When a dishwasher starts to act up, you may think there’s something the matter with the plumbing or the appliance’s physical components. The water doesn’t get hot enough, or there’s no water at all. The gasket is broken, and the door doesn’t close all the way. The dishwasher refuses to drain. But some of these problems might actually be caused by the dishwasher’s failing electrical system. Here are signs to watch for.
The Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
One sure way to know that there’s something wrong with your dishwasher’s electrical system is a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. This means that the circuit has shorted out or there’s too much of a load on that circuit.
The Dishwasher Just Doesn’t Turn On
Another sign of an electrical problem is that the appliance just doesn’t turn on. This is different from the dishwasher having power but not cycling, though that’s also problematic. Not only does the dishwasher fail to turn on, but the displays and lights also remain off. The reason could be simple: the dishwasher isn’t plugged in or the circuit breaker has been turned off. If these aren’t the problems, it’s time to call in an appliance repair technician.
The Dishwasher Shocks You
If the dishwasher gives you a shock when you touch it, there’s something wrong with its electrical system. You might also feel a tingle when you touch the dishwasher. This is due to faulty wiring or a ground fault. It’s also dangerous. Unplug the dishwasher, and call in a technician.
You Smell Something Burning or See Smoke
The smell of something burning or the sight of smoke coming from your dishwasher means that something in its electrical system is overheating. If there’s a fire inside the dishwasher, keep the door closed to starve it of oxygen. If the fire is outside, put it out with a Class C fire extinguisher. If that doesn’t work, get out of the house and call 911.
Buttons on the Control Panel Won’t Work
Another sign of electrical problems is buttons on the control panel that don’t work or don’t work the way they should. You should also suspect electrical problems if the appliance beeps or blinks. Error codes are clear signs that something is amiss.
Get in Touch With Us for Dishwasher Problems
If your dishwasher is showing any of the above-mentioned problems, you’ll need a technician to check it out. For plumbing and electrical service in Rochester, New York, including service on your dishwasher, get in touch with our professionals at Nichols Electric and Plumbing.
