At a Glance:
Signs It Is Time To Replace Your Broken Dishwasher
3 Innovative Built-In Dishwashers For Your Kitchen
Life is busy enough without having to hand wash dishes. As a result, dishwashers have become essential kitchen appliances. Not only do they save time on chores, but dishwashers also sanitize dishes better and use less water than washing by hand. There are several tips and tricks to avoid a broken dishwasher disrupting your life.
Dishwasher Best Practices
Here is what to do to avoid a broken dishwasher.
Clean Your Dishwasher Regularly
Did you know dishwashers should be cleaned once a month? It's easier to overlook cleaning an appliance whose sole purpose is to clean, but it is important to work this into your appliance maintenance schedule. Most modern dishwashers have a self-cleaning cycle. Put a dishwasher cleaning tab at the bottom of the unit and activate the self-clean cycle. This process should be done with an empty dishwasher and is a great way to avoid smells and clogs.
In addition to running self-cleaning cycles, check the filter in the base of the dishwasher. It is normal for a film and residue to build up along the outside of the filter as dirty water drains out. Soaking and scrubbing the dishwasher filter will help keep your dishwasher working efficiently. It also prevents particles from the build-up from getting sprayed back onto your dishes.
Remove Large Food Particles
Don't clean your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Modern appliances have sensory technology that determines the length and power of a wash cycle based on how dirty your dishes are. Therefore, if you put squeaky-clean dishes in, there won't be any soil for the sensor to evaluate. As a result, glasses, silverware, and dinnerware will come out spotty and unsanitized.
However, dishwashers are not designed to break through large food particles. So anything larger than a grain of rice should be scraped off before putting the dish or pan on the cleaning rack. Chunks of food will block and clog the filter leading to drainage issues. So ensure your cookware and plates are scraped but unclean before filling the dishwasher.
Use Good Cleaners
There are tons of different dishwasher tabs available. Check with your dishwasher's manufacturer to see if there is a recommended brand or style. While it can be tempting to purchase the cheapest options available, being selective with your dish cleaner can extend the life of your appliance. Inexpensive dishwasher tabs can contain harsh chemicals that wear down the components of your dishwasher. Stick with the options recommended in the user manual for better performance and less risk of damage.
➝ Learn More: 10 Things You Should Never Put in Your Dishwasher
.png)
Common Dishwasher Repairs
Leaking Dishwasher
Finding water on the floor in front of your dishwasher can be alarming. Fortunately, this can be a relatively easy fix. Damaged door gaskets usually cause leaks. Gaskets are the rubber seals that go around the door of the dishwasher. If these are cracked or ripped, water can seep through during a wash cycle.
Additionally, bad pumps can cause dishwashers to leak. If the pump malfunctions, too much water will flow into the machine. However, the water inlet valve is to blame if water leaks when the dishwasher is off. The costs of these repairs are moderate.
- The average price to replace dishwasher door gaskets: $50 - $100
- The average price to replace a dishwasher pump: $150 - $250
- The average price to repair a water inlet valve: $80 - $125
Loud Dishwasher
If you hear a loud knocking or rattling while your dishwasher is running, it could mean the motor is failing. Unfortunately, the motor is the most expensive part of a dishwasher. If you suspect an issue this severe with your appliance, it is best to call a repair service. A technician will evaluate and determine the overall cost of fixing your dishwasher. When replacing pumps, most homeowners buy a new dishwasher instead.
- The average hourly rate for appliance repair: $75 - $100
- The average price to replace a dishwasher motor: $400 - $600
Clogged Dishwasher
There are several reasons why your dishwasher doesn't drain. First, check to see if your kitchen sink is draining properly. If water is backlogged there, the main plumbing line is clogged. However, if the problem is isolated to your dishwasher, food can be stuck in the filter or water line.
- The average price to replace a dishwasher filter: $50 - $100
- The average price to replace dishwasher hoses: $50 - $100
Dishwasher Door Won't Close
Every dishwasher door has a latch that locks when a cycle starts. This mechanism ensures that the appliance can't be opened while cleaning the dishes. It doubles as a fail-safe for other malfunctions, so your dishwasher won't run if the door latch doesn't engage. Therefore, the lock must be replaced to get your dishwasher working again.
- The average price to replace a dishwasher door latch: $150 - $250
.png)
Signs It Is Time To Replace Your Broken Dishwasher
- Bad Odors. Dishwashers are warm, damp boxes that serve as breeding grounds for bacteria and mildew. Frequently cleaning the appliance will prevent odors. However, if you have followed all the recommended protocols for sanitizing your unit and can't find a clog, it may be time to replace the dishwasher altogether.
- Loud Noises. If your dishwasher makes a loud knocking sound, the motor will likely fail. Motors are costly and require professional technicians to install. Instead of buying a new dishwasher motor, replace the entire unit.
- Repeat Repairs. When multiple dishwasher parts break within a short period, it's time to start saving for a new one. Each appliance component is designed to last a similar length of time, so if your dishwasher is constantly breaking, don't waste money with continuous repairs.
- Dishwasher Lifespan. Manufacturers offer warranties for the estimated lifetime of the appliance. So if your dishwasher starts having issues after the warranty expires, start saving for a new one. Appliances are only built to last a certain amount of time. If your dishwasher is more than seven years old, consider replacing it.
- Stacked Costs. When repair costs exceed half the price you paid for the dishwasher, replace it. Don't spend more money fixing an appliance than what it is worth.
3 Innovative Built-In Dishwashers For Your Kitchen
If you do end up needing to replace your dishwasher, we recommend you check out these 3 top-rated options.
Recommendation #1: LG 24" PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop this LG Built-In Dishwasher
Available in four modern finishes, this LG dishwasher is guaranteed to look amazing in your kitchen. This model includes LG's most innovative wash features, including the following:
- Smartphone connectivity through the ThinQ app
- Additional 3rd rack conveniently holds miscellaneous kitchen utensils and extra silverware
- The QuadWash system shoots powerful water on dishes from every angle
- The Dual Zone Wash function has dedicated jets that target each rack for a better clean every time.
Check out thousands of 5-star reviews that praise this LG dishwasher's innovative features and design. One happy customer wrote:
"Outstanding clean and quiet. I love all the features and cleaning choices on this dishwasher. I purchased all new LG appliances to enhance my kitchen remodel. I'm so glad I did, they look and function great. Highly recommend it."
➝ Learn More: LG Dishwashers Provide a Supreme Clean
Recommendation #2: Samsung 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop this Samsung Built-In Dishwasher
This Samsung dishwasher is so streamlined that you might not even notice it! The flush front will fit seamlessly under your countertops. All controls are safely hidden on the top of the door to avoid accidental bumps. In addition, Samsung added top features to this appliance, such as:
- Whisper quiet cycles
- The patented StormWash+ system shoots powerful water jets into every rack to clean away even the toughest baked-on grime.
- Energy-efficient
- The dishwasher automatically pops open at the end of a wash cycle to circulate air and dispel heat.
This Samsung dishwasher has an impressive 4.9-star rating! Customers love how quiet and easy to use this appliance is. Read through help reviews like this one:
"The Quiet Stormwash+ We Love, Love, Love the DW with StormWash+™ 44dBA with front handle in Stainless Steel (DW80B6061US). We have used it every day and are completely impressed by how quiet this dishwasher is. The ability to adjust and the capacity is incredible. We wash everything from pots, pans, dishes and flatware. Everything comes out clean and spotless. My wife loves the 60+ setting. We had company this weekend, and she was able to get all the dishes washed and ready prior to our guest's arrival. With our previous dishwasher we had to run several loads for several hours. With this dishwasher we can wash 1 load for the same amount of dishes. The most impressive feature is how quiet the dishwasher is. We would have to speak louder, turn the music or tv up with the past dishwasher. That is no longer the case. We can talk in the kitchen, listen to music or podcasts at a normal volume level. Cleaning this dishwasher is so simple. The sanitization feature takes away the guesswork. In a word this dishwasher is AMAZING!"
➝ Learn More: LG vs Samsung Appliances: Which Brand Should You Shop?
Recommendation #3: KitchenAid® 24" PrintShield™ Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop this KitchenAid Built-In Dishwasher
This KitchenAid dishwasher offers powerful wash and drying options. Customer's favorite cycles include the following:
- Sani-Rinse
- ProWash
- Fan-enabled ProDry
In addition, this KitchenAid dishwasher offers flexible storage options. The lower and middle racks have adjustable heights to fit large and tall cookware. The upper third rack is perfect for miscellaneous spoons, ladles, and spatulas. Finally, collapsible stem holders ensure wine glasses are washed safely.
Still not sure if this KitchenAid dishwasher is suitable for you? The long list of 5-star reviews is sure to change your mind. For example, this please customer wrote:
"Best Dishwasher I have owned! This is the most efficient and quiet dishwasher I have owned. All the dishes are clean and DRY, as my other dishwashers left me to scrub and dry all the water stains. The third row also adds extra space."
➝ Learn More: KitchenAid Dishwashers Reviewed: Underrated Kitchen Appliances
Following dishwasher maintenance tips can avoid costly repairs. However, if you are tired of dealing with a broken dishwasher, you can find the perfect appliance at Aztec Appliance. Their showroom has a large variety of dishwashers on display. Compare top models side by side to find the ideal replacement.
Why Trust Aztec Appliance?
Since 1972, Aztec Appliance has been offering quality sales and service for name-brand appliances. Our mission is to not only help you achieve all your appliance dreams, but we also want to bring value to your home beyond materialistic amenities. Our team is an authentic group of people dedicated to our work, and we share the same undeniable passion for people and serving them the best we can. Suffice it to say, we know appliances.
Whether it’s a first birthday, a backyard wedding, or a retirement celebration, our hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy life’s little moments. After all, memories are not consigned to the big moments — they exist within the little ones. And you can rest assured our inventory of top-performing kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances will help you spend less time keeping the home and more time with the people who make it home.
Shop Dishwashers at Aztec
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop dishwashers online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find solutions for a broken dishwasher — whether you call us at 858-987-5777 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!
Learn More: Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Washing Machine?