Start a Stalled Dishwasher
You've come home from a vacation and discover your dishwasher will not work. You turn it to start and it just won't work. What to do. Call a serviceman? No. Try this first, before picking up the phone.
Steps
- Initially check to see that the dishwasher has power, by checking both the plug to the washer and circuit breaker controlling the dishwasher.
- If the dishwasher has power and still will not operate, pour a fairly large pot of tap water into the inside bottom of the dishwasher.
- Close the door and turn it on. In most cases, your dishwasher will start and run normally.
Tips
- Pumps do not require a prime in this application. Gravity provides the priming water by filling the collection chamber. More likely it is that the rubber seal has dried out and is stuck to the metal pump shaft, the water frees it by acting as lubrication. Try adding a little vinegar to the water in the bottom of the machine before leaving, that usually stops this from occurring.
- The reason this method most always works is because, over time of non-use, your dishwasher will lose it's "prime". That is to say that the water in the dishwasher water pump has dried out and requires "priming" for the pump to operate. Adding water to the bottom of the unit restores the "prime" and function of the dishwasher.
Warnings
- Since this method most always is successful, you won't be needing to call that service man, which of course won't be good for the economy, but very good for your pocket.
- ON most brands you can also pull the lower front cover of from below the door and with the power off, try to spin the exposed motor by hand, Using a screwdriver, not your fingers.
Things You'll Need
- Large pot and tap water
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