A dishwasher is a major appliance in most Grand Prairie, TX homes. It should be well taken care of to ensure its longevity. If not cared for properly, it can become clogged with food particles and detergent residue, leading to poor performance and even breakdowns. Fortunately, maintaining a dishwasher doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s a guide from an expert plumber to help keep your dishwasher running smoothly!
Schedule Regular Maintenance
One of the best ways to keep your dishwasher in top condition is to schedule regular maintenance with a professional plumber in Grand Prairie, TX. Regular maintenance will help ensure its ongoing reliability and performance. It will help avoid bigger problems down the line that could end up costing you time and money. During a maintenance visit, plumbers will inspect pipes, water lines, and other dishwasher components to ensure everything is in good shape. They can also check hoses and connections for leaks, check the draining system, inspect the motor and motor housing, and test the washing arms to ensure they are spinning properly. By committing to a routine maintenance schedule on your dishwasher, you can keep it working well season after season.
Clean the Filters
Dishwashers come with filters that need to be cleaned from time to time so that water can pass through them without any issues. Over time, the filters will become clogged with food particles, grease, and other debris, which can impair the performance of your dishwasher. When you call a plumber for regular maintenance, they will examine your dishwasher’s filters and clean them if necessary. Some people try to clean the filters, but this is not recommended as it can damage them. When it comes to dishwasher maintenance, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
Check the Hoses and Connections
Another important step in dishwasher maintenance is checking the hoses and connections. Sometimes, the connections can become loose or damaged due to age, leading to leaks or other issues. It’s important to check the hoses and connections regularly to ensure they are secure and not leaking. You should also check the hoses for signs of wear and tear, such as cracking or tearing. If you notice any issues with the hoses, have a plumber come out and replace them if necessary.
Use Detergent Sparingly
It’s easy to assume that more detergent means cleaner dishes, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Too much detergent can leave behind residue on dishes, cause spots on glassware, and even damage your machine over time. The residue can be stuck in the filters and other parts of the dishwasher, leading to clogs and poor performance. To get the best results when washing dishes, use only as much detergent as the manufacturer recommends. This will ensure that your dishes come out sparkling clean while protecting your machine from potential damage caused by too much detergent use.
Use the Right Wash Cycle
One of the easiest and most effective maintenance routines is selecting the right wash cycle for the job. This will help ensure that dishes come out of the dishwasher clean and that the dishwasher is in good working order. Choosing an appropriate cycle for each washing will minimize water use and detergent residue, which can be harmful and wasteful.
Following a well-thought-out cycle routine with appropriate washes can also improve performance, prolonging the life of your appliance while at the same time keeping clean dishes a top priority. Therefore, before loading dishes for a washing cycle, take time to identify additional settings available on your dishwasher that best suit your needs. If a full-on wash cycle is unnecessary due to lighter soiling, choose an energy-saving cycle that offers a timed rinse or cleaning at a lower temperature with minimal water use.
Avoid Overcrowding
When loading dishes into the dishwasher, it’s important to avoid overcrowding. This makes it difficult for the dishwasher to clean dishes and prevents water from properly circulating throughout the machine. Additionally, when plates and other items are packed too close together, they can rub against each other, causing scratches and damage. To prevent these issues, leave space between dishes when loading them into the dishwasher.
You should also use the appropriate racks and holders for delicate items like glasses and cups, so they don’t move around too much during the washing cycle. If you’re having trouble fitting all your dishes into the dishwasher, it may be time to upgrade to a larger model. Remember to consult with a plumber to find the right dishwasher for your needs.
Test the Washing Arms
Lastly, it’s important to test the washing arms of your dishwasher from time to time. The arms are responsible for spraying water onto dishes, so dishes won’t get as clean if they aren’t working properly. To test the arms, fill a large bowl with soapy water and place it in the dishwasher. Run a cycle and watch to see if the arms are spinning and spraying water onto the bowl. You should call a plumber in Grand Prairie, TX for service if they’re not.
Don’t Neglect One of the Most Important Appliances in Your Home
The dishwasher is one of the most used appliances in the home, so keeping it maintained and running efficiently should be a priority. Following these tips will help you get the most out of your machine while ensuring dishes come out sparkling clean. If you have any issues with your dishwasher, don’t hesitate to call a plumber for professional help.
We Are the Plumbing Professionals to Call
If you need plumbing services for your dishwasher, call the professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. Our team is knowledgeable about all dishwasher makes and models, so you can trust us to provide reliable service. We also have a wide range of plumbing services for other appliances in your home. Let us show you why our plumbers are the best in town. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.