Dishwasher Repair Guides

Nobody wants a faulty dishwasher – fortunately, the appliance engineers at NAC have put together a range of helpful dishwasher repair guides to aid you in your DIY efforts.

Expert Dishwasher Repair Advice

From drainage issues to dirty dishes, there are plenty of things that can go wrong with your dishwasher, leaving you stuck with piles of washing up and the sink as your only option. Luckily though, many common dishwasher issues are rather simple to fix!

With a couple of tools and a bit of expert guidance, you can repair your dishwasher yourself at home with ease – without having to pay for a callout from an appliance repair engineer. Discover our DIY Dishwasher repair videos and guides below, as well as helpful tips and tricks you can use to keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come.

Dishwasher Repair - Helpful How-To Guides

One of the best ways to learn a new skill is by watching someone else carry out the task at hand. So to help you, our appliance repair specialists have put together a range of dishwasher repair video guides that you can follow along with!

Covering all common dishwasher issues, our helpful how-to guides will assist you in repairing your appliance at home; simply find the relevant video below and follow along at home.

Dishwasher Issues & How to Fix Them

When attending dishwasher repair callouts, we regularly see the same issues – time and time again. 9 times out of 10 it’s an issue that could be fixed by most people at home, or even avoided completely in the first place with proper dishwasher maintenance!

Take a look at our video guides and articles below for dishwasher repair advice and maintenance top tips from our trusted experts.

Common Dishwasher Faults & Repair Advice

Here are some of the most common dishwasher-related issues we’re called out to deal with, and our top tips for fixing them yourself at home!

My dishwasher isn’t draining

Drainage issues are not uncommon in dishwashers, but there are a couple of things you can do to solve the issue yourself…

  • Check your dishwasher filters
    • The filter in your dishwasher can often become blocked by food debris. Unfortunately, when this happens it can prevent your dishwasher from draining properly.
    • Remove your dishwasher filter and give it a thorough clean with hot soapy water before replacing it.
  • Check the drain hose
    • The drain pipe at the back of your dishwasher can become kinked or clogged over time, meaning the water in your dishwasher is unable to drain away properly at the end of a cycle.
    • Make sure it isn’t tangled up or kinked. If you think it may be blocked, we recommend taking it off and giving it a good clean if you’re able to.
  • Check the pump
    • If it’s neither of the above, then the fault could lie with your dishwasher’s drain pump. Unfortunately, this isn’t something we would recommend attempting to fix yourself at home due to the complexities involved.
    • If you think it could be your pump causing the drainage issue, please contact your local NAC repair engineer for assistance.
My dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly

If you find that your dishes are coming out of your dishwasher still dirty after a full cycle, it could be down to a number of issues. Try the following to remedy the issue:

  • Make sure you’re loading your dishwasher correctly
    • It might sound silly, but you really can load your dishwasher in the wrong way! Make sure that your dishes are not blocking the spray arms located at the bottom of the dishwasher and usually underneath the top basket.
    • Doing so ensures that water reaches all the dishes inside, allowing your appliance to get the job done properly.
  • Consider your dishwasher detergent/tablets
    • If you find that your dishes come out of the dishwasher with stubborn stains still evident, then the fault could lie with your choice of dishwasher tablets. Try a different brand and see if the issue resolves itself.
    • Also, dishwasher salt can affect the cleaning ability of your dishwasher – check out our helpful guide on the Importance of Using Dishwasher Salt.
  • Use the correct dishwasher cycle
    • Most people are guilty of choosing the eco mode every time and letting it do its thing. But unfortunately, if you have heavily soiled dishes or particularly stubborn stains then you may need to use a different setting. If you’re unsure which cycle to use, we recommend checking your manual.
  • Ensure the spray arms are clean
    • Debris can often find its way into the holes in your spray arms and unfortunately, this means that water will not be able to reach your dishes as it should.
    • It’s important to regularly clean your spray arms to prevent this from happening. Check out our helpful video guide on Maintaining Dishwasher Spray Arms for more information.
My dishwasher isn’t drying my dishes

It can be extremely irritating when you go to empty your dishwasher and your dishes are still dripping wet. Luckily there are a couple of things you can do right now to solve the problem!

  • Make sure you’re using the correct settings on your dishwasher
    • Despite common beliefs, not all cycles on your dishwasher will dry your dishes at the end. Plus, older dishwasher models may require you to manually select a heated drying feature.
    • We recommend checking your dishwasher’s manual to determine the correct setting that will dry your dishes successfully.
  • Ensure you’re not overloading your dishwasher
    • If your dishwasher is too full, then the hot air used to dry the dishes may not be given enough room to ventilate properly. Make sure you’re not over-filling your dishwasher and you’re not blocking the vents inside.
  • Check your rinse aid
    • Rinse aid is vital in the drying process, as it allows the water to evaporate faster during the cycle. Check that you have rinse aid in your dishwasher. If you find that the rinse aid isn’t being used, try setting your dishwasher on a cleaning cycle to clear out any potential blockages.
  • Check out our video guide on Common Dishwasher Drying Problems video for more information.
My dishwasher is leaking

A leaky dishwasher is incredibly irritating in itself, but it can also lead to further issues and damage around your kitchen. If your dishwasher is leaking, try out some of the following suggestions:

  • Check the seal around your dishwasher and the door
    • As it’s made of rubber, the gasket on your dishwasher can become brittle and damaged over time. When this happens there’s no longer a watertight seal and water will be able to leak out.
    • Replacing the seal is usually an easy job – just make sure you purchase the correct seal for your dishwasher model.
  • Check the hose pipe
    • A loose connection with your water pipe could be the cause of a leaking dishwasher. Pull out your appliance and take a look at the back, ensuring that all pipes are secure and tightly screwed in place.
  • View our helpful video guide on Common Reasons Why a Dishwasher Might Leak for more information.
spares4appliances favicon

Looking to repair your Dishwasher yourself?

If you are looking to repair your Dishwasher yourself and you need to order spare parts, please follow the link to our partner website: Spares4Appliances.co.uk where you will find thousands of Dishwasher spare parts in stock with fast dispatch available.

Check out Spares4Appliances.co.uk
Why Choose NAC?
Same & Next Day Repairs Icon Same & Next Day Repairs Icon

Same & Next Day Repairs

We aim to send an engineer on the same day of reporting the fault or the next day where possible.

All Repairs Guaranteed Icon All Repairs Guaranteed Icon

All Repairs Guaranteed

We believe in our skills and follow that up with a standard guarantee of our work to give you peace of mind.

No Hidden Charges Icon No Hidden Charges Icon

No Hidden Charges

We understand the importance of budgeting and make sure you are fully aware of all costs in advance.

Family Run Business Icon Family Run Business Icon

Family Run Business

Husband and Wife team Adrian & Amanda set the standards at NAC with over 40 years experience.