An expanding information page for:     Dishwashers

A.  General Information, Minor Repairs and Tips
         The typical under-counter dishwasher is a relatively low-maintenance appliance. The few problems that do come up can be fixed easily. Replacing defective door gaskets usually eliminates leaks. Relocating water or waste lines that are resting against the dishwasher usually reduces excessive noise levels. A clogged filter or defective solenoid can keep the dishwasher from filling correctly. You can clean the inlet valve, which might solve the problem, but solenoid repair needs professional attention.

B.  Dishwasher Problems and Repairs
         If your dishwasher will not drain properly, inspect the drain hose. If you can see that it's damaged or has a kink that can't be straightened, then you need a new hose. Begin by turning off both the water supply and the electrical power. Remove the lower panel of the dishwasher. It will be held in place by either clips or retaining screws, depending on the model. Put a baking pan or bowl under the pump to catch any water that might be trapped in the hose. Loosen the drain hose clamp with pliers or a screwdriver. Remove the drain hose from the pump.

Working underneath the sink, detach the other end of the drain hose from the drain or garbage disposer. Install the new drain hose, using new clamps. Restore the electrical power and the water supply to the dishwasher. Test the unit to make sure that it drains properly and that there are no leaks in the new hose.

If your dishwasher starts to leak around the door, inspect the gasket, which is the rubber strip that extends around the inside edge of the door. If the gasket seems to be in good condition, adjusting the door catch might solve the problem. Loosen the retaining screws on the door catch, reposition it, and tighten the screws. If the gasket is cracked or damaged, you have to replace it. Buy a replacement gasket that's identical to the old one. Disconnect the electrical power at the main service panel. Pull out the bottom dish rack. Remove the old gasket, using a screwdriver to pry up the tabs or loosen the retaining screws that hold it in place. Soak the new gasket in warm soapy water to make it more pliable and to lubricate it. Install the new gasket, pressing or sliding it into its track. If your gasket has screws or clips, refasten as you go. Work from the center of the door to the ends.

If your dishwasher won't fill, or won't stop filling, check the water inlet valve solenoid. Turn off the power at the service panel and shut off the water supply to the dishwasher. Remove the access panel and locate the water supply connection. Disconnect the wires from the terminals on the valve. Attach the clip of a continuity tester to one terminal and touch the probe to the other. If the tester does not glow, the solenoid is faulty and should be replaced. Some inlet valves have a screen or filter that can become clogged, restricting water flow. To replace the screen, place a shallow pan beneath the inlet valve. Release the clamp on the fill tube and pull the tube from the valve outlet. Disconnect the water supply tube. Loosen the valve bracket screws and remove the valve. Remove the screen, using a small screwdriver. Replace the screen with a new one and reinstall the valve.

C.  Dishwasher Remove and Replace
         When you need to replace a dishwasher, you have to make sure the existing plumbing and wiring service is sufficient for the new dishwasher. Code now requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit On some models, the plumbing connections and electrical cord are attached before the appliance is inserted in the opening. To remove the old dishwasher, shut off the power at the main service panel and the water supply at the shutoff valve. Disconnect the drain hose at the garbage disposal or the sink waste-T tailpiece. Remove the access panel below the dishwasher door. Remove the metal cover on the electrical box. Disconnect the black and white wires at the wire nut connections and detach the green wire from the ground screw. Place a shallow pan under the water inlet valve, and detach the water supply tube at the L-fitting with channel-type pliers.

Remove any screws or brackets holding the dishwasher in place. Pull the dishwasher from the cabinet.

For new installations drill holes for electrical and plumbing lines into the sink base cabinet. Check the manufacturer's specifications for the sizes of holes. Slide the new dishwasher into place, feeding the rubber drain hose through the hole in the cabinet. Level the dishwasher by adjusting the threaded feet, and test the door for smooth operation. Make sure the dishwasher's mounting brackets are aligned with the underside of the countertop and cabinets. Make the plumbing connections inside the sink cabinet. Attach the dishwasher drain hose to the small nipple on the air gap. If your dishwasher will drain into a food disposer, connect a hose between the large air gap nipple and the disposer drain nipple. Where no air gap is used, the drain hose is connected directly to the food disposal or drain tailpiece. Otherwise, run a hose from the air gap to the nipple on the waste-T tailpiece in the sink drain line.

Connect the dishwasher water supply tube to the hot water shutoff valve, using channel-type pliers. Remove the access panel on the dishwasher. Connect a brass L-fitting to the threaded outlet on the dishwasher's water inlet valve and tighten with channel-type pliers. Be careful not to over-tighten the water connections. Connect the water supply tube to the L-fitting. Remove the metal cover on the dishwasher's electrical box. Feed a 12-gauge power cord into the electrical box. Strip ½" of insulation from each wire, using a combination tool. Using wire connectors, connect the black wires together, then the white wires. Connect the green ground wire to the ground screw. Replace the electrical box cover and the dishwasher access panel.

Anchor the dishwasher to the countertop or cabinet, using the mounting brackets. Restore the power and water supply, then run a test cycle. Check for leaks and tighten plumbing connections, if needed.