Home appliance stores offer a huge range of dishwashers from different manufacturers. Many of them have a similar arrangement of parts and work on the same principle. If the dishwasher stops spouting water, the causes of the problem and how to solve it may be the same for different models of Samsung, Bosch, etc.
The most common causes of the problem:
- breakdown or blockage of the circulation pump;
- blockage of sprinklers;
- failure of the water supply valve;
- blockage of chopper knives.
Circulation pump: breakdown
What is it for? In order for the dishwasher to perform its functions, it was equipped with several pumps. One of them is circulation. Its main task is to pump water into the chamber of the device. The pump passes the liquid through the sprinkler and provides a certain pressure so that a strong jet can completely wash away all the dirt from the dishes.
Causes of breakdown. The part fails due to wear and tear resulting from long-term operation. A pump failure sets off a cascade of related problems. First, the water stops circulating inside the chamber as it should be. The second is that any dishwashing detergent cannot dissolve and foam normally. This causes clogging of the sprinkler holes.
Problems with the circulation pump are especially common in the latest models of Maytag and Whirpool, but in other dishwashers this is a rather weak point.
Solution. A broken circulation pump must be replaced. To get to it, you need to disassemble the device. This question will help to understand the user manual or training videos. Different dishwashers have different parts placement, so you need detailed instructions specific to your model.
The general algorithm of actions:
- disconnect the device from the mains;
- shut off the water supply;
- remove the outer panels;
- disconnect the hoses leading to the circulation pump;
- disconnect the electrical wires feeding the part;
- unscrew the fasteners and remove the pump;
- install a new pump;
- Repeat the above steps in reverse order.
If you have not done repairs before and are afraid to harm the dishwasher, use the services of a master.
Circulation pump: blockage
The absence of splashing does not always mean that the circulation pump is completely broken and cannot be repaired. More often the problem is that it is simply clogged with food waste. If it is bad to remove food residues from the dishes, they quickly clog the filter. A dirty filter cannot fully perform its task, so pieces of food circulate throughout the chamber and settle in different places.
When a blockage occurs in the circulation pump, the sprinklers cannot deliver a jet of water with the desired force. Water flows weakly, so the quality of dishwashing deteriorates.
Solution. You need to get to the circulation pump. To do this, remove the access panels, disconnect the hoses and electrical wires. Next, remove the pump and carefully inspect it. When the part is in your hands, it will be much more convenient for you to clean it of foreign objects.
Remove any food residue, debris and solids that may be blocking the impeller. Before mounting the part in place, check its performance: twist the blades with your fingers to see how easily they rotate.
Sprinklers
What are they needed for? The dishwasher is equipped with one or more spray arms. They are long plastic tubes with small holes. Inside them, under pressure, water is supplied, which comes out of the holes in the form of “rain”. During operation, the plates rotate to evenly rinse all the dishes in the chamber.
Why is there a problem? The sprinkler holes are quite small. Small pieces of food, tea leaves, ground coffee beans and other particles easily clog holes. This happens especially often when the dishwasher filter is very dirty and can no longer fully retain large particles floating in the water.
Solution. You can easily handle the cleaning of the sprayer, because it does not require special skills. The part is inside the dishwasher and you can easily get to it. To do this, you do not have to unscrew the access panels. But you need to unscrew the screw that holds the sprinkler in place.
Using a toothpick, a small brush, or an old toothbrush, loosen any clogged holes. Next, rinse the inside of the spray arm with a strong jet. It is important that all contaminants get out, otherwise they will clog the holes again. Do not use strong household chemicals on plastic pipes. To fix the result, it is better to treat the sprayer with a solution of ordinary table vinegar. This will remove the unpleasant odor and destroy the bacteria that appeared there along with the remnants of the food.
Chopper knife
What is it for? Many modern dishwashers are equipped with special knives. Their main function is to grind large food residues. The recycled pieces are then easier to pump out of the machine after the wash cycle is completed. Thanks to the work of the grinder, the likelihood that the drain hose and sewer will quickly become clogged is reduced.
Why is there a problem? In order for the chopper knives to perform their task efficiently, they must be very sharp. Then they will quickly cut through any large piece of food. If the knives become dull over time, they will not be able to cut through food waste with lightning speed. Difficulties arise especially with hard pieces. They get stuck in the knives, wrap around the axle and eventually block the rotation of the chopper.
Solution. Please note that this is a rather dangerous job, because you will have to come into contact with the sharp blade of the chopper. Be careful. First, turn off the water and unplug the electrical cord from the outlet. Using the instructions, find the chopper knife and access it. To do this, you will have to remove the top panels and nearby hoses that interfere with the work.
When it is convenient for you to reach the chopper, you can easily remove all food debris that clogged the part. After that, use a pencil or pen to rotate the knife by hand to see how smoothly it moves.
Water supply valve
What is it for? The part controls the flow of water from the plumbing system to the dishwasher. The valve opens when it receives a signal from the control board that water flow is needed. After some time, the part receives a second command that the fluid supply is no longer needed, and it closes, blocking access. Such a mechanism prevents overflow of the chamber of the device and flooding of the floor.
Why is there a problem? The dishwasher will not be able to spray water if the liquid is not supplied, and the inlet valve is responsible for this. The reason for the failure of the part is clogging with food waste or foreign particles that enter the device along with water. Another valve often fails due to a short circuit or too frequent use of the dishwasher. When this happens, the part cannot open and close at the right time.
Solution. You need to access the water supply valve. To do this, open the top access panel. You will find the part directly next to the inlet hose. Do not forget to first de-energize the device and turn off the water, and only then carry out repairs. When you get to the valve, disconnect it and inspect it up close.
If there is a lot of debris on the part, remove it and install it back. See if water starts to spray when you start the normal dishwashing cycle. Perhaps the valve has burned out, then you will notice melted areas on it or you will smell a burnt one. In this case, you will have to install a new part. Buy a valve from the same manufacturer as your dishwasher, because they are 100% compatible.