Ah, the good old days when dishes were washed and dried by hand. Yeah, right! Next to the TV and the microwave, the dishwasher is probably the most used modern appliance there is. And, as with these other contraptions, the day it breaks down is memorable. So let's call a meeting of the Fix-It Club to figure out what dishwashers do--and how to keep them doing it.
How Does It Work?
A dishwasher is a major appliance designed to clean dishes, silverware, pots and pans, and other kitchenware. It delivers water through the water inlet into the tub while the detergent dispenser releases detergent in stages to clean the dishes. The heating element warms the solution and a pump channels the water to spray arms that spray and clean the dishes. When the wash cycle is complete, clean water is sprayed to rinse off the detergent. The heating element is also used to dry dishes. Some dishwashers have upper and lower spraying arms while others have a single arm. Also, some dishwashers have a dispenser that adds a rinsing agent to the rinse water.
Built-in dishwashers are installed under countertops with permanent wiring and plumbing connections. Portable models have a flexible coupler that connects to the sink faucet and a drain tube that runs through the sink drain. Power is supplied through a 120-volt plug.
Fix-It Tip
Help your dishwasher do its best job. Check the owner's manual to make sure you are loading the machine correctly. If your water is high in minerals, use a little extra detergent. Make sure the dishwasher is getting sufficient water from the supply line.
What Can Go Wrong?
Components of a typical dishwasher.
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With all that water running through it, a dishwasher on the fritz can damage flooring and cabinets, so maintenance and troubleshooting is a good idea. What can cause problems? Switches and motors can fail. Dispensers and spray arms may become dirty and clogged. The heating element may malfunction. The door latch may be out of adjustment. Drain valve parts may need replacing. The drain hose may be clogged.
