Dishwasher Repair

Dishwasher Repair

Dishwasher repair anymore is just a fact of life, whether your dishwasher fills with water when not in use or the dishwasher wont drain completely doesn’t mean that getting these dishwasher problems repaired has to be a hassle. At Nutterman’s we’re here to make your dishwasher repair as painless as possible. You might have a Whirlpool dishwasher that won’t spray or a Maytag dishwasher leaking from the bottom of the door. We have experienced technicians that are well versed in dishwasher problems. If it’s a new style KitchenAid dishwasher repair you need because the dishwasher won’t start or an older Frigidaire dishwasher that won’t fill with water, call Nutterman’s because we take pride in our work and our ability to help you make an informed decision about dishwasher repair cost and the dishwasher you want repaired.

Two Great Ways To Contact Us

TEXT US

(866) 342-6849

Dishwasher Cleaning & Deodorizing

For exterior cleaning, just wash the exterior of your dishwasher with a damp sponge and a little dish detergent. For rust removal on the INSIDE of your dishwasher try fine steel wool or a rust remover product.


On many dishwashers, there's a dishwasher filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm that needs to be cleaned once a month. If you have this sort of filter, check your owner's manual to find out how to remove and clean it. If it has holes in it, replace it to protect the pump and motor seals from particles that may be in the dishwasher. 


Over time, the small holes in the dishwasher spray arm(s) may become clogged with bits of paper, toothpicks, glass, etc. Your dishwasher will do a better job of cleaning your dishes if you take a moment to clean out these small holes, from time to time. Remove the spray arm and clean it by poking a piece of stiff wire through the holes. Then shake the spray arm to make sure nothing is inside, such as seeds from fruit like watermelon. Finally, scrub any mineral deposits off the spray arm with hot distilled white vinegar. (The cap holding the spray arm in place is typically reverse-threaded, which means you should turn it clockwise to remove it. Be careful not to drop the nut or washer into the motor.)


After 3-5 years of use it's a very good idea to replace all of your spray arms. Most dishwashers have two or three of them and usually aren't too expensive relative to the dishwasher.

Common Dishwasher Issues & Troubleshooting

  • My dishwasher is not getting dishes clean

    • Make sure to clean the filter in the sump regularly. Most dishwasher models these days have one. Its located inside the basin under the bottom dish rack and usually very easy to remove and replace. Keeping a clean dishwasher filter really enhances the performance of your machine.
    • Overloading could cause this. Try taking some of the dishes out.
    • On some machines, it is important not to cover the "power tower cleaner" located in the center of the dishwasher.
    • If you put too many pots and pans on the bottom rack the water won't be able to get to the dishes on the top rack.
    • Check the soap you use. In today's machines what soap you use is more important than ever. We recommend using powdered dishwasher soap instead of the liquid kind.
    • Make sure hot water is getting into the machine. If your water heater is located far away then run the water in your kitchen sink until the water coming out is hot before turning on the dishwasher. 
    • Be sure the dishwasher door latch is secure.
    • Be sure the water is turned on.
    • Check that the dial pad is properly selected for a cycle.
    • Allow time for select models to drain/pause before filling.
    • Check home's circuit breaker or fuse box.
    • Check water inlet hose for a kink.
    • Check water inlet valve for sediment and clean if necessary.
  • My dishwasher won't drain completely

    • If you just installed a new garbage disposer, be sure the knockout is removed from the disposer inlet.
    • Be sure the dishwasher drain hose is elevated in the drain or disposer.
    • Check drain hose for a kink or blockage.
    • Check your home's circuit breaker or fuse box.
    • Check that the cycle is completed.

  • My dishwasher soap dispenser has soap in it or soap is left on the door of my dishwasher

    • Check that the cycle is completed.
    • Be sure the dispenser is not blocked.
    • Use fresh detergent which has been stored in a cool, dry place.
    • Check to be sure the dishwasher is filling with water.
    • Try to determine if the water is being sprayed.
    • Check dishwasher spray arms for clogs.
  • My dishwasher seems noisy

    • A water valve hiss during fill is normal.
    • Water circulation sounds are normal.
    • A ticking noise is a normal timer sound (certain models).
    •  A thumping sound may be a wash arm bumping an item that is extending beyond the racks.
    • Chopping or grinding sounds may be heard during draining as the internal food disposer chops hard times like fruit seeds, nuts, etc.
    • Humming during drain is normal.
    • A snap noise is the detergent cup lid hitting the door liner when the dishwasher door is opened at the end of the cycle. This is normal.
    • Proper installation affects the noise level.  
    • A grinding noise could mean there is debris suck in either the drain pump or spray motor. This needs to be addressed before the debris ruins a motor or pump. Grinding can also indicate existing damage to the drain pump or circulation motor.
  • My dishwasher leaks

    • Check that the dishwasher is level. (Refer to the Installation Instructions).
    • Suds can cause a dishwasher overflow. Measure the detergent carefully and use only detergents designed for use in a dishwasher. Less detergent is needed in soft water. Try another brand if sudsing continues.
    • Occasionally moisture droplets may be noticed on the door vent in the area where the droplets have evaporated they may fall to the floor.
    • Maybe your dishwasher door gasket is worn and needs to be replaced. 
  • My dishwasher leaves food on the dishes

    • Check water temperature.
    • Run hot water at the sink before starting the dishwasher.
    • Select the appropriate water-heating option (i.e.. Temp Sense, Sani Temp, Sani Clean, etc.)
    • Use fresh detergent stored in a cool dry place.
    • Select proper cycle for the soil level.
    • Load the utensil basket with some handles up and some down to prevent nesting.
    • Do not place glasses over tines.
  • My dishwasher stains my dishes or my dishwasher tub is stained

    • Aluminum utensils or pans can leave marks when they rub against other items. Leave a slight space between items.
    • Iron in the water can leave a yellow, brown or orange film on dishes or the dishwasher tub. A filter may be needed. Rust remover can be used to remove rust.
    • Color from tomato sauces may adhere to the tub. If light staining has occurred, leave the door open to oxidize the stain away. For the removal of heavier stains, try a dishwasher cleaning product that contains citric acid. Changing to a lemon-scented detergent may also help.  
  • My dishwasher doesn't dryer the dishes

    • Be sure Heated Dry is selected.
    • Water droplets may be from on the inner door as part of the drying process.
    • Use a rinse aid regularly, to improve drying. On models equipped with an adjustable rinse air cap, turn the cap towards the MORE setting.
    • Check water temperature.
    • Select appropriate water-heating option (i.e. Temp Sense, Sani Temp, Sani Clean, etc.).
    • Increase detergent amount to match water hardness.
    • Load properly.
    • Plastic and Teflon items are inherently difficult to dry because they have a porous surface and tend to collect water droplets. Towel drying may be necessary.
    • A Quick/Rinse cycle does not dry the dishes. Towel drying is required.

Dishwasher Repair

Dishwasher repair anymore is just a fact of life, whether your dishwasher fills with water when not in use or the dishwasher wont drain completely doesn’t mean that getting these dishwasher problems repaired has to be a hassle. At Nutterman’s we’re here to make your dishwasher repair as painless as possible. You might have a Whirlpool dishwasher that won’t spray or a Maytag dishwasher leaking from the bottom of the door. We have experienced technicians that are well versed in dishwasher problems. If it’s a new style KitchenAid dishwasher repair you need because the dishwasher won’t start or an older Frigidaire dishwasher that won’t fill with water, call Nutterman’s because we take pride in our work and our ability to help you make an informed decision about dishwasher repair cost and the dishwasher you want repaired.

Two Great Ways To Contact Us

TEXT US

(866) 342-6849

Dishwasher Cleaning & Deodorizing

For exterior cleaning, just wash the exterior of your dishwasher with a damp sponge and a little dish detergent. For rust removal on the INSIDE of your dishwasher try fine steel wool or a rust remover product.


On many dishwashers, there's a dishwasher filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm that needs to be cleaned once a month. If you have this sort of filter, check your owner's manual to find out how to remove and clean it. If it has holes in it, replace it to protect the pump and motor seals from particles that may be in the dishwasher. 


Over time, the small holes in the dishwasher spray arm(s) may become clogged with bits of paper, toothpicks, glass, etc. Your dishwasher will do a better job of cleaning your dishes if you take a moment to clean out these small holes, from time to time. Remove the spray arm and clean it by poking a piece of stiff wire through the holes. Then shake the spray arm to make sure nothing is inside, such as seeds from fruit like watermelon. Finally, scrub any mineral deposits off the spray arm with hot distilled white vinegar. (The cap holding the spray arm in place is typically reverse-threaded, which means you should turn it clockwise to remove it. Be careful not to drop the nut or washer into the motor.)


After 3-5 years of use it's a very good idea to replace all of your spray arms. Most dishwashers have two or three of them and usually aren't too expensive relative to the dishwasher.

Common Dishwasher Issues & Troubleshooting

  • My dishwasher is not getting dishes clean

    • Make sure to clean the filter in the sump regularly. Most dishwasher models these days have one. Its located inside the basin under the bottom dish rack and usually very easy to remove and replace. Keeping a clean dishwasher filter really enhances the performance of your machine.
    • Overloading could cause this. Try taking some of the dishes out.
    • On some machines, it is important not to cover the "power tower cleaner" located in the center of the dishwasher.
    • If you put too many pots and pans on the bottom rack the water won't be able to get to the dishes on the top rack.
    • Check the soap you use. In today's machines what soap you use is more important than ever. We recommend using powdered dishwasher soap instead of the liquid kind.
    • Make sure hot water is getting into the machine. If your water heater is located far away then run the water in your kitchen sink until the water coming out is hot before turning on the dishwasher. 
    • Be sure the dishwasher door latch is secure.
    • Be sure the water is turned on.
    • Check that the dial pad is properly selected for a cycle.
    • Allow time for select models to drain/pause before filling.
    • Check home's circuit breaker or fuse box.
    • Check water inlet hose for a kink.
    • Check water inlet valve for sediment and clean if necessary.
  • My dishwasher won't drain completely

    • If you just installed a new garbage disposer, be sure the knockout is removed from the disposer inlet.
    • Be sure the dishwasher drain hose is elevated in the drain or disposer.
    • Check drain hose for a kink or blockage.
    • Check your home's circuit breaker or fuse box.
    • Check that the cycle is completed.

  • My dishwasher soap dispenser has soap in it or soap is left on the door of my dishwasher

    • Check that the cycle is completed.
    • Be sure the dispenser is not blocked.
    • Use fresh detergent which has been stored in a cool, dry place.
    • Check to be sure the dishwasher is filling with water.
    • Try to determine if the water is being sprayed.
    • Check dishwasher spray arms for clogs.
  • My dishwasher seems noisy

    • A water valve hiss during fill is normal.
    • Water circulation sounds are normal.
    • A ticking noise is a normal timer sound (certain models).
    •  A thumping sound may be a wash arm bumping an item that is extending beyond the racks.
    • Chopping or grinding sounds may be heard during draining as the internal food disposer chops hard times like fruit seeds, nuts, etc.
    • Humming during drain is normal.
    • A snap noise is the detergent cup lid hitting the door liner when the dishwasher door is opened at the end of the cycle. This is normal.
    • Proper installation affects the noise level.  
    • A grinding noise could mean there is debris suck in either the drain pump or spray motor. This needs to be addressed before the debris ruins a motor or pump. Grinding can also indicate existing damage to the drain pump or circulation motor.
  • My dishwasher leaks

    • Check that the dishwasher is level. (Refer to the Installation Instructions).
    • Suds can cause a dishwasher overflow. Measure the detergent carefully and use only detergents designed for use in a dishwasher. Less detergent is needed in soft water. Try another brand if sudsing continues.
    • Occasionally moisture droplets may be noticed on the door vent in the area where the droplets have evaporated they may fall to the floor.
    • Maybe your dishwasher door gasket is worn and needs to be replaced. 
  • My dishwasher leaves food on the dishes

    • Check water temperature.
    • Run hot water at the sink before starting the dishwasher.
    • Select the appropriate water-heating option (i.e.. Temp Sense, Sani Temp, Sani Clean, etc.)
    • Use fresh detergent stored in a cool dry place.
    • Select proper cycle for the soil level.
    • Load the utensil basket with some handles up and some down to prevent nesting.
    • Do not place glasses over tines.
  • My dishwasher stains my dishes or my dishwasher tub is stained

    • Aluminum utensils or pans can leave marks when they rub against other items. Leave a slight space between items.
    • Iron in the water can leave a yellow, brown or orange film on dishes or the dishwasher tub. A filter may be needed. Rust remover can be used to remove rust.
    • Color from tomato sauces may adhere to the tub. If light staining has occurred, leave the door open to oxidize the stain away. For the removal of heavier stains, try a dishwasher cleaning product that contains citric acid. Changing to a lemon-scented detergent may also help.  
  • My dishwasher doesn't dryer the dishes

    • Be sure Heated Dry is selected.
    • Water droplets may be from on the inner door as part of the drying process.
    • Use a rinse aid regularly, to improve drying. On models equipped with an adjustable rinse air cap, turn the cap towards the MORE setting.
    • Check water temperature.
    • Select appropriate water-heating option (i.e. Temp Sense, Sani Temp, Sani Clean, etc.).
    • Increase detergent amount to match water hardness.
    • Load properly.
    • Plastic and Teflon items are inherently difficult to dry because they have a porous surface and tend to collect water droplets. Towel drying may be necessary.
    • A Quick/Rinse cycle does not dry the dishes. Towel drying is required.
Share by: