try starting the dishwasher. If the breaker trips again or the unit still won’t start, call a repair service.

If your machine takes more than a few minutes to start, the water might not be hot enough. Most washers require a temperature of 130℉ or higher. Heating the water inside the dishwasher takes time—and uses electricity–so start the process by turning on your sink’s hot-water tap until the cool water turns hot. If this doesn’t help, check the water temperature coming out of the faucet with a cooking thermometer. If it’s below 120℉, raise your water heater’s temperature setting.

Learn more: No hot water? Here’s how to fix it.

Spotting or incomplete drying can be an issue if you have hard water (which is high in minerals). Try using a dishwasher detergent that contains a rinse aid, or a separate rinse aid product. Most newer dishwashers have a reservoir that can dispense rinse-aid liquid at the proper time during the cycle. For an older unit, you can purchase a dispenser basket that hangs from the upper rack.

If you haven’t cleaned your filter lately (or ever), that could be the culprit. First, check your user’s manual to verify that your machine has a filter (not all models do). Then follow the instructions on how to clean it, and how often. Also, look at the upper and lower spray arms to see if the small holes are clogged; if so, you can clean them out with a bent paper clip. To prevent future clogs, run your machine while empty, using a commercial liquid or tablet dishwasher cleaner. 

If your dishwasher’s top and/or bottom racks won’t slide in or out all the way, first check to see if something is physically blocking them (silverware is a common culprit). If not, the cause is most likely a buildup of hard-water minerals or detergent residue. Empty your machine, then run a cycle using a dishwasher cleaner and no detergent. You can also manually scrub the tracks and wheels with white vinegar and a toothbrush. 

The following dishwasher problems are best fixed by a licensed professional.

If your dishes come out dry but still have food and grease on them, the unit may not be filling with water properly. To see if there’s a water-supply problem, turn any glasses and pots bowl-side up. If they’re still dry after a cycle, the pump or water-inlet valve isn’t working, and it’s time to call for service. (There might also be a problem with the float—a cylindrical plastic part on the bottom of the dishwasher that allows the tub to fill. It could be blocked by debris, or else the float or float switch may need replacing.)

“The most common problem with a dishwasher is that it isn’t draining,” says Mark Kelly, owner of Kelly’s Appliance Center near San Francisco. “It’s usually caused by a clog or a bad drain pump.” If you notice standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher, you can check the drain hose—which leads to the house drain or garbage disposal—to see if it’s clogged. If not, most likely the pump has failed. 

If you’re lucky, this could just be a fuse issue. Check your electrical box for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Otherwise, you might have a blown thermal fuse inside the dishwasher, a faulty switch in the door latch, a faulty electronic control board, or a problem with the pump, motor, or fan assembly. To diagnose and fix these issues, you’ll need professional help.

A tight-fitting dishwasher door gasket holds in the water when it’s forcibly pumped through the machine. If you find water on your floor at the end of the dishwashing cycle, it’s probably due to a worn-out gasket. A handy homeowner can DIY installing a replacement, but getting the right part for your model may be a hassle. For most people, it’s best to call a pro. 

Learn more: Appliance repair cost guide.

If you’re facing an expensive repair, such as replacing a pump or motor, it’s time to consider buying a new dishwasher. The age of your unit can be a factor—older appliances are more time-consuming to service, and replacement parts can be hard to find and expensive.

One aspect of this decision is whether the repair is covered by a warranty, which is usually good for up to 5 years. Check the receipt or owner’s manual, or contact the manufacturer, for warranty information. You may need to hire specific companies for the repairs to be covered.

Also, consider the total price of needed repairs. “If the cost exceeds 50% of the cost to replace, then it’s usually time [for a new] dishwasher,” Kelly says. Depending on the features, a new unit can cost $400–1,200+, and installation is usually about $160. Make sure removing and disposing of the old unit is included in the price.

There are several other factors to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to replace your dishwasher:

If you need a dishwasher fix, it’s important to find the right professional. Here’s how pros have helped some Yelp reviewers:

When Marcie M. of Marina del Rey, California, had a dishwasher problem, the solution was simple. “I called First Appliance Repair, they came over the same day, found the issue, ordered the part, and came back two days later to install the new part. All went smoothly and just as it was promised and at a fair price…. And now my dishwasher is working again!”

“Our dishwasher stopped draining,” says Matt O. of Boston. “I tried my best to fix it on my own by cleaning out the filters, but eventually I hit the (very modest) limit of my ability. I messaged Pete [at Pete’s Appliances]…. He was able to schedule us in the next day and arrived between the time frame he had given us…. He identified another minor issue [and] explained that while not urgent, it would be worthwhile to fix for the future. The dishwasher now works as it should.”

“Eric from The Fix-It Guy came today to fix the dishwasher,” says Tom G. of Chicago. “Great guy, very knowledgeable, and took his time to really test the dishwasher to make sure it was working properly. I really appreciate that he answered our questions about other appliances and their manufacturer. Great service visit.”

Find a dishwasher repair professional in your area.