Dishwasher Repair. Common Issues, DIY Tips & Fast Service

Dishwasher Repair: When to Call a Professional

Your dishwasher is more than just a convenience - it’s a daily time-saver that helps keep your kitchen running smoothly. It saves water, energy, and hours of manual cleaning. But when it suddenly stops draining, leaks, or fails to start a cycle, it can quickly become a frustrating situation. In this article, we’ll explore the most common dishwasher issues, how to recognize the symptoms, and when it’s time to stop troubleshooting and call in a technician.

Most Common Dishwasher Problems

At Swift Appliance Repair, our technicians regularly handle the following dishwasher breakdowns:

• Water won’t drain: the cycle ends but dirty water is left in the tub
• Dishwasher isn’t heating water: dishes come out cold and poorly cleaned
• Cycle won’t start: lights are on, but nothing happens
• Leaks from the base: puddles under the unit or a musty odor
• Error codes: such as LE, E24, E15, F01, etc.
• Loud noises: humming, grinding, or shaking during operation

These issues often point to clogged filters, pump failures, faulty heating elements, or damaged control boards.

Brands That Commonly Require Repair

While every dishwasher can fail over time, some brands tend to have more frequent service calls. Based on our experience, we often see problems with:

• Samsung: control board failures and drain pump issues
• Whirlpool: heating problems and clogged filters
• Bosch: sensitive to water pressure; frequent AquaStop activation
• Frigidaire: worn gaskets and sensor errors
• LG: circulation pump failures and water temperature errors

What You Can Check on Your Own

Before calling for service, try a few basic checks:

• Inspect the drain filter and hose - food particles can block drainage
• Ensure the door is fully latched - an open latch can prevent operation
• Confirm power supply - check the breaker or test a different outlet
• Look for visible leaks or damaged seals
• Read the error code - your user manual can explain what it means

If the dishwasher powers on or tries to start, the issue may be minor and fixable. But if there are signs of deeper electrical or mechanical failure, it’s best not to take chances.

When You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Repairs

Some symptoms are warning signs that professional help is needed:

• The circuit breaker trips or you smell burning - risk of an electrical short
• Recurring leak detection errors (AquaStop) - internal leak suspected
• No heat during wash cycles - likely heating element or control relay failure
• Unresponsive control panel - could mean a faulty control board
• Water leaking from underneath - may require pump replacement

Opening the unit without proper training can lead to additional damage or even void your warranty. If in doubt, it’s smarter and safer — to call Swift Appliance Repair.

Related Problems That May Be Involved

Dishwasher issues are often tied to other system failures, including:

• Drain problems: clogged hose or faulty drain pump
• Control board failure: electrical issues and logic errors
• Leaks and seal failure: worn gaskets or internal damage
• Sensor malfunctions: temperature, turbidity, or overflow sensors

A thorough diagnosis is essential. Often, the root cause isn’t a single broken part - it’s a chain of connected failures.

Why Swift Appliance Repair Is the Right Call

If your dishwasher isn’t working like it should, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the more damage it can cause - and the higher the repair cost may be. At Swift Appliance Repair, we handle all major brands and models. We provide same-day service, honest diagnostics, and guaranteed repairs - right in your home.

Book your service online today — and we’ll fix the problem before it gets worse.