Dishwasher problems can create a large inconvenience for your family, especially if washing the dishes by hand seems like a huge chore. Our dishwashers save us a lot of time and hassle, and it can be frustrating when they aren’t working the way they’re supposed to.

When something goes wrong with your dishwasher, you need to know which dishwasher repair service to call. The right professional opinion can help to diagnose and fix the problem in a short amount of time and save you from spending extra money on multiple service calls. Depending on the issue, you may be wondering whether you should call a plumber or an appliance repair company.

Cates Heating and Cooling has some key tips for finding the right specialist so you can get back to using your dishwasher in no time.

Common Dishwasher Problems

There are many reasons why your dishwasher may not be operating properly. Most of the time, certain elements of the dishwasher’s cycle won’t be working, or the dishwasher may even be leaking water. These are all indications that something is wrong with the appliance, and it should be checked out by a professional.

Some other common dishwasher problems include:

• Clogged Supply Line: If the water supply line to your dishwasher is clogged or kinked, the appliance won’t receive enough water to clean your dishes properly. Supply lines can become clogged with debris like food.
• Draining Issues: For your dishwasher to wash dirty dishes correctly, it fills with water at the beginning of the washing cycle and then later drains it at the end. There may be damage to the main water supply line if the dishwasher doesn’t fill up or drain the way it’s supposed to.
• Heating: The heating unit on your dishwasher heats the water as it fills up. If the water can’t get hot enough, you may notice extra residue stuck on your dishes at the end of the wash cycle. This could indicate a mechanical problem with the heating element of a water line issue. There may also be a problem with the heating unit if your dishes aren’t being fully dried.
• Wiring Connection: If your dishwasher doesn’t turn on or respond to any button commands, there could be a problem with the wiring. To check for wiring issues, pull your dishwasher out from the wall and inspect the wires behind it. To avoid electrocution, do not touch any wiring. If there are any breaks or burnt areas, the wires may need to be replaced.
• Clogged Kitchen Sink: If your kitchen sink drain is clogged, the dirty water from the dishwasher won’t drain at the end of the wash cycle. Instead, it will become trapped inside the appliance, leaving your dishes dirty. Kitchen sink clogs can prevent the dishwasher from draining effectively or quickly.
• Water Leaking: If water leaks from your dishwasher onto the floor, there may be cracks or damage to the door gasket, preventing the door from sealing properly. Leaking water can also be a sign that the dishwasher’s pump or pump seal is defective and must be replaced.

Plumbers vs. Appliance Repair Companies

Dishwasher repair may require a plumber or an appliance repair specialist, depending on what the problem is. Many people may try diagnosing and fixing a dishwasher problem themselves; however, calling a repair person will increase the longevity of the dishwasher and make sure it’s functioning the way it should be.

You may be confused about whether to call a plumber or an appliance repair specialist. Typically, appliance repair companies can offer more expertise related to the dishwasher itself, whereas plumbers can handle larger water-related problems.

When to Call a Plumber

Professional plumbing services can help with any problems in your home related to water and drainage. Plumbers are not specialized in appliance repair, but they can usually fix anything connected to water.

If you notice a lot of residue stuck on your dishes, or an excessive water leak in your kitchen, there could be a problem with your water line that a plumber can diagnose. A plumber can check your home’s water source and piping to ensure everything is working correctly and nothing needs to be replaced.

A plumber can also help with any dishwasher problems caused by a clogged drain in your kitchen sink. They can unclog the drain or fix any leaking pipes, allowing your dishwasher to clean properly again.

When to Call an Appliance Repair Company

Unless the dishwasher problem is associated with plumbing, you should call an appliance repair company. Appliance repair specialists have the knowledge and expertise to fix or replace your dishwasher. They can repair electrical issues, replace parts, and even handle certain plumbing problems.

If you have a large water leak that has begun affecting other parts of the dishwasher, like wiring or electrical, this goes beyond the expertise of a plumber and must be addressed by an appliance repair specialist.

If your dishwasher repair needs a plumber to fix the problem, Cates Heating and Cooling is here for you. We offer financing options to make any repair job affordable for your budget. Contact us today at 913-888-4470 for Kansas residents and 816-944-1844 for Missouri residents.