If you’re asking, “Why does my dishwasher say error?,” you’ve come to the right place. We understand that a dishwasher error can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what it means. But don’t worry; these errors are typically straightforward to resolve. This guide will walk you through the most common errors and provide you with simple solutions to get your dishwasher back up and running.
Common Dishwasher Errors and Their Solutions
Here are some common dishwasher errors…
Error 1: Water Not Draining
This is perhaps one of the most common dishwasher errors. Finding water at the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle has completed can be a cause for concern. However, it’s usually quite easy to fix. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you diagnose and solve the problem.
Unplug the Dishwasher: Before performing any checks or fixes, make sure to unplug your dishwasher from the electrical outlet for safety reasons.
Check the Drain Filter: Open your dishwasher door and pull out the bottom rack to locate the drain filter, which is usually positioned at the bottom center. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any food particles, glass, or debris that could be obstructing the drain.
Inspect the Drain Hose: Find the hose that connects your dishwasher to the main drain, usually located under the sink. Disconnect the hose carefully (you may need a screwdriver for this) and check for any kinks or clogs. Run water through it to ensure it’s clear.
Run a Test Cycle: Plug the dishwasher back in and run a short rinse cycle without any dishes. This will help you ascertain if the draining issue has been resolved.
Contact a Technician: If the issue persists, it may be best to consult with a certified technician for a more thorough investigation.
Error 2: Not Filling With Water
If your dishwasher isn’t filling with water, there could be a variety of underlying issues. But there’s no need to panic; most of these problems are solvable with a little troubleshooting. Below are steps you can take to identify and remedy this issue.
Unplug the Dishwasher: For safety reasons, always unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet before attempting any fixes.
Check the Water Supply: Locate the water supply valve, usually under your sink or behind the dishwasher. Turn the valve to ensure it’s fully open. Additionally, ensure that there are no kinks or leaks in the connecting hose.
Inspect the Float Assembly: Open the dishwasher and look for the float assembly; it’s a small plastic dome-like structure typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher. If it’s stuck in the “up” position, gently push it down to release it.
Run a Test Cycle: Reconnect the dishwasher to the electrical outlet and run a quick cycle to see if the water fills as it should.
Consult a Technician: If the dishwasher still isn’t filling with water, a technician should be contacted for further diagnosis and repair.
Error 3: Leaking Water
Discovering that your dishwasher is leaking water can create a moment of panic. However, it’s important to remember that this issue is generally quite solvable. Follow this step-by-step guide to locate and fix the source of the leak, and you’ll likely be able to resolve the problem without any headaches.
Unplug the Dishwasher: Safety first! Always unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet before you start troubleshooting or attempting any repairs.
Empty the Dishwasher: Remove any dishes and the racks to have unobstructed access to the interior of the dishwasher.
Check the Door Seal: The door seal, also known as a gasket, runs along the inside edge of the dishwasher door. Inspect it for any tears, cracks, or buildup of debris. A damaged or dirty seal can result in leaks. Clean it with a damp cloth if it’s dirty, or consider replacing it if it’s damaged.
Inspect the Dishwasher Level: Use a carpenter’s level to check if your dishwasher is level. Place the level on the bottom of the dishwasher, both side-to-side and front-to-back. If the dishwasher is tilted, it may cause leaks. You can adjust the leveling legs at the bottom of the dishwasher to make it level.
Check for Loose Hoses: Locate the hoses that connect your dishwasher to the water supply and the drain, usually found under the sink or behind the dishwasher. Ensure that these are tightly secured, as a loose hose could also cause a leak.
Run a Test Cycle: After making the above checks and adjustments, plug the dishwasher back in and run a short cycle. Use this to confirm whether the leak has been addressed.
Consult a Technician: If you’ve run through all these steps and you’re still experiencing a leak, it may be time to consult a certified technician for a more in-depth assessment and repair.
For more articles on dishwashers, click here: Dishwasher Problems and Solutions: Your Ultimate Guide to Hassle-free Dishwashing
Final Thoughts: Why Does My Dishwasher Say Error?
Understanding why your dishwasher says error is the first step in troubleshooting your appliance. We hope this guide helps you identify and resolve common dishwasher errors with ease.
