Dishwashers are meant to make our lives easier—but when they stop working, they can quickly become a real headache. If you’re standing in front of your appliance wondering why it’s not cleaning, draining, or even turning on, you’re not alone. Below, we’ve laid out the most common dishwasher problems homeowners face, along with some practical tips for fixing them. If the fix gets too tricky, don’t worry—our local same-day repair team is ready to help.
1. Dishes Aren’t Getting Clean
Possible Causes:
- Dirty or clogged spray arms
- Overloading the dishwasher
- Low water temperature
- Blocked filter
How to Fix It:
First, check if the spray arms are spinning freely and not blocked by food particles. If they are clogged, remove them and rinse under warm water. Next, make sure you’re not overloading the dishwasher—every dish needs space to get hit by water. Finally, ensure the water temperature is at least 120°F (about 49°C). Run your kitchen tap hot before starting the dishwasher.
Still not clean? You might be dealing with a faulty circulation pump or water inlet valve—best to let a technician take a look.
2. Dishwasher Won’t Drain
Common Reasons:
- Clogged filter or drain hose
- Blocked air gap
- Broken drain pump
Fix It Yourself:
Start by removing the bottom rack and cleaning out the filter. It’s usually found beneath the spray arm—give it a good rinse. Then check the drain hose (usually behind the dishwasher) for kinks or clogs. If your dishwasher has an air gap near the faucet, clean it out too.
If the unit still won’t drain, the pump may be damaged. That’s where a fast, local repair expert comes in.
3. Dishwasher Is Leaking Water
Why This Happens:
- Door gasket is cracked or worn
- Float switch is stuck
- Loose hose or faulty inlet valve
DIY Solution:
Inspect the rubber door gasket. If it’s brittle or cracked, it will need replacing. Also, open the dishwasher door and check the float assembly—it should move up and down easily. If it’s stuck, gently clean around it. Lastly, tighten any visible hose connections.
If your floor is still wet after a cycle, you might need emergency service—especially if the leak risks damaging cabinets or flooring.
4. Dishwasher Smells Bad
Most Likely Causes:
- Trapped food particles
- Mold or mildew
- Grease buildup
Quick Fix:
Pull out and clean the filter, then run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. For heavy odors, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom and run a short, hot wash.
Regular cleaning helps prevent this issue—but if smells return quickly, there might be a drainage issue or buildup deep inside the unit.
5. Dishwasher Won’t Start
It Could Be:
- Door latch not engaging
- Blown fuse or tripped breaker
- Faulty control panel
Try This First:
Make sure the door is fully closed and latched. Check your breaker box to confirm there’s power to the dishwasher. If those are fine, unplug the unit (or turn off the breaker), wait a minute, and restart it. Sometimes a reset is all it takes.
If that doesn’t work, you could be dealing with an electrical issue—don’t risk it. Call a certified technician near you for a safe, quick fix.
When DIY Isn’t Enough, We’re Here to Help
Some issues are simple. Others need special tools, parts, or just a trained eye. If your dishwasher problem feels overwhelming—or you’d rather just skip the guesswork—we offer fast, same-day repair service across Toronto and the GTA.
You can even book online and get $25 off your repair. And remember, we offer a free service call with repair, so there’s no risk in having us take a look.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a dishwasher can be easier than you think—but it can also become a time-consuming, frustrating task. Hopefully, this guide helps you troubleshoot your issue and decide your next steps.
Need help now? Our local repair team is just a call or click away, ready to offer express and emergency service when you need it most.