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Common Dishwasher Problems: Tips from Ottawa Appliance Service
- Ottawa Appliance Service
- June 14, 2026
- 1:15 pm
- no comments
Your dishwasher quietly does one of the most thankless jobs in your home — scrubbing grease, baked-on food, and everything in between, day after day. So when it starts acting up, it throws off your whole routine. The good news is that there are many dishwasher issues that have simple explanations, and you can save yourself some trouble if you know what signs to look out for.
This is an overview of the most common issues faced by our team at Ottawa Appliance Service, and how you can fix them.
1. The Dishwasher Isn't Draining Properly
Water at the bottom of your dishwasher after the cycle is complete is one of the most prevalent issues our customers complain about. Don’t panic yet – in many cases, it comes down to an easily solved issue.
Check the following first:
- Filter blockage – Almost any current dishwasher will come equipped with a filter that sits at the bottom. Simply remove it and rinse thoroughly using warm water. You’ll probably be shocked by the amount of debris collected there.
- Drain hose clogging – The tube running between the dishwasher and your kitchen’s drainage system can become clogged and twisted.
- Bypass of the garbage disposal installation – If you just got yourself a new garbage disposal unit, the bypass plug on the dishwasher’s side might still be in place.
Should you find no faults in any of the above-listed items, it may mean that the pump itself needs servicing.
2. Dishes Aren't Coming Out Clean
It can be very annoying when your dishwasher doesn’t clean dishes even though it works perfectly. However, before considering the worst scenarios, take into account several typical reasons:
- Your spray arms are clogged – food particles could clog holes on spray arms, making it necessary to remove them and rinse them thoroughly, unblocking holes with a help of a toothpick.
- Your dishes fit too tightly – if your dishes are packed too tightly, it is difficult for water to circulate properly. Leave some space between them.
- The water temperature is too low – ideally, the temperature of your water heater must be about 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49°C).
- The old detergent you’re using – it loses effectiveness when absorbing moisture, so keep it away from moisture and try not to use it for more than three months after you opened it.
If nothing helps, there could be a problem with either the water inlet valve or the wash motor.
3. Your Dishwasher is Leaking
Never ignore any leak, no matter how minor it might seem. You could end up with water damage to your flooring and cabinetry, which would become very costly in repair.
Possible sources of the dishwasher leak are as follows:
- Damaged door gasket – The door seal starts hardening and developing cracks after some time. You may need to replace it if you find any visible cracking or leaking.
- Damage to hose connections – Take a look behind the dishwasher. If there is any leakage or moistness, check the hoses.
- Incorrect amount of detergent – Do not use too much detergent for cleaning dishes in your machine, especially normal soap. It results in more bubbles, leading to leaking of the fluid.
Replacing the gasket does not cost too much. However, if the leaking occurs within the washing unit from the pump or motor area, contact an expert immediately.
4. Strange Noises During a Cycle
A dishwasher will make noise, but there are certain noises that should never happen:
- Rattling or banging – An object or dish has probably slipped out of the rack and is knocking around close to the spray arm or pump.
- Grounding noise – There might be an object caught on the drain pump or chopper blade. If this doesn’t solve the problem, then it’s possible that the pump needs replacing.
- Conspicuous humming sound – This could mean that the water inlet valve or the motor needs attention.
Remember to stop the machine from working until the issue has been identified.
Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly
Issues that arise with dishwashers do not happen overnight; rather, they occur gradually because of continued usage. It is important to clean the dishwasher’s filter and spray arms and perform maintenance on a monthly basis by using a detergent specifically for the machine. Having said this, there are instances when certain repairs need specialized equipment and professional knowledge. In the case that your dishwasher is not draining properly or making noises it should not be making, do not hesitate any longer to act.
Ottawa Appliance Service has had many years of experience assisting Ottawa homeowners in keeping their appliances up and running. Our technicians are local and know how to solve your problem swiftly so you can enjoy the benefits of your machine again. Are you interested in having your dishwasher repaired or maintained? Get in touch with Ottawa Appliance Service and let us assist you.
