There are a variety of reasons why your dishwasher is malfunctioning. A dishwasher comprises many parts working together; they may wear and tear over time. As a result, you may experience various issues, such as the dishwasher not spraying water.
Why would your dishwasher not spray water? Clogging of the pump and the filters, faultiness in the overfill float switch blocked spray arms, insufficient water pressure, valve problems, or overloading of the appliance may cause the dishwasher not to spray.
In this article, we dive into how you can troubleshoot your dishwasher not spraying issues and possible fixes. Keep reading!
Dishwasher Not Spraying Water: Reasons and Solutions
Let’s look at various issues that cause dishwasher not-spraying water issues and what you can do to fix them.
- Water Supply problems
- Overload in the machine
- Clogged pump
- Blocked spray arm
- Damaged water inlet valve
- Clogged Chopper blade
- Float switch issues
Water Supply Problems
The dishwasher has no water supply, and it definitely won’t spray. Once you turn on the machine, you should hear the water flowing into the machine.
If your model has a silent flow, it is okay to open and check whether there is water in the base tub. If there is no water, then the issue is with the water supply.
Also, the dishwasher may not get enough water due to low water pressure, leading to insufficient water for the dishwasher.
However, checking any leakages and the water valves, including the float switch, is crucial. Low water pressure won’t fill the tub causing the float switch to turn off. If it requires some adjustments or is not working, you may have to modify it to make it function.
Overloading the Dishwasher
A lot of dishes in your dishwasher will cause it to stop working because of the weight and also be inefficient in its cleaning. The utensils’ height, more so the ones with a taller shape in the dishwasher, block the water from spraying into other dishes.
Solution
You need to take out some dishes and reorganize the rest in your dishwasher to fix the issue. Try to rerun it by pressing the start button again.
Clogged/ Faulty Circulation Pump
A pump is a crucial component in a dishwasher. The circulation pump is responsible for recirculating water inside the dishwasher, channeling it to various parts like the spray arm. The proper functioning of the circulation pump will keep water spraying by the machine at the correct pressure.
Because the pump is susceptible to wear and tear after some time, water circulation within the machine slows down. In addition, the dishwashing soap will not dissolve quickly, contributing to further clogging in various parts.
The pump and filter may clog due to food particles, among other debris, that stay in the water as it circulates throughout the machine and eventually blocks the spray arms.
Solution
In case of blockage, remove the filter and the pump, then thoroughly clean them under warm water. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris to enable sufficient pressure to reach the spray arms. Cleaning these parts twice yearly is recommendable.
If the circulation pump is faulty, you will have to replace it. However, it requires deep access to the machine to fix this issue. Therefore, refer to the manual or technical sheet to find its location. Before you work on it, ensure you cut off the power and water supply.
It is advisable to contact a professional to help you fix the issue
Blocked Spray Arm
If there are no issues with the water supply, but the machine still has no water spraying issues, it is prime time to check the spray arm. It is the part that sprays water and detergent over the dishes.
The spray arm may fail to move because there are excess dishes in the dishwasher, thus blocking the arm nozzle from spinning. Check out any obstructions to be sure.
General buildup, hard water deposits, and food debris can cause spray arms to block more, especially when you have taken time to clean them. Check out the filter as well.
Solution
You can troubleshoot this issue by soaking the spray arm in white vinegar to dissolve the debris and the hard water buildup. Use a toothbrush, hanging, or steel wire to unclog the spray arm holes.
Install it back and check whether it functions well. Always ensure it moves freely and is not clogged.
Damaged / Clogged Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve connects your home and dishwasher. It regulates water in and out of the machine while preventing overflow and flooding. A broken or clogged water valve is another reason why the dishwater may not be spraying water.
If the dishwasher doesn’t spray water, it will block because of food particle contamination in your water supply; thus, cleaning may help fix the issue.
Solution
Troubleshoot this problem by turning on the water and ensuring it runs to the machine. Switch off the water and open the valve connection to check whether there is water inside. If so, replace the valve.
For a clogged valve, you need to remove it and clear it out.
Because the water valve connects directly to the water supply, it is best to cut off the power and water supply to allow you to have a seamless fix.
Overfill Float Switch Malfunction
It controls the amount of water filling the dishwasher. Once the water reaches a certain level, the float switch turns off the water supply. Any malfunction by the device may lead to the dishwasher not spraying water.
Solution
You need to replace it with a new float switch. Because it involves some wiring, it is better to engage a professional to help you.
Clogged Chopper Blade
The role of the chopper blade is to cut any food junk into smaller particles to make it easier to get out of the machine. However, when they get jammed or partially clogged, the pump stops spinning, with the possibility of the whole dishwasher malfunctioning.
Solution
Locate the chopper blades and remove the clog from the edges. Ensure you turn the chopper blade to confirm it is spins
It is evident that a dishwasher not spraying water is triggered by multiple factors. However, in most cases, clogging of various components of the dishwasher, like the chopper blades, spray arm, circulation pump, and water supply issues, are the possible causes.
Ensure you troubleshoot the correct cause to fix it. Save a considerable amount of money by using the shared hacks to improve your dishwasher. If necessary, engage a professional to help you in challenging areas.
