Most Common Dishwasher Fault – What It Is and How to Fix It

If your dishwasher suddenly stops cleaning, makes loud noises, or leaks, you’re probably dealing with the most common dishwasher fault. The good news is that many of these issues are easy to spot and fix yourself. Below we’ll walk through the top reasons dishes stay dirty, why water won’t drain, and what to do if the machine won’t even start.

Why Your Dishwasher Might Not Drain

One of the most frequent complaints is water pooling at the bottom of the tub. Usually this comes down to three things:

Clogged filter. Food scraps can build up in the filter and block the flow. Pull out the filter (most are twist‑off), rinse it under running water, and reinstall.

Blocked drain hose. The hose can get kinked or clogged with debris. Detach the hose from the sink trap, shake it out, and clear any buildup with a long brush.

Faulty pump. If the pump motor whirrs but water stays, the impeller may be jammed. Listen for a buzzing sound; if you hear it, the pump likely needs a professional’s attention.

Other Everyday Dishwasher Problems

Dishwasher won’t start. First, check the door latch – a loose latch tells the machine it’s not closed properly. Next, verify the power outlet; plug in a lamp to test. If both are fine, the control board might be at fault, which is a job for a technician.

Dirty dishes after a cycle. This often means the spray arms are clogged. Remove the arms, clean the holes with a toothpick or soft brush, and spin them to ensure they rotate freely. Also, use the right amount of detergent – too much creates excess suds that can leave residue.

Strange noises. Grinding sounds usually point to broken glass or a foreign object stuck in the pump. Inspect the bottom of the tub for shards. Rattling noises can be a loose utensil that fell onto the bottom rack; remove it and secure the rack.

Leaks. Check the door gasket for cracks or tears. A worn gasket lets water escape during the wash. Clean it with warm, soapy water and replace it if it’s damaged. Also, make sure the spray arms are fully seated – an improperly installed arm can spray water onto the door seal.

Most of these fixes take under 30 minutes and don’t require special tools. If you’ve tried the steps above and the fault persists, it’s time to call a local repair service. A professional can diagnose hidden electrical issues, replace a failing pump, or address error codes that the machine displays.

Keeping your dishwasher in good shape also means regular maintenance. Run a hot wash with a dishwasher cleaner every month, and wipe the rubber seal after each use to prevent mold buildup. With a little routine care, the most common dishwasher fault can be avoided altogether.

Bottom line: start with the filter, hose, and spray arms – they’re the usual suspects. If those checks don’t solve the problem, a quick call to a trusted technician will get your appliance back to its sparkling best.