Your Complete Dishwasher Troubleshooting Guide

Before we figure out why your dishwasher’s not working, it’s important to get up close and personal with your machine. Most dishwashers work the same way: they fill with hot water, spray it around to blast off food, then drain and dry.

Here are the key components to know:

Motor – Powers the pumps that circulate water through the spray arms.

Spray arms – Spin and spray water to clean dishes.

Filter – Catches food debris before it hits the drain. 

Heating element – Heats water and helps dry dishes. 

Detergent dispenser – Pops open during the cycle to release soap.

Drain hose – Sends dirty water out.

Float valve – Monitors water levels to prevent overfilling.

Door gasket – Seals the door shut to prevent leaks mid-cycle.

Common dishwasher problems, symptoms, and solutions

Your dishwasher not working can throw off your whole routine. Before you consign yourself to a lifetime of washing dishes by hand, or before you involve a repair Pro, here is a collection of some of the most common dishwasher issues and step-by-step dishwasher troubleshooting tips to help you get things back on track.

Dishwasher not starting

Let’s say you go to turn your dishwasher on and get… nothing. No lights, no hum, no cycle.

Symptoms:

• Control panel doesn’t light up
• Dishwasher doesn’t make any noise
• Cycle won’t start even when door is closed
  
  

Troubleshooting:

1. Check the power source. Make sure the dishwasher is plugged in. Flip the breaker off and back on to reset the circuit.
2. Inspect the door latch. The machine won’t run unless the door is fully closed and latched.
3. Turn on the water supply. Look under your sink and confirm the water valve connected to the dishwasher is fully open.
4. Check for error codes. Some models flash lights or display error codes. If you see something, refer to your user manual or look it up online.

Dishes still dirty after a wash

If you run a cycle and your plates are still crusty and your glasses are still foggy, it’s time to take a hard look at your machine.

Symptoms:

• Food particles left behind
• Cloudy or greasy dishes
• Spots or streaks on glassware

Troubleshooting:

1. Clean the filter. Remove it from the bottom of the tub and rinse it under warm water. Then, scrub with a soft brush to dislodge grime.
2. Unclog the spray arms. Remove them and rinse thoroughly. Use a toothpick to poke out mineral deposits or food bits from spray holes.
3. Adjust detergent usage. Too much or too little soap can mess with cleaning. Make sure that you use the recommended amount for your water hardness.
4. Check your water temperature. Run hot water at the sink before starting the dishwasher. Aim for at least 120°F.
5. Reload your dishes. Overloading or misplacing dishes can block spray arms. Leave space between items and angle soiled sides inward.

Dishes not drying

If the cycle’s over but everything’s still soaked, it’s time to take a closer look.

Symptoms:

• Pools of water on dishes
• Cold, wet surfaces at end of cycle
• Plastic items especially wet

Troubleshooting:

1. Check the filter. If it’s dirty, trapped water won’t drain properly and can interfere with drying.
2. Test the water temperature. Water below 120°F might not activate the heating element correctly.
3. Feel the dishes after a cycle. If they’re cold, your heating element could be malfunctioning.
4. Try the towel trick. Crack the door open at the end of the cycle and drape a dish towel over the top rack to absorb steam.

Dishwasher not draining

Standing water in the bottom of the tub is unsightly—and can smell bad fast.

Symptoms:

• Pooling water in the bottom after a cycle
• Musty smell
• Dishwasher stops mid-cycle

Troubleshooting:

1. Remove and clean the filter. Grease, food, or debris can block water from draining.
2. Inspect the drain hose. Make sure it isn’t kinked or clogged. Remove and flush it if needed.
3. Clear the air gap (if your kitchen has one). Twist off the cap at the sink and clean out any gunk.
4. Run the drain cycle. Many dishwashers have a manual drain or cancel/drain option—use it to see if the machine clears itself.
5. Check the garbage disposal. If it’s newly installed or clogged, it could be backing up your dishwasher drain.

Dishwasher leaking

Did you know households waste an average of 10,000 gallons of water a year through leaks? So if you think your dishwasher may be leaking, it’s time to act fast.

Symptoms:

• Water pooling on the floor
• Dampness under the dishwasher
• Drips from the door during a cycle

Troubleshooting:

1. Inspect the door gasket. Wipe it clean with warm, soapy water and look for cracks or damage.
2. Tighten hose connections. Make sure the drain hose and inlet hose are snug and secure.
3. Clean the filter and tub. Overflow caused by a blockage can force water out the door.
4. Check if the dishwasher is level. An uneven unit can cause water to pool and leak.

Strange noises

If your dishwasher isn’t singing its usual symphony (read: its noises feel new or loud), that often means something’s off.

Symptoms:

• Loud banging or knocking
• Buzzing or whistling sounds
• Gurgling during drain cycles

Troubleshooting:

1. Look for loose utensils or dishes. Stray silverware may be hitting spray arms.
2. Clean and inspect the spray arms. They can rattle or grind if obstructed or loose.
3. Listen during drain cycles. Gurgling or squealing may point to a clogged drain or failing pump motor.
4. Check for foreign objects. Small items (like bread ties or broken glass) can lodge in the drain area.

Foul smell

When that squeaky-clean dish smell is replaced by something sour, fishy, or just plain gross, it’s time to investigate.

Symptoms:

• Mildewy or rotten smell when you open the door
• Bad smell that lingers after a wash
• Visible grime inside the machine

Troubleshooting:

1. Clean the filter and drain area. Scrub with a brush and hot, soapy water.
2. Run a cleaning cycle. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot, empty cycle.
3. Deodorize with baking soda. Sprinkle one cup across the bottom and run a short, hot rinse cycle.
4. Leave the door cracked open. Letting it air out after each wash helps prevent moisture buildup.

Dishwasher door won’t seal

A frustrating and obvious problem is when your machine won’t run—or leaks mid-cycle—because the door won’t stay closed.

Symptoms:

• Door pops open mid-cycle
• Visible gap around the seal
• Dishwasher won’t start

Troubleshooting:

1. Clean the gasket. Buildup can prevent the door from closing snugly. Wipe it down regularly.
2. Inspect for damage. If the seal is cracked or brittle, it may need to be replaced.
3. Check door alignment. Make sure the dishwasher is level and hasn’t shifted out of place.
4. Test the latch. If the latch is loose, broken, or not catching, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Preventative maintenance tips to avoid dishwasher issues

While it can feel annoying or unnecessary, a little maintenance now can save you from major dishwasher problem solving efforts later. Here’s how to prevent common dishwasher issues:

Just know that even with careful, regular care, all appliances will wear down over time. Knowing how to fix a dishwasher, or who to turn to for Expert help when you’re in over your head, can make all the difference.

Additional reading:

Your Dishwasher Maintenance Checklist

Best Way to Clean Your Dishwasher

How American Home Shield® is here to help

A dishwasher’s role in your home is simple: clean the dishes, without the fuss. So when things get complex it feels confusing. Whether you’re facing draining problems or a dishwasher that’s just not working, American Home Shield is here to help with real solutions—not runarounds.

With select plans, you can use video chat through the AHS app to connect with a live appliance Expert in real time. Your Expert will help with dishwasher problem solving and figuring out next steps. And if your dishwasher is still not working? We’ll send a independent, qualified repair Pro to handle the repair.
From minor hiccups to major breakdowns, one thing’s for certain: you’re not alone. American Home Shield is here to help you handle dishwasher troubleshooting with confidence and clarity.