The Do's & Don'ts of Dealing With a Broken Dishwasher
Dishwashers provide incredible convenience. For that reason, when the appliance experiences a malfunction, it can create significant disruption in your day-to-day activities. A professional
dishwasher repair will get it back in working order quickly, but follow these tips in the meantime.
Do:
Let everyone know.
Living in a home with kids, partners, or roommates that want to assist with chores is incredibly helpful. However, if they run the machine while it's broken, it can cause more problems.
For example, a failed heating element will prevent the water from getting hot enough to effectively disinfect the dishes, leaving the household with germ-covered plates, bowls, and cups. Prevent such instances by making everyone aware that the unit is out of commission verbally and leave a sticky note on the door just in case.
Clean up water leaks.
Standing water can cause serious damage to flooring and cabinetry, allowing mildew and mold to grow. As such, it's vital to clean up any water that's leaked out from the dishwasher because of the breakdown.
Use towels or washcloths to soak up the excess moisture, and then disinfect the surfaces with a damp rag and soap, followed by patting them dry. If water has soaked into any soft materials, like wood cabinets, utilize a dehumidifier.
Don't:
Try a temporary fix.
Attempting a DIY repair to get the unit to work temporarily can actually cause damage to the other parts. For instance, if a failed pump is preventing drainage, using a cup or bucket to empty the remaining water can allow you to run it, but more water will accumulate during the cycle.
Allowing standing water during operation can cause leaks around the door and overwhelm the heating element, causing it to fail. As such, if a load needs cleaning before the dishwasher repair takes place, opt for the hand wash method. Make it a family affair and get the kids on board to help so that the process is finished quicker.
Replace a fairly new unit.
The frustration of a breakdown can lead homeowners to consider if it's time to replace a unit. Yet, it's important to note that dishwashers can easily last a decade with regular maintenance. As such, a repair is the most cost-effective solution for most units until they’re six or seven years old. Upgrades are only a financially viable solution once repairs become a frequent occurrence.
If your dishwasher breaks down, the skilled professionals at
Expert Appliance Solutions in Lorain County, OH, are only a quick call away. The local business provides a wide selection of dependable appliance services to residents across the Greater Cleveland area, including dishwasher repairs and maintenance. Request assistance today
online
or by calling
(844) 423-9737.
