Five Most Common Problems With Dishwashers

Kung Fu Maintenance Discusses the Five Most Common Problems With Dishwashers:
1) Clogged Float Cup Switch 0:22
2) Water Shooting from Air Gap. 1:42
3) Dishwasher not Draining 2:31
4) Soap Dispenser Door Not Latching Properly 4:00
5) Stuck Impeller 4:47
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In this particular episode of Kung Fu Maintenance classes KFM shows the different treatment needed to prevent dishwasher leaks when the dishwasher cycle attempts to return and transfer dirty water to the drain for proper cleaning of dishes trading dirty for clean. No degree is needed to watch these videos and the emphasis is on safety to prevent the need for an accident attorney or any insurance claim.
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How To Videos with an emphasis on safety to prevent your ever needing an Accident Attorney.
One water drips from the front usually caused by a clogged float switch. 0:22
Two is water spilling out of the counter top air gap most often caused by a clogged air gap drain line. 1:42
Three is a clogged drain line usually at the air gap itself. 2:31
Four is a soap cover that won't work caused by a detached spring. 4:00
Five is a dishwasher motor that hums but doesn't start caused by a stuck impeller. 4:47

[@jeffreygodspeed]

The clogged air gap diagnosis totally fixed the drain problem. All the hoses were clear but there was all kinds of debris stuck in the air gap module. Thanks for that.

[@brucefrazier5025]

I have a GE Triton XL that would fill with water then just hum and eventually stop. I tried turning the motor, it was very stiff like you said. It finally freed up after lots of turning. Powered it back on and BAM! Works like a charm! The motor on mine looks just like the inset at the very end of your video. Thank you, Kung Fu!

[@Shaunreeves1977]

Dude you are awesome. You get straight to then point. All my problems with my dishwasher are now solved. Thanks again for the great video.

[@tessandjason]

Wow! Thanks so much! My impeller was stuck and I thought I would need a replacement motor. Did what you said and turned the motor/fan with a screwdriver and voila! Good as new!

[@LGTabs]

OMG! Thank you so much! You got straight to the point, not too much talking, and I appreciate that! I just fixed my dishwasher that was not draining. It was the thingy at the top of the sink. Something was stuck on there! So I did as you said, it worked! Thank you so much!

[@michaelneris2701]

Just wanted to say thanks. I assumed that because we hadn't used the dishwasher in about 7 months it was possible that the motor was just struck. Saw your video and it was confirmed. Thanks. It took about 5 minutes to get it working again.

[@nathanrivera9817]

Thank you so much for posting this info to educate others! This helped me out brother, I have an older dishwasher like the one in this video and thought my dishwasher was done for and I did not want maintenance in my apartment again while I was not home. Your troubleshooting with the stuck propeller did the trick! Thank you once again!!! You rock!!!

[@martyure]

Thanks! I disconnected the drain hose and put the end in a bucket and it worked fine. Traced the problem to the sink drain assembly and found that the tube was partially collapsed restricting the flow. Replace that part and now everything works like it should.

[@anygivenday1]

Thank you so much for sharing this information. There was a chunk of stuff clogging what you taught me is the air gap. Water had leaked all over my floor and I had no clue what to do. Thanks again!

[@d.george8112]

Nice Job KungFuMaintenance. The float switch was our problem. It didn't look too bad but I rinsed it out and Bingo! It was back to normal. Thanks!

[@colinkirkham3484]

Thank you so much for your video! Your "Cleaning out the Dishwasher to Disposal Drain Line Method #2" definitely saved me a costly call to a plumber. A coffee cup had sunflower seed shells in it when it was loaded into the dishwasher. They had all gathered up at the air gap fitting, and when I removed the cap like you instructed, I was able to remove them. Now the dishwasher works/drains fine. Again, many thanks!

[@marshapippin9508]

VERY HELPFUL air gap solution Our problem was that water was coming out of the air gap. Learning how to get the top off was very helpful, we actually got a long drain cleaning tool from Home Depot. It is for removing hair & scum from drain lines. We do not have a garbage disposal so we ran the cleaning tool, looks like an old pipe cleaner, down the air gap drain and were able to clean out the clog.

[@Popeye3570]

My dishwasher was not emptying itself so I have a book called "How to fix da.. near anything," but it did not say anything about dishwashers. I went online and happened upon your video right away. Your directions were plain and simple and most important; they worked!! I also fixed something that looked like it would be a problem in the near future. Thank you so much for not only saving me money, but for the inconvenience of maybe taking time away from work and waiting for a plumber!

[@mshimel1982]

I needed about 30 seconds of this video. I know nothing about dishwashers but as soon as I saw the float cup part I opened mine and saw a baby spoon laying beside the float cup. it's handle had dropped under it and was keeping it from filling

[@ecuacoloamericano]

Thx so much. I had a stuck impeller. You made my day. :)

[@PumpkinPails]

Thank you!! Cleaning up after Thanksgiving and noticed the dishwasher had a pool of water at the bottom when I was loading it. It ended up being the part that had the chicken bone stuck in it on yours. Would have never known where to start if it wasn’t for your video.

[@mspiers00]

Thank you so much!!! Could not for the life of me figure out why I was getting backflow...but of course this was dishwasher 101 for me....LOL You definitely saved me from calling someone to do something that took all of about 10 min. to fix myself!! My husband was thrilled too!!

[@Npc4WW3]

Thank you KungFuMatienance! My dishwasher has been broken for months...well, not broken I guess....just not draining so it just ends up spraying the dirty water back on the dishes. Between my landlord and my husband it was still not getting fixed. Watched your video and surprise surprise ...there was a chicken bone in that part under the cap. Pulled it out and it works great now. So, seriously...Thanks for the video.

[@rosstatum6346]

Muchisimo gracias, amigo! It was a stuck impeller. Pura Vida!

[@jomontero9458]

The information is very helpful! The video is really hard to watch as what is showing isn’t always what he is referring to. I am grateful for the information. I found that the line to my garbage disposal was clogged and that was causing water to come up through the valve onto my counter. After cleaning out the inside of my washer (b/c the water wasn't draining) it still was coming up through the valve. I scheduled an appt with a plumber. I can cancel my appt now that I found the problem. Yeah! Thank you!

[@hdtvcamera1]

Worth a thumbs up for the air gap disassembly alone. Good tip cleaning the float.

[@josephtaylor2988]

Thanks a million ,,,,,just moved into a house thats 10 years old and was bank owned for 1 year. Garbage disposal was gungked up, old dishwasher would just hum and heat up. Even the roaches had moved out. Going to try to make use of these fantastic troubleshooting methods...feel like i have all the tools I need thanks a mill.

[@pnguyen3246]

Saved me some time and money! Thanks bud!

[@duanes.pemberton4336]

Thank you for the valuable info. I was able to fix the problem.

[@josephkannapell5470]

I had a stuck detergent cup cover. I believe it was #3 problem on this video. It encouraged you to open up the door panel by unscrewing the inside 7or 8 screws. Once I did this, the detergent dispenser mechanism was hanging up my ability to peel the inside panel from the outside panel. The parts are plastic, and I didn't want to apply too much force and break it. But I was able to get the arm out of the mechanism, reset the detergent cup door part, then close the two panels together with a slight separation so I could get my hand inside and lift the one arm into the slot on the det. cup door part. After getting this accomplished, you can then screw the two panels back together, and it should work. Thanks Kung Fu MX for helping me fix my dishwasher!

[@Terry9599]

Thank you. You saved me $ for a clogged hose that I did not know how to clear until I saw your video. I watched 3 other videos before this, but this was the only one to address my problem.

[@HaipengHuang]

Your video really help me, thank you!

[@TheBigNoleski]

Thank you so much, i was convinced it was broken and sure enough it was a wooden spoon burning on the heat element.

[@billfleming1409]

On the older GE dish washers there is a rotating ceramic seal between the food shredder and the motor. if the sump has been dry for a while, the two halves will adhere to each other and the motor will not turn. Sometimes you can simply reach in and rotate either the shredder or the motor fan and it will break loose but I have seen some that will break the seal body loose in the pump housing before breaking loose. New motor pump assembly required then!

[@cratticusprime]

Thanks for the video. Clogged float cup here, stupid easy to fix.

[@Rebel-Rouser]

thanks for the info. I will check it out and let you know what it ended up being.. thanks for sharing your knowledge on here for all of us..

[@mattmullens3215]

Man that music is tripped out. I'm guessing you watched 'Warriors' a lot!

[@oliviadenny5222]

Hallelujah! My dishwasher works again. Thanks for saving me some money.

[@zek305]

dishwasher would not wash (sprayer not turning) and it was stuck just like you said Thank you sir fore your help

[@iamcool565]

Thank you so much!!! Very helpful guide!

[@IRAE10]

Speaking to people the #1 problem is dishing not getting clean. And the #1 Problem is caking of dishwasher detergent in the AUTOMATIC dishwasher dispenser. Very hard to clean. I found the best way is to use very hot water directly in the dispenser and then break up the caking with a straw and siphon, repeat, repeat, repeat.

[@KungFuMaintenance]

Pressure regulation can be checked at a hose bibb with a water pressure gauge. City pressure is usually around 110 to 120 lbs reduced by pressure regulator to between 50 to 80 lbs(I like mine around 70). If you only have pressure differences in one area try replacing aerators and shower heads first.These often get built up with calcium and mineral deposits restricting flow. It is sometimes amazing the difference a new aerator can make. Such a small part for such a big change in experience.

[@srmarx]

Hey it was a chicken (neck) bone in the air gap. How'd you know? Thanks for saving me a bundle!

[@KungFuMaintenance]

Cool man! Good detective work, in finding a work around.

[@Thewarlo]

Thank you for the video, saved me calling a maintenance guy.

[@LuckLady1991]

I have the same dishwasher. It started flooding and I noticed the filter under the propeller is croaked a bit.

[@KungFuMaintenance]

That would work. I understand. I think I should encourage this on all my videos. People could post symptom videos than others including myself could comment with advice, further questions, discussions, interesting stories, insight, news, experiences, and solutions.

[@lisarodriguez6764]

My spinner is disconnected to the rest of the washer. Everything else runs fine but the spinner just bangs. Is this able to be fixed by me?

[@IronBecomesSteel]

Thank you!

[@snowbird29803]

Maytag with knob to set various program for cycles, and buttons for options: Optional heat and water temp boost off. Loud bang like a gunshot at end of wash cycle and circuit-breaker trips. Reset breaker and it continues to end of program with no further trouble. Nothing obvious burnt and no burning smell. Ideas?

[@GalaXy808]

Airgap? I never know,good video thanks...

[@ioanacostin2066]

Hi, My dishwasher is a secondhand one and I just installed it. Because the inlet from the sink was too far from the inlet tube of the machine, I used a extension tube. The problem that I am facing is that when I run a program it starts making the sound like it is preparing to suck water, but after that I can't hear the water and after a short while the program stops. When I open it is bone dry.

[@neilflores2555]

Really thanks I already fixed. Thanks.

[@FelipeElLocito]

I have a 2-year-old KitchenAid KDTE104DSS0 that doesn't clean dishes well, leaving food particles on dishes and usually 1/3 of the silverware is dirty enough after cycling even the "heavy duty" cycle that it has to be cleaned by hand. The dishes also don't dry. The only thing that improves performance is if I pour a gallon of close-to-boiling water in the dishwasher before closing the door. I've replaced water inlet valve, thermostat, and heating element and this has changed nothing. Any ideas on what could be the problem?

[@bbkaye518]

I don't have that in the bottom of mine, where else should I look other than taking the lower impellar off?

[@kimmyacol62]

Was given a used kitchen aid dishwasher. After installing, it works great, but it's got a leak around coming from pump area. can this be fixed?

[@victorvillafane252]

Nice video thanks

[@lespoulson3801]

I have a LG Dishwasher Model LDS5811BB. When I press a NORMAL cycle button I can hear the water in the DW being pumped out and draining thru my garbage disposer. I then hear hot entering the DW. The cycle does not begin but a alarm sounds and display shows IE code. The instruction book says its a water inlet problem, to check inlet hose to be sure it's not clogged and water is turned on. The water reservoir at the bottom around the filter and the water distribution pump already has hot water. What is the problem and the fix?

[@carbullzone953]

Great video. I have a GE Triton and it will not drain. Nor will it finish the cycle, it just seems to loop. Then the sensor light comes on and does it all again. But still not draining. Any ideas on that one? Thanks in advance for the response.

[@KungFuMaintenance]

Wiring would be separate running most likely from the circuit board to the different components such as float switch, pump, etc... and the timer is most likely directly behind the timer buttons or knobs inside the door. It is a little tricky without being able to see your particular make and model but these would most likely be components that receive or give the signals to and from your circuit board.

[@sarahbrown551]

I have a haier dishwasher model esd310. The machine started glitching during the wash cycle 6 months ago. It would correct itself and run properly if we cancelled the cycle and started again. Then it began to auto turn on the heated dry cycle. Then it started a rundown of the delay wash feature. Constantly counting down hours on the display. It finally quit. I installed a new control board. The right half of the front panel now works. Nothing on the left side. I am just a homeowner, I don't know what part needs to be replaced next. Any idea?

[@jeromebrady785]

kung fu maintenence rocks!

[@KungFuMaintenance]

Each machine is a little different you may have to check the directions for how to get the machine to run in or out of the diagnostic mode such as pushing the no heat button than the high temp wash button alternatively until all the display lights light up. The lights should go out than one light come on than an audible click than you can push the cancel button to exit the diagnostic mode. Again you may have to check the directions for your specific models methods and specific code meanings.

[@lindabrown1277]

If candle wax is melted in your dish washer and your dish washer won't start what can be done to fix this at home please ?

[@jbstocktalk]

Thank you..........that was helpful.

[@trishadiane27]

I have a Electrolux dishwasher and the error 3 message comes on, well we had that pump replaced, but when we run the unit it is still giving us that error. even though the control panel is reading , since it isn't resetting is it still the control board that is messed up?

[@KungFuMaintenance]

One small click and you transported to Kung Fu Maintenance Land. Hope your future is better for it.

[@538frank]

Has anyone had mold inside their dishwasher?

[@JoshFlowers1]

The information is great, just some of the video is lacking camera direction at what you're actually looking at in the video. I find myself having to rewind to try to see exactly what you're talking about. But thankfully I think you've solved my problem with my dishwasher

[@williamsharrow7825]

Great Vid

[@johnmiller8829]

I have a GE dishwasher. The pump fills and drains and the timer cycles. The washer arms don't spin or wash. Any ideas?

[@rosalynhumphrey4606]

So my kenmore apportable dishwasher had it for 6 years now and its no longer staying on the faucet when turn water on i replaced that collar part and its still not working what can i do please help me!!!!

[@diygaragedoorparts]

I have a GE quietpower 3 it fills with water and leaks a lot when it is not ran. If you open the washer then it have a few inches of water in it. If you run a rinse cycle it drains it out but it will fill up and leak out again a few hours later. Would you have any suggestions that may help us out? Thanks and great videos!

[@richardballou1858]

I have a Bosch model SHE4AM15UC/01 dishwasher. For quite a while every week or so the clean light would come on before the cycle would normally complete (abnormal short cycle), the dishwasher would stop, and there would be water in the bottom. I would clean the filter and drain sump area and it would be fine for a while. About two weeks ago, it started doing it every time we use it. Today I cleaned out all the plumbing under the sink where the drain hose goes. I removed the drain pump and found no obstructions. With the pump out I ran the dishwasher through a reset cycle and the pump ran fine.I tried another operation of the dishwasher and observed just before the abnormal termination the pump comes on three times for about 10 seconds each, and then stops with the clean light on. There is water in the bottom.What have I missed?

[@lplaney]

Love your videos and I've subscribed now! QUESTION: Where's the impeller fan blade on an Admiral DWD1500AWW? I don't see it. :-( Dishwasher is humming and and not enough water is getting in either. I have the bottom trim plate off, but just can't remember where the guy found the impeller a few (4?) years ago and don't want to pay him to come back out. 1. Is it ever on the back of the machine, which will make me have to take the whole dishwasher out? 2. After I took the bottom rack out, I found a hard tube that looks like a hot glue stick that you'd use for a glue gun. Could that be the problem? Thanks in advance for your advice.

[@growingfoodbackyard]

thank you for sharing.....awesome.

[@MrMattsquatch]

As everyone mentioned... change the font. Additionally, remember you are filming. Point the camera at the things you are talking about and try not to shake the camera so much. Makes me dizzy. Very informative, but those two things make it almost un-watchable.

[@anitalenor1]

I had a hose problem before when dishwasher leaked & today it leaked yet again..Now I tied it up to the pipe, & it's filled up again..? Nothing is clogged or water in that little grey pipe tubing going into the DW! How to stop it & still be able to wash dishes too..? 2-9-16 Kenmore

[@edgarmilson8686]

I am having trouble reading at the best of times but why make it complicated by using a font that is very hard to read?

[@popoymotmot]

What if you forgot to turn off the faucet where the inlet hose is connected, after the dishwasher has finished the wash program, will the hose burst from the extreme water pressure build up?

[@darlenesexton3599]

I have a brand new kitchenaid dishwasher. when the wash, rinse & dry cycles areall done there is still water under the removable filter; is this normal? I've never had a dishwasher before. The dishes come out very clean & dry, seems like everything is working great. The only thing is that I don't have an air gap & my hose isn't long enough to loop it way up high, I already have the 12 foot hose, I could not install my dishwasher right next to the sink that's why I needed the longer hose. Can I attach the 6 foot hose to the 12 foot one to make room to loop it up or is that too much hose? I thought that I read not to use more than 12 feet.

[@Rebel-Rouser]

I don't even know if there is a air gap connection on top of my sink like in the video..i'll have to look it over really good this evening..

[@DATAPRINCESS]

washer not fully draining. Didn't know the air flow cap could be removed. I found a chicken bone with some stuff stuck to it! Thank you for saving me from calling a plumber. :-)

[@KungFuMaintenance]

It is normal that there will be some water left behind in the dishwasher at the end. It is engineered that way to make sure the seals stay wet. This design keeps the seals and hoses from drying out and cracking.

[@johnathansmith3819]

I have a Danby Counter Top Model 496. A small one. First, the level bowl - in the inside - was all gunged-up and its floater would stuck, making the micro switch actuator NOT to close the WATER inlet valve solenoid. Pretty straight forward. I replaced the Micro switch, cleaned the bowl and worked... for about a year. Then, it started to overflow. I inspected the bowl (clean), the Micro switch (both, up and down one), they both work. The solenoid valve it is suspicious to me...EXCEPT that, there is a mini relay in between the power source (120VAc) and the valve. I have seen mini relays contacts stuck before! There is no manual telling us how to trace the connection from the power source to the valve. Any suggestions? Thanks, anyway.

[@stevendanville5757]

Yesterday my wife reported to me we needed a new dish washer , ours was shot. would not start. I took the door panel off ( 8 screws ) and saw in the wiring harness one white wire was severed where it went thru a plastic guide. 10 years of vibration severed it. Cost to fix. $0.00.

[@KungFuMaintenance]

I know me response is a bit late but ~ Yeah!!! That's a great feeling!! Great work!! Hope things are still going good!

[@eltacoyelpulque]

i'm having a problem with my Kenmore dishwasher , or should i say my kitchen sink water is going into my dishwasher , HELP !!

[@chrislevine6556]

I have followed all the vids it seems like my maytag dishwasher model mdb 7609aww1 made a woosh sound as it started is no longer making that sound the spinners top and bottom don't seem to be spinning either they are not stuck and move freely and my dishes don't get clean could this be a pump issue? I don't have a garbage disposal either. I have cleaned it and put it back together to no avail please help could this be the pump or possibly the impeller thank you in advance for your help Chris LeVine

[@sku32956]

My issue is when filling my dishwasher with dishes the washer fills with water and leaks out the door.

[@justicefan3377]

Thanks.

[@mamabee2151]

My dishwasher still has soap in the cup and soap all over dishes after running ! Help

[@DeepakWPROS]

Good video - it was the impeller blade stuck - humming - Fixed

[@jumahl47]

I got seasick watching this - do you have a friend who could hold the camera steady while you demonstrate?

[@KungFuMaintenance]

Sounds like your pressure regulator may be defective. Good job in finding a way to make it work though. I suspect you may be getting water fluctuations elsewhere such as hot and cold flashes in the shower. If that is your only symptom and it's livable than it may be best to just leave well enough alone. If you have other annoying symptoms it may be time to look at your pressure regulator. These have adjustments but often times get so set in their ways that they no longer accept change.

[@heroknaderi]

the background music is a yamaha psr e403

[@KungFuMaintenance]

Perhaps the timer? Or a burned wire?

[@KungFuMaintenance]

Next check would be for power at the outlet the dishwasher plugs into. Next suspect would be the door switch or latch for the dishwasher. Another culprit would be with power unplugged or breaker off checking inside the dishwasher junction box for disconnected or burned wires.

[@amayafai]

I have the same modle, what should do if the water does not come on like before??

[@jeremieisaiah]

My dishwasher went out one day due to a storm. I have check the breaker and that works. I checked to make sure power is coming through to the dishwasher with a meter and it has full power coming in all the way to the circuit board. So I just replaced the circuit board and still no power. There is water still left standing at the bottom of the dishwasher from when it went out when I lost power to my home for a split second due to storm. What else could it be??

[@jeremieisaiah]

Where are those located? Is that not part of the circuit board?

[@mickeymcvey61]

my frigieaire dishwasher won't stop washing ANY IDEAS?????

[@davidgerg8043]

Why is my dishwasher splashing water over the dam at the bottom of the door??

[@solblade6712]

I think my dishwaters hose needs to be cleaned. The air gap isn’t even connected

[@ramac1191]

how to find flood switch on Haier dish washer

[@hraouaomar668]

Bonjour a tous j'ai essayer de faire marcher mon lave vaissel miel l'eaux entre mais la machine ne fais rien merci