Steps Involved To Diagnose Dishwasher Problems Home Improvement by Rose McKellen - July 27, 2013March 22, 2014 We do not realize just how important dishwashers are until they start to break down on us. Is your dishwasher showing signs of a malfunction? You may just have an old machine that needs a little tuning. Or, you could just be a little paranoid. You should know how to diagnose dishwasher problems so that you can figure out how to fix your machine if it ever breaks down on you. In this article you will learn some of the steps involved with diagnosing the dishwasher problems that usually arise. 1. Check Electrical Issues Before you do anything you want to check the fuses and switches connected to your dishwasher. You may just have a dishwasher that is not plugged into the outlet correctly. A worse case scenario is that you have a blown fuse or outlet. Check the wiring very closely and if you notice anything wrong with the outlet or the wire connected with the machine then that’s your problem. Do not make an attempt to start the machine yourself if it seems to be this type of problem. Call an electrician or someone that knows how to fix dishwashers to take care of this problem. You could get electrocuted and seriously injured if you attempt to fix the dishwasher yourself. 2. Check Mechanical Issues When it does not seem that an electrical problem on the outside is an issue then you want to check the machine thoroughly. Open the door and have a look at the latch. Get a multimeter tester or a similar device that can test a machine for an electrical output. Run a test to see if your machine emits enough juice when on. If it does not then that means a part inside needs to be fixed. This type of problem usually occurs when a dishwasher whines but fails to start properly. Make sure there are no jams and if there are remove it and see if that fixes the machine. 3. Check Small Spare Part Issues When you are having water leak issues then better have a close look at the drain valve. It may be damaged or not working properly which maybe causing the leak. This part is easy to remove with just a few simple screws. You can find a replacement part at the hardware store. If possible, dismantle the spare part and take it with you so that you can purchase a new one that can fit in your dishwasher. Make sure all plugs are removed from the wall so that the dishwasher does not turn on while you are working on it! Inspect the rest of the dishwasher for similar problems. You can become your own handy person and fix a dishwasher by yourself. The problem with trying to fix a complicated machine on your own is that you may run into complications. The steps provided in this article are only a part of what is available to learn about diagnosing dishwasher problems. Your diagnosis can help a professional fix up your machine quickly so that you can get it back in running order. Try and figure things out on your own and of course you can always call for help. Author Bio – Vince Bradley is a kitchen appliance technician. He specializes in stove and refrigerator repair. He likes to write and give advise about how to maintain kitchen appliances. He works for ABC Authorized Repair in Studio City, CA. Featured Image Courtesy – License: Creative Commons image source