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.
