Is It Time For A New Dishwasher? Nine Signs Its Time To Upgrade

From a dishwasher being a luxury, it now seems like a must-have to fit in with our hectic lives and to cut the time spent on chores. However, just like any other appliance, dishwashers will become less effective with age. Of course, some signs of malfunction are easy to fix, and a repair may be a cheaper option. So how do you know when a dishwasher needs a simple fix or whether it is time to get a new one? Here are nine signs to watch out for.

Nine Warning Signs That Your Dishwasher May Fail

1. Age

Just like any appliance, components will begin to wear out as the machine ages. Typically, a dishwasher will last for ten years. Any older than this and it may be more cost effective to upgrade to a new machine. This is because newer machines are usually more effective and energy efficient which can cut costs for both your energy and water bills.

Of course, the dishwasher may last much longer than ten years, especially if you have no current problems with it.

2. Leftover Water

You should never see a pool of water left in the dishwasher at the end of a clean. Water can collect in vessels such as bowls and glasses, and crockery can be damp. However, water at the bottom of the machine indicates that the drain is blocked. It is usually food and grease causing the blockage which can be easy to remedy.

However, if clearing a blockage doesn’t work, then there may be an ongoing issue with the drain. In which case you should call out a repair team, such as Repair Aid to diagnose and solve the problem. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to buy a new dishwasher, so always ask the team for a quote. You can call Repair Aid for a free quote on 020 7183 6944.

3. Rust

If you spot rust on the inside of your dishwasher, then this is usually a sign of a more serious problem with the appliance. Usually, rust indicates a leak in the machine or deterioration of parts. Furthermore, rust can end up on your clean dishes which is not ideal.

If you spot minor rust, then it may be worth running your dishwasher on an empty cycle with citric acid to prolong the life of the appliance. However, it will often mean it is time to buy a new one.

4. Crockery feels cool

At the end of a dishwasher cycle, your plates and glasses should feel hot to the touch as soon as the dishwasher indicates that it has finished. If they are not hot, then the dishes may not be adequately sanitised which could pose a risk of infection.

If plates do not feel hot, there may be a problem with the heating element. A professional appliance repair service will usually be able to replace the heating coil. However, if the dishwasher is old, it may be more cost-effective to go for an upgrade.

5. The latch is broken

A dishwasher will not operate if the lock or latch is broken as there is a risk that water will leak from the appliance. If your dishwasher is fairly new, check the warranty to see if you are eligible for a free repair. If not, Repair Aid will be able to fix the lock on most models. However, if your machine is especially old, then it may be difficult for a repair service to find the correct parts which may make purchasing a new machine a better alternative.

6. You spot a leak

While a leaking dishwasher may just be because there was too much detergent in the machine, if water spills all over the floor, there may be a bigger problem with the appliance. You will need to act fast to mop up the water to prevent your floor from warping. A dehumidifier may also come in handy to get rid of any excess moisture.

If water gushes out of the dishwasher, then cancel the cycle and turn off the water to the machine. Unless the problem is immediately obvious it is well worth calling out a repair service like Repair Aid to diagnose the issue and offer advice on whether its best to repair or replace the machine.

7. There are deep scratches or cracks

Crack and deep scratches in the dishwasher can cause a leak, overflow or complete breakdown of your machine. Usually, cracks and scratches will form from wear or tear or perhaps from an item that you put in the wash. In most cases, cracks cannot be repaired, and it is time for a new appliance.

Don’t run the risk of switching on the dishwasher for a cycle if you spot a crack. It could cause a leak which could then damage your flooring.

8. You notice strange sounds

If your dishwasher is making more noise than normal, then there could be a problem with the motor. While a motor can be replaced, it is usually more cost-effective to buy a new dishwasher. Don’t rush out to buy a new machine as soon as you hear a strange noise though; it may be because plates are knocking together or something is stuck in the wrong place. Check a couple of times on different cycles to determine if the sounds are coming from the appliance or your crockery.

9. Dirty dishes

Finally, if your plates are not coming out clean, then there could be several reasons for this. For example, you may not be using an effective cleaning agent; the dishes were very dirty or perhaps they were poorly loaded. If you live in a hard water area, then you may notice that you need to add a water softener for effective cleaning. Never put too much detergent in though, as this could cause a leak.

You can solve the problem by scraping plates or soaking dishes before they go into the dishwasher. It may also help to dry a different type of dishwasher tablet and to top up your rinse aid.

If your dishes are still dirty, then it may be a sign that something is wrong with your dishwasher which may require a repair or replacement.