Tip of the Month:
Load your dishwasher according to manufacturer's suggestions. Water temperature should be at least 120 degrees to dissolve soap, and try running hot water at the tap near the dishwasher before starting the cycle.
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February 2010 Newsletter
So you’ve survived New Year’s Eve, the Super Bowl - you even made it through the blizzard of 2010! But Valentine’s Day, now that’s one you’re not sure you will survive - romance, gifts, candy, hearts…our advice: well…we actually don’t have any advice on that topic!
We’re sticking with stuff we know something about: for example, that dishwasher that’s been leaving your dishes looking “unwashed”…now that’s something we can discuss!
The most common problem is too little water circulating inside the dishwasher. This can be caused by a couple of things:
1. If you have hard water or if the dishwasher is more than 5 years old, the dishwasher may have a restricted water valve. Because the machine usually fills on a timer, if the water valve is restricted, it may be getting only half the required water. Refer to the timing chart on the wiring diagram for your unit to see how long each fill time should last. Try adding a gallon of water during the main wash cycle. Then listen to the machine. If the problem is a low fill, you'll normally hear a change in activity inside the unit. With the added water, it will begin making a more consistent washing sound. If the wash action increases after this test, consider replacing the water inlet valve.
2. You also may want to inspect the drain to make sure the unit is not draining water out during the wash cycle which also results in a low-fill situation. Make sure the food strainer at the bottom of the wash arm support is not plugged by broken glass or food debris and that your wash arms are not split or cracked. On occasion, you'll find a hole in the silverware basket that is allowing a knife or a fork to fall through and physically stop the wash arm from turning. Glass pieces/debris also may restrict or damage the pump assembly. Disassemble the pump housing to inspect the impellers that push water out to the wash arms. |
