Dishwasher problems

A dishwasher that smells bad usually has food trapped in the filter or sump. If it smells like sewage or rotten eggs, the usual causes are a drain hose without a high loop, a failed drain check valve that lets dirty water flow back in, or a clogged garbage disposal inlet.

The usual causes are a clogged filter, a drain pump that has failed, or a blocked drain hose or garbage disposal inlet. On a new disposal, the knockout plug may still be in place.

Press Cancel (or Cancel/Drain) and let it drain for about 2 minutes. If the buttons don't respond, switch off the dishwasher's breaker for a minute. If it won't reset, the usual causes are a failed door latch switch, the control board, or a stuck button on the panel.

Press Start/Reset (or Cancel) and wait for it to drain. If that doesn't work, switch off its breaker for a minute. If the lights still don't respond, the usual causes are the door latch switch, the control board, or a blown thermal fuse.

Press and hold Start (or Reset) for about 3 seconds; it drains and stops. If it won't reset, the usual causes are the door latch, the control module, or a code that keeps returning because of a drain or leak problem.

The usual causes are a worn door gasket, a dishwasher that isn't level, or heavy suds from regular dish soap. If water appears under the dishwasher instead, it's usually a pump seal or a water inlet valve.

The usual causes are a failed heating element, a high-limit thermostat, or the vent or vent fan. An empty rinse aid dispenser makes it worse.

The usual causes are a weak wash pump motor, spray arms clogged with debris, or a water inlet valve that isn't letting in enough water.

The usual causes are a failed door latch switch, a blown thermal fuse, or the control board. Check that Control Lock isn't on.

With the valve under the sink open, the usual causes are a failed water inlet valve, a float switch stuck in the "full" position, or the control board.

Standing water after a cycle usually means it isn't draining: a clogged filter, a failed drain pump, or a blocked drain hose. Water appearing when it's not in use usually means water is flowing back from the sink: a drain hose without a high loop or a failed check valve.

Most beeping is the dishwasher reporting a problem: a door not latching, a leak in the base (flood sensor), or a drain error. If there's a code on the display, look it up on our dishwasher error codes page.

The usual causes are a clogged filter (on most models it twists out from the bottom of the tub), a drain pump that has failed, or a blocked drain hose or disposal inlet.

The usual causes are clogged filters or sump, a drain pump that has failed, or a blocked drain hose. Frigidaire shows this as code i20 on many models.

Most last around 9 to 12 years. Pumps, valves, latches and heating elements can be replaced. A rusted tub or a leak from the tub itself usually means it's time for a new one.

It depends on the part, so we don't show prices online. Your technician gives you a price after seeing the dishwasher. The diagnostic fee is waived when you go ahead with the repair.

On most dishwashers the filter is at the bottom of the tub, under the lower spray arm. Twist it a quarter turn to lift it out, rinse it under warm water with a soft brush, and lock it back in. If the dishwasher still drains slowly or smells with a clean filter, the usual causes are the drain pump, a blocked drain hose, or a failed check valve.

Press Cancel (or Cancel/Drain) and let it drain for about 2 minutes. If the buttons don't respond, switch off its breaker for a minute. If it won't reset, the usual causes are a failed door latch switch, the control board, or a stuck button on the panel.

Start with what it does:

• Won't drain: filter, drain pump or drain hose.
• Leaks: door gasket, pump seal or inlet valve.
• Won't dry: heating element or vent.
• Won't start: door latch or control board.
• Smells: filter or drain backflow.

RepairNow connects you with vetted, independent technicians in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lakeway, Bee Cave and Dripping Springs. Start with a free online diagnosis, then book: before 2 pm for same-day service; after 2 pm, we'll get someone to you within 24 hours.