9 Signs Your Dishwasher Is Dying—And Why You Might Need a New One Soon
A dishwasher is much loved in most homes because it takes the pressure of doing dishes away from busy families. Who doesn’t love making their own lives easier? It’s a sad moment when you realize your dishwasher might be on its way out; even though you can make repairs, sometimes a replacement might be the best bet to keep your home duties flowing smoothly. Here are a few signs to look out for to know whether or not it might be time for a replacement.
Water Pooling at the Bottom
When your washing cycle is done, and there is still water left in the bottom of the machine, it can indicate a problem that may not be fixable. The pooling water can indicate a clogged drain, faulty pump, or cracked internal components. While minor blockages can be resolved with cleaning, recurring issues often point to deeper mechanical failures. Over time, this can lead to water damage or inefficient cleaning, making replacement the safer choice.
Dishes Remain Dirty
When your dishes are still dirty after a cleaning cycle, it’s a clear sign that it might be time for a replacement. There can be many causes for your washer’s declining performance, but most commonly, it’s a major mechanical failure, and it’s best to replace your machine.
Water Leaks During Cycles
What can be worse than having a leaking dishwasher that you try to fix repeatedly? When your dishwasher isn’t keeping the water in anymore, it can be due to worn seals, misaligned doors, or pump failures. Minor leaks can easily be patched, but as soon as they return, it might be time for a new model to help keep your floors water-free.
No Heat During Cycles
Dishwashers rely on hot water to keep dishes germ-free and safe. If your dishes feel cool after a cycle, the heating element or thermostat may fail. The whole point of having a dishwasher is to have safe-to-use dishes with minimal effort, and as soon as that comes into question, opting for a new dishwasher is the best bet.
Rust or Cracks
Rust is never a good thing, especially when it comes to items you use to consume your food. Rust weakens structural integrity and can transfer to dishes, while cracks allow leaks that damage floors or reduce cleaning effectiveness. These problems can get out of control quickly, and fixing them wouldn’t be worthwhile as they will only worsen.
Persistent Odors
A dishwasher with unpleasant odors after a cycle is cause for concern. These smells can be caused by mold, food residue, or dirty filters; even after cleaning, they can persist and sometimes even worsen. If the smell stays around longer than usual, internal components like seals or drains could be compromised.
Frequent Repairs or Age Over 10 Years
Dishwashers are made to last around 10–12 years, and if you’ve had yours for longer, it might be time to upgrade your model. Once you need to start paying for repairs more often, the costs can add up quickly and can begin to outweigh the price of a new, energy-efficient model.
Broken Door Latch
A malfunctioning door latch can cause many problems in the long run, from leaking to dishes not being clean after a wash cycle. Luckily, latches can be replaced, but they can cause other problems that might not be as easy to fix.
Extended Wash Cycles
If you run multiple wash cycles or your cycles take much longer than usual, there might be a problem. This inefficiency increases energy costs and suggests the appliance is struggling to perform its only function.
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“But how do I know if I’m in need of dishwasher repairs?”
Warning Signs Your Dishwasher Is in Need of Repair
7 Signs You Have a Failing Dishwasher