Dishwasher repair · Tulsa, OK
Cloudy water still standing in the tub when the cycle ends. Start with the filter: it’s the most common reason, and the one you can clean yourself.
Before you call
Turn the dishwasher off at its breaker, or unplug it under the sink, before you reach into the tub. Scoop out standing water with a cup, and feel slowly for broken glass around the filter.
What usually causes it
Food, seeds, labels and grease collect in the filter, and once it’s packed the water can’t reach the drain pump. Plenty of people don’t know their dishwasher has a filter until the day it stops draining.
Colby cleans the filter and the sump below it and checks that nothing slipped past into the pump.
The hose runs from the pump to the sink drain, and it can kink behind the dishwasher or clog where it joins. An air gap on the counter adds one more spot where food packs in.
He clears the hose and the air gap and replaces a hose that’s cracked or crushed.
A new garbage disposal comes with a plastic plug sealing its dishwasher inlet. If the disposal was just put in and the plug wasn’t knocked out, the dishwasher has nowhere to send its water.
He knocks out the plug and fishes the loose piece out of the disposal so it can’t rattle around.
A small pump pushes the water out at the end of each cycle. A shard of glass or a fruit pit can jam it, or the motor simply wears out; you may hear it hum, or hear nothing.
He checks the pump for a jam, tests the motor and replaces the pump when it has failed.
If the kitchen sink drains slowly or gurgles as well, the blockage may be in the drain line past the dishwasher. That’s plumbing rather than an appliance repair.
Colby will tell you plainly when the drain is the problem, so you call the right person.
Questions
AVery often it’s the knockout plug. New disposals ship with the dishwasher inlet sealed, and the plug has to be punched out when the dishwasher hose is connected.
AOn many models, yes. A small amount of clean water stays in the sump under the filter to keep the seals from drying out. Water standing above the filter, on the floor of the tub, is not normal.
ANo. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the pump and seals, and they leave a hazard for whoever opens the dishwasher next. Clean the filter, and leave the rest to Colby.
AYes. There’s a diagnostic fee for the visit, and if you have Colby do the repair, the diagnostic fee is waived.
AMost appointments are within 48 hours, many within 24, and often the same day. Call or text and Colby will give you the soonest time he has.
Rather type it out?
Tell us what's wrong and how to reach you. Colby will call or text you back.
