Common Dishwasher Repair Parts You May Eventually Need
Homeowners often rely heavily on their dishwashers to keep up with the mountain of dishes that may pile up if left unattended. Most dishwashers can carry out hundreds of cycles before breaking down. In fact, an average dishwasher should last for at least 10 years before it needs replacement.
However, the reality of life is that your dishwasher will need to be repaired at some point. There are some common problems with your unit that will require replacement parts down the line. Knowing these parts will keep you prepared to have your unit repaired as soon as possible.
1. Inlet valve
The inlet valve is one of the most important parts of your dishwasher. It allows water to enter the unit, and it prevents leaking from the machine itself. In most cases, inlet valves undergo heavy use and may be prone to damage over time.
You can tell if the inlet valve needs to be replaced when you hear a banging or hammering noise. Depending on the brand of your dishwasher, finding a replacement valve at the last minute can be challenging. It helps to keep a spare inlet valve handy (or to work with a repair technician who stocks this component).
2. Door gasket
A faulty dishwasher door is one of the most common reasons why the unit may leak. If the door is loose and is leaking water, the problem may be due to a faulty dishwasher door gasket. The door gasket is the rubber material that lines and seals your door against leaks.
Luckily, this component is easy to replace if it causes leaking. If you have an extra gasket handy, you can even replace it yourself.
3. Rack roller
The dishwasher rack roller is used almost every time you open and close your unit. The rack roller ensures that your rack slides open smoothly and holds your dishes in place. This component tends to fall off or break after heavy use. And without a sturdy rack, your dishes won't remain firmly in place during a wash cycle. Consider having extra rack rollers available to replace the one in your machine as necessary.
4. The pipe supply
The dishwasher pipe delivers water to your unit and drains dirty water after a washing cycle. After undergoing heavy use, you will probably need to replace this inlet pipe down the road. A leaking inlet pipe can damage your kitchen floor and make the machine inoperable. Keep an extra pipe supply line handy for such situations.
If you're having any issues with your dishwasher that you don't think you can fix yourself, then it may be time to contact professionals to do all of the necessary appliance repairs.