How to fix your dishwasher

Use our guide on how to fix a dishwasher to help diagnose and remedy some of the common problems that can occur with this popular household appliance.

When your dishwasher stops working, you need to know how to fix it, fast.

We feel your pain - who washes the dishes with their hands these days!?

This guide will help you to troubleshoot the problem and offer several fixes you can try yourself at home.

And if you can't get your dishwasher to work, we have experts who can help you. We've checked them, and any that show up in your search on Checkatrade are approved by us!

How to fix a dishwasher that's not draining

A dishwasher that's not draining will result in standing water in the base of the dishwasher and unclean dishes.

Follow these steps to fix this problem:

1. Turn off the power

Before you begin, turn the dishwasher off at the mains.

2. Check the filters

Next, check the filters. These can be found at the base of the dishwasher.

• Roll the dishwasher's lower basket out

• Remove the filter, clear out any visible debris, and rinse under running water to ensure it's clean

• If the filter is damaged, replace it with a new one

3. Check the waste hose

The waste hose carries the dirty water away from the machine and into your drainage system.

• Inspect the drain hose for any kinks, clogs, or damage

• Check it's properly connected to the sink drain or waste disposal unit

• Straighten out any issues or replace the hose if necessary

4. Check the sink waste

If your dishwasher waste is connected to your sink's waste disposal system, check that it's not blocked.

Then run the sink waste disposal to check it's draining correctly. Problems here can prevent your dishwasher from draining too.

5. Check the dishwasher pump

If the dishwasher pump is blocked, it will not be able to pump waste water out of the dishwasher.

Wearing protective gloves:

• Roll the dishwasher's lower basket out

• Remove the filter unit

• Use a sponge to soak up the standing water within the base of the dishwasher

• Remove the pump cover as per your manufacturer's manual

• Feel around the pump for any foreign objects that could be causing a blockage

• Finally, replace the pump cover, filter unit, and lower basket

If, after following these steps, your dishwasher is still not draining, contact an experienced appliance technician.

Enter your postcode in the box below to see the approved specialists in your area.

How to fix a dishwasher soap dispenser door latch

If your dishwasher soap dispenser door latch isn't working, there are a few things you can try.

1. Check for blockages or damage

First, check for any debris under the dispenser door. This can prevent the door from closing properly.

If the door dispenser is damaged, it'll need to be replaced.

2. Clean the door dispenser

Next, remove the soap dispenser door manually, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Using a simple toothpick, clean the underside of the door cover, especially near the door spring, and the tracks the door cover sits within.

Replace the door cover once done.

3. Check the dispenser door spring

Open the dispenser door and locate the door spring.

If the spring is bent or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Follow the manufacturer's manual specific to your dishwasher make and model to replace it.

4. Check the door dispenser latch

Open the dispenser door and locate the door latch.

Check for any signs of damage. To replace the dispenser door latch, refer to your manufacturer's manual.

Prefer to get a professional in?

Enter your postcode into the box below to find experienced appliance technicians near you.

How to fix a clogged dishwasher

A clogged dishwasher can be identified by gurgling sounds, water backing up in the sink, or slow drainage. It's normally caused by debris getting stuck in the dishwasher drain.

To clear your clogged dishwasher:

• Make up a solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar

• Then pour the solution into the base of the dishwasher and leave it for 15 minutes

• Next, pour hot water over the base of the dishwasher before running a rinse cycle at the highest heat setting

How do I fix my dishwasher leaking from the bottom?

Water leaking from the bottom of the dishwasher is never a good sign.

In addition to it being a clear indication that something's not right with your appliance, water leaks can cause significant damage to surrounding areas.

If your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom, it could be due to a problem with the water drain hose, a blocked filter, or a leaky gasket (door seal).

• First, turn your appliance off at the mains

• Next, mop up any water on the floor with towels

• Standing waste water in the bottom of the machine can be soaked up using a sponge and bucket

• Refer to the guidance above or your manufacturer's manual to clean the filters and check the drain hose

If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact an approved appliance technician. Search for local experts using our leading directory.

To help your dishwasher run smoothly in the future, read our expert guide to appliance maintenance.