An In-Depth FAQ for Dishwasher Owners in West Hills

• Why are my dishes still wet after the dishwasher cycle?

  This is a very common question, and the answer depends on your dishwasher’s drying system. Many modern, energy-efficient dishwashers, especially European brands like Bosch, use a condensation drying method. This system uses a hot final water rinse to make the dishes themselves hot. The cool, stainless steel interior tub then draws the moisture off the hot dishes, where it condenses and drains away. This method does not use a traditional heating element, so plastic items, which do not retain heat well, may remain wet. This can be normal. Using a rinse aid is crucial for this process to work effectively, as it helps water sheet off the surfaces of your dishes.

  If your dishes, including ceramic and glass, are suddenly coming out much wetter than they used to, it could indicate a problem. The dishwasher’s heating element may not be working, preventing the final rinse from getting hot enough. The rinse aid dispenser could be clogged or broken. On very high-end models with advanced drying systems like Miele’s AutoOpen door or Bosch’s CrystalDry, a failure in those specific mechanisms can also be the cause. A technician can test the heating circuit and check the function of the drying system to determine if there is a true component failure.

• How do you fix a dishwasher that won’t drain?

  Fixing a dishwasher that won’t drain involves a systematic process of checking the entire drain path for blockages or component failure. The first step is always to check for simple obstructions. This involves cleaning the filter located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, which is designed to catch large food particles. It’s also important to check the kitchen sink’s garbage disposal, as a clog there can prevent the dishwasher from draining, and to ensure the drain hose is not kinked behind the unit.

  If these simple checks do not solve the problem, the issue is with the dishwasher’s components. The next step is to test the drain pump. The pump is a small motor that drives an impeller to force water out. The motor can burn out, or the impeller can be jammed or broken by a hard object like a piece of glass. In some cases, the issue is electronic, where the main control board fails to send power to the drain pump. A professional technician has the tools to safely access the pump, test it for electrical continuity, and determine if the pump needs to be replaced or if the fault lies with the control board.

• What causes a dishwasher to start leaking from the bottom?

  A leak from the bottom of a dishwasher is a serious issue that can cause significant water damage. The most common cause is a failure of the door seal or gasket. Over time, this rubber gasket can become brittle, cracked, or caked with residue, which prevents it from creating a watertight seal when the door is closed. Another frequent source is the water inlet valve, which controls the flow of water into the machine. If this valve sticks open or has a cracked housing, it can cause the dishwasher to overfill and leak.

  Other potential causes include a loose or cracked drain hose, a failed pump housing, or a split in the tub itself, though this is less common. On many advanced dishwashers, a leak sensor in the base pan will detect any moisture, shut down the cycle, and often activate the drain pump continuously while displaying a leak error code. A professional technician can methodically inspect all of these potential failure points, from the door gasket to the internal plumbing components, to accurately locate the source of the leak and perform a lasting repair.

• Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old dishwasher?

  This is an important question for any homeowner facing a repair. The decision often depends on three key factors: the brand of the dishwasher, the nature of the required repair, and the features of new models. A high-end dishwasher from a brand like Miele or Bosch, which is engineered for a long service life, is often a very good candidate for repair, even at 10 years old. A simple repair to a quality machine can provide many more years of reliable service.

  The type of repair is also critical. A minor repair to a common component like a drain pump or water inlet valve is almost always a sensible investment. However, if a major component like the main wash motor or the electronic control board has failed, you will want to weigh the expense of the repair against the features and efficiency of a new unit. Modern dishwashers can be significantly quieter and more water and energy-efficient than models from a decade ago. Our technicians can provide a clear diagnosis of the problem, allowing you to make an informed decision that is right for your home and your budget.

• Why isn’t my dishwasher getting water?

  A dishwasher that is not filling with water cannot begin its wash cycle. The first thing to check is the water supply itself. Ensure the hot water shut-off valve under the sink that supplies the dishwasher is fully open. If the water supply is on, the problem lies within the appliance. The most common cause is a faulty water inlet valve. This is an electronically controlled valve that opens to allow water into the machine. It can fail mechanically or electrically, preventing water from entering the tub.

  Another common component in the filling process is the float and float switch. The float is a small device that rises with the water level. When it reaches the correct level, it triggers the float switch, which tells the water inlet valve to close. If the float is stuck in the “up” position, the switch will never signal the valve to open. In some cases, the issue could also be with the main control board not sending the signal to open the valve. A technician can test the voltage at the inlet valve and check the function of the float switch to determine the exact cause of the filling problem.