If your dishwasher is making a weird noise, like grinding, buzzing, or squealing, it may have a loose component or the circulation pump may be starting to fail. Getting the unit inspected as quickly as possible is vital to making sure the appliance doesn’t endure additional damage. A plumber can assess the age of the unit and the overall condition of its components to help you determine whether it’s best to repair or replace the appliance.
Clogged Drain
The dishwasher has a drain inside of it that is connected to a drain line. When the drain itself or the drain line develops a clog, the water won’t be able to drain properly during each cleaning cycle. If you open the appliance and it has standing water inside of it, it most likely has this problem. Fortunately, fixing a clogged drain or drain line is not a very difficult task. You simply remove the stuck food particles or replace the drain line.
Faulty Float Switch
The float switch is responsible for telling the dishwasher the water level so it knows when to stop filling. Over time, it may become stuck, especially if you don’t rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. The food particles can build up around the float switch, making the component stick in place. When this happens, the appliance may overfill with water or not fill up enough. Replacing a malfunctioning float switch is easy for a skilled plumber and usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Cracked Tub
When the tub of the dishwasher develops a crack, water can leak onto the surrounding floor, leading to costly damage. This is why it’s best to replace the whole appliance when it has this problem. You could replace just the tub, but it’s very expensive, and it tends to make more economical sense to replace the entire dishwasher.
Severe Rust and Corrosion
If you see rust or corrosion on the tub, racks, or door frame, you’ll need to assess the extent of the damage. A rusty rack may be easy to fix by simply replacing the component. If the corrosion spreads to the tub, you’ll most likely need to replace the whole appliance. The best way to prevent rust and corrosion is to keep the dishwasher clean and repair damaged rack coatings as soon as possible so the metal underneath doesn’t become exposed to moisture during each cleaning cycle.
Having your dishwasher carefully inspected by a licensed plumber is the best way to decide between the different repair vs. replacement options. Most dishwashers have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If your system is only a few years old, the plumber will do everything they can to avoid a complete replacement. If you have concerns or require dishwasher services, contact 605 Appliance Pros in Sioux Falls, SD.