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February 2005

Dishwasher dilemma?
Are your dishes not getting clean?

Is your dishwasher not getting dishes as clean as it used to? Don't run off and buy a new one just yet. We have a simple repair that may just solve your problem.

RepairClinic.com's RepairGuru answers tons of email from customers with dishwasher cleaning problems. Sometimes poor cleaning is due to a pump failure, a broken wash arm or objects clogging the drain. Or you might not be using the right detergent. Detergents with enzymes work best. But in most cases, poor cleaning occurs when the dishwasher isn't getting enough water to properly wash and/or rinse its load.

To check your dishwasher, start it up using the cycle you normally use, and wait a minute or two for the machine to start filling with water. After it stops filling but before it starts draining, open the door and check the water level. There should be enough water inside to cover the bottom floor of the dishwasher. If there isn't enough water, it's likely your dishes won't get as clean as they should. Replacing the water inlet valve often corrects this problem, and it's a repair any do-it-yourselfer can do with just a few basic tools.

Here's how to do it:

1. Get your dishwasher's model number and enter it into RepairClinic.com's PartDetective to find and order the exact water inlet valve you need. Water inlet valves have different flow rates so be sure to get the right one for your machine.

2. Be sure to read and understand any instructions that come with your new valve.

3. Disconnect the dishwasher from its power source. Dishwashers are usually wired directly to a home's electrical system. To disconnect the power, switch off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse for the electrical circuit to which the dishwasher is attached. Caution: If you are unsure how to shut the power off properly, do not continue. Call a qualified appliance repair technician to complete the repair.

4. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. The shut off is usually under the kitchen sink or in the basement or crawlspace near the location of the dishwasher. If there are no shut-off valves, shut the water off at the main water supply valve. Remove the lower panel(s) of the dishwasher. Panels are usually secured with two to four screws at the upper and lower corners of the panels.

5. Locate the water inlet valve, usually near the front of the dishwasher. Attached to the valve you'll see two or four wires, a water supply line from the house, and a water feed line to the dishwasher.

6. Remove the water supply line from the valve by removing the brass compression nut holding it in place.

7. Remove the fitting from the valve to which the water supply line was attached. This fitting may be very difficult to remove. It may help to put the valve in a vice to remove the fitting. If you can't remove it, replace it. The fitting is not an appliance part but a plumbing part and is available at most hardware stores for a nominal cost.

8. Remove the screws holding the valve to the dishwasher frame.

9. Label the wires to the valve so you'll be sure to reattach them correctly.

10. Remove the wires from the valve.

11. Remove the water feed tube from the valve. There is usually a small clamp you'll need to remove with pliers.

12. Reinstall the old fitting, or a replacement fitting, onto the new valve the water supply line was attached to using Teflon tape or pipe joint compound as a thread sealant.

13. Install the new valve in reverse order of removal instructions.

14. Be sure to tighten all fittings properly as the water supply line is under very high pressure.

15. Turn on the water to the machine and check for and correct any leaks.

16. Reinstall all the access panels.

17. Restore power and test.

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Fun fact
-The average dishwasher uses between 9 and 12 gallons of water per load of dishes. Washing dishes by hand uses approximately 20 gallons of water. Water used in dishwashers is also much hotter, which makes for more sanitary cleaning.

Appliance maintenance calendar
We've put together a maintenance calendar to help you figure out what needs to be done and when. Add the page to your favorites, or print it out and keep it for reference throughout the year. You can find the appliance maintenance calendar here.

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Great Stuff!
Gadgets, tools and parts to help you take great care of your appliances.

Dishwasher
water inlet valves
Use our PartDetective to find the right water inlet valve for your dishwasher. from $20.75

Dishwasher
installation kit
Installation's a snap
with this handy kit.
$17.99

Appliance cleaner set
Keep your appliances looking great with these premium Whirlpool cleaners.
$19.95

Dishwasher leak catcher
Save your floors with this unique mat that diverts water to the front of the dishwasher so you'll know when there's a leak.
$29.95

Glisten dishwasher
cleaner and deoderizer
Get your dishwasher sparkling clean and
lemon fresh.
$4.98
In addition to free Dishwasher repair help, we stock Dishwasher parts for every major brand. Click your brand below, or visit the PartDetective for more options.