Is your dishwasher broken? The causes can be multiple and require all the expertise of a professional repairman to make a diagnosis. The dishes remain dirty after washing, the appliance no longer heats up... How to troubleshoot a dishwasher? A qualified appliance repairman will surely find the best way to fix your problem.
Every dishwasher has its own unique features, so it's important to know how to fix them before they break down. In this article, we'll show you how to diagnose and repair a broken dishwasher. It's usually more economical to repair than to replace!
If you need a professional opinion, call Hoovernez!
Dishwasher failure: what to do in case of problem?
There is a misconception that plumbers repair dishwashers. However, they only intervene if the problem is caused by the water pipes: a leaky water supply, a blocked drain, etc.
The plumber is competent to install the necessary equipment for the connection of the dishwasher, such as the installation of water supply and drain pipes. Depending on the problem concerned, the fault will have to be solved in different ways.
The dishwasher does not work anymore, it is blocked
Before you consider it a failure, make sure it's not just a secondary problem.
First, make sure that your device is properly connected to the mains and that the socket is powered. For example, you can connect and test a lamp or a hair dryer. Also make sure that the dishwasher door is closed and that the program has been run and started.
Dishwasher no longer empties
If you notice a buildup of water at the bottom of your dishwasher and it's not draining properly, you may have a drainage problem. Often the culprit is a drain hose or drain filter. Before servicing, check for clogs or damage, and clean or replace if necessary. Otherwise, the drain pump may fail and will need to be replaced.
Dishwasher has a drying or heating problem
Your dishwasher no longer heats the water
There are many components that can cause this problem. First, make sure the pipes are not clogged, drain and clean the drain filter. Also lift the drain pipe if it is too deep in the trap (the trap should not be deeper than 10 cm).
Heating problems can be caused by temperature sensors or heating resistors that should be tested with a multimeter (see below). A pressure switch, thermostat or electronic board can be the cause of this fairly common dishwasher failure. Here is a list of the main errors of this type that our repair technicians have had to intervene on:
- Dishwasher no longer heats and dries
- It flashes and does not start
It does not heat up and does not wash - It doesn't heat up anymore but the resistance works

Dishwasher has a filling problem
Before you think about major malfunctions, you need to make sure your dishwasher is firmly connected to the faucet and turned on. Also, make sure that the water hose of the machine is not bent or kinked to block the water flow. Finally, check to see if there is still water in the house, such as at the sink faucet, and if the water meter is closed.
An indicator lights up or an error code appears
Each light has a specific meaning. For example:
Flashing faucet light : Whatever the brand of appliance (Siemens, Bosch, Indesit, Whirlpool, etc.), a flashing faucet light indicates a problem with the dishwasher's water supply.
After turning off the water supply valve, check that the water supply and drain hose are not blocked or damaged.
Clean or replace if necessary. Next, make sure the drain pump is not blocked by dirt or broken glass. It reaches through the drain filter.
After lifting with a spoon, remove the drain pump cover and check for blockage.
Rinse and Salt Lights: Depending on the hardness of your home water, these lights may come on. If necessary, pour in a water softener if your dishwasher is low on salt.
These lights may also go out if you reset the unit by unplugging it for about a minute.
An error code appears on the display
Called an "error code," this string of letters and numbers indicates that one or more components of the dishwasher are causing the problem. Each error code has a meaning and the codes may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For more information, consult the instructions for your appliance.
My dishwasher overflows and leaks through the door
If you discover a puddle of water in front of your dishwasher at the end of a wash program, start by checking your installation, especially if it is recent. A defect in the layout of the drainpipes could create a siphoning phenomenon that could cause waste water to flow back into the appliance, which could then overflow.
To avoid this, please note the following: Make sure that the drain pipe is not pushed all the way into the pipe (maximum 10 cm). In addition, the drainpipe must be at least 65 cm above the floor.
Be careful, the rinse agent tends to foam. Be careful to adjust for the water quality in your area and avoid spilling it into the tank.
Too much foam can actually cause water to leak. The correct placement of the rack in the dishwasher is also important. Otherwise, the door seal could be compromised. The orientation of the bottom rack is often reversed.
My dishwasher doesn't wash well
There are many reasons why dishes don't come out of the dishwasher clean:
- Poor placement of dishes in baskets
- Utensils that should not be mixed with others such as silverware
- An unsuitable program (temperature too low or cycle too fast)
- Things not to wash in a dishwasher: lipstick marks on glasses, mustard residue or ashes)
- Filters are not cleaned regularly and are saturated with dirt
- Clogged wash arm ports (scale, food debris)
- The choice of the washing product is not adapted
- Forgot to rinse
- No special dishwasher salt
- A product box that no longer opens
- The water in your network is too soft (between 0 and 15° th) and becomes too acidic when passing through the softener
- A malfunction of the washing resistor, the temperature sensor
- The softener or the water distributor is clogged with residues
- The solenoid valve of the softener has failed, causing white marks on the dishes.
- The wash pump is clogged and no longer allows for effective washing.
How to troubleshoot a dishwasher?
Dishwasher repair in Geneva
For all your dishwasher repair needs in Geneva, contact Hoovernez. We offer a repair service for all types of household appliances. At Hoovernez, after each intervention, we will give you some maintenance tips and advice to extend the life of your machine.