Dishwasher repair
Rarely an emergency
Most dishwasher problems are drainage and leaks: a clogged filter, a kinked drain hose, a worn door gasket or the wrong detergent. They are rarely emergencies — unless water is reaching outlets, or the dishwasher smells of burning.
Show us the dishwasher.
Snap a photo — see what it is, how urgent, who to call. One photo of the problem. fixRAgent reads it and gives you a Triage Profile.
Or start with a sentence
AR Logic LLC · Privacy · Managing this for someone else? There is a version of this for whole portfolios. Managers: set it up for your buildings →
Start with the problem
- Dishwasher not drainingStanding water after a cycle is almost always a blockage, not a broken dishwasher: a clogged filter, a kinked or low drain hose, or — on a new install — the garbage disposal’s knock-out plug that was never removed.
- Dishwasher leaking from the bottomSuds on the floor mean the wrong soap: hand dish soap or laundry detergent in a dishwasher foams up and pushes out past the door.
Every dishwasher problem, by brand
Dishwasher leaking waterUsually urgent, not an emergency
Is it an emergency? Usually urgent, not an emergency. Turn off the water to it and unplug it or switch off its breaker, then soak up standing water. If water is reaching outlets or cords, switch off the breaker before touching anything; water coming through a ceiling is an emergency.
Dishwasher not workingRarely an emergency
Dishwasher won’t startRarely an emergency
Is it an emergency? Rarely an emergency. Check the plug, the breaker and any GFCI outlet, and that the door is fully closed and the control lock is off. Stop and call a pro if it keeps tripping the breaker or smells like burning.
Dishwasher making a loud noiseUsually not an emergency
Is it an emergency? Usually not an emergency. A new grinding, rattling or humming most often comes from a fan, motor, belt or loose panel. Stop using it and cut the power if the noise comes with a burning smell, smoke or sparks.
Dishwasher smells like burningTreat it as urgent
Is it an emergency? Treat it as urgent. Turn it off and unplug it or switch off its breaker, and do not use it again until the cause is found. If you see smoke or flames, or smell gas, get everyone out and call 911.
Dishwasher flashing an error codeUsually not an emergency
Is it an emergency? Usually not an emergency — the code is the appliance reporting a fault it detected. Note the code, then turn it off at the breaker for a minute and back on. If the code returns with a burning smell, smoke or a leak, leave it off and call a pro.
Related problems
Other appliances
Water heater repair
Refrigerator repair
Microwave repair
Furnace repair
Washer repair
Dryer repair
Range repair
Oven repair
HVAC repair
All appliancesBy brand
Error codes
Start from a photo

A resident sent you this?
What a property manager should do when a resident reports water coming through the ceiling: the first message, how urgent, who to send.

Not sure which problem it is?
Snap a photo of it. The Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.