The lack of water spraying in your KitchenAid dishwasher constitutes a significant issue that necessitates your attention to restore the appliance's proper functionality. In this informative guide, you will gain insights into the potential causes behind the dishwasher's failure to spray water and learn how to rectify this problem.
Your KitchenAid dishwasher may not spray water due to various factors, including a malfunctioning float switch, a blocked water inlet valve, obstructed chopper blades, clogged spray arms, a damaged pump filter, a congested circulation pump, or a faulty circulation pump. Identifying and resolving these issues can effectively reinstate the dishwasher's ability to spray water.
Within this guide, each of these problems will be addressed, accompanied by recommended solutions. It's important to note that the solutions provided are geared towards do-it-yourself remedies. If you find yourself on a tight budget or unable to afford professional technician services at the moment, this guide offers practical steps to resolve the issue from the convenience of your home.
Why Is My KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Spraying Water?
1. Problem with the Float Switch
The float switch in a KitchenAid dishwasher serves the purpose of safeguarding against flooding during the dishwashing process. This switch operates by automatically shutting off once a sufficient amount of water has entered the dishwasher, preventing any further water from entering the unit.
In the event that the float switch becomes defective, your KitchenAid dishwasher may erroneously believe that it is already filled with water, causing it to shut down entirely.
To diagnose and address this issue, you can employ a digital multimeter electrical test kit with the reading set to 1 ohm. Use this kit to test the microchip associated with the float switch. If the test reveals a fault in the float switch, it should be replaced. Additionally, if you observe any signs of wear and tear on the float itself, it is advisable to replace the float as well.
2. Clogged Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of water from its source into the dishwasher. This component operates by opening and closing periodically to ensure an appropriate amount of water enters the dishwasher.
Furthermore, it serves the essential function of closing to prevent excessive water from filling the dishwasher, thereby averting potential leaks that could lead to flooding the kitchen floor.
When the water inlet valve becomes obstructed, it prevents water from entering the dishwasher, resulting in the unit's inability to spray water during operation. This obstruction is typically caused by foreign objects and debris. Consequently, this issue can explain why you occasionally end up with dishes that are stained, emit unpleasant odours, or remain dirty even after a washing cycle.
In certain instances, the water inlet valve can become damaged either due to a short circuit or as a result of excessive use of the dishwasher.
To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
- Disconnect your dishwasher from both the power and water sources.
- Open the dishwasher and locate the water inlet valve.
- Thoroughly clean any obstructions or debris that may be present.
3. Clogged Chopper Blade
The chopper blade in your KitchenAid dishwasher serves a vital function by effectively reducing significant food particles into smaller pieces. This enables the dishwasher to easily expel these finer food remnants during each washing cycle.
Regrettably, the chopper blades can become dull, obstructed, or clogged when solid objects interfere with their operation. Over time, this hinders the appliance's ability to finely chop food particles, ultimately preventing the wash pump from spinning, thereby halting the dishwasher's entire operation.
When addressing this issue, exercise caution as you are dealing with sharp blades. Here are the steps to resolve the problem:
- Safely disconnect both the water and power supply to the dishwasher.
- Remove the access panel and anything obstructing your access to the chopper blade.
- Carefully clear any obstructions or clogs from the chopper blade.
- Attempt to manually rotate the blade to ensure it moves freely. Be cautious to avoid any contact with the sharp edges during this process.
If the chopper blade in your dishwasher is blunt, consider replacing it with a new one. Reinstall the part in the dishwasher, reconnect the water and power supply, and initiate a new wash cycle to verify if the issue has been resolved.
4. Clogged Spray Arms
Dishwashers, depending on their brand and model, can be equipped with one or more spray arms. These arms are perforated with holes that enable pressurized water to spray and effectively clean the dishes within the appliance.
These spray arms rotate to distribute water evenly over your dishes, but they may cease to function correctly if obstructed by food particles, dirt, or debris.
Food particles tend to obstruct the spray arms due to damaged filters, which can hinder the dishwasher's ability to remove debris from the circulating water inside the appliance.
Thankfully, resolving a clogged spray arm is a straightforward process:
- Utilize a Torx tool to unscrew the screws or bolts that secure the spray arm in place. Once removed, rinse the arm with water to dislodge the particles causing the blockage.
- Employ a soft-bristled brush to clear any dirt from each hole on the spray arm. You can also use a toothpick to unclog the holes or consider using a bottle brush for this purpose.
- Finish by giving the spray arm a thorough rinse with white vinegar.
- Reattach the spray arm to the dishwasher, reconnect the water supply and power, start a dishwasher cycle, and observe if the problem has been resolved.
5. Clogged Circulation Pump
The circulation pump in your KitchenAid dishwasher plays a crucial role in moving water throughout the appliance, facilitating the washing of dishes by directing water through components like the spray arm.
However, the pump can experience a malfunction if it becomes clogged, even when it's in good working condition. Similar to many other dishwasher parts, the circulation pump can get obstructed due to the presence of food scraps and other small debris carried by the circulating water within the unit.
The responsibility of the filter is to eliminate such contaminants from the system. Nevertheless, if the filter is soiled or damaged, it cannot perform its task effectively, leading to a clogged circulation pump. Consequently, certain components like the spray arm may be unable to spray water onto the dishes due to this blockage.
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
- Remove the access panel, electrical connections, and hoses to gain access to the circulation pump.
- Take out the circulation pump and thoroughly clean any obstructions, including dirt, solid foreign objects, and debris.
- Clear away any dirt or debris that may be stuck on the impeller.
- Use your finger to manually spin the impeller, ensuring it rotates freely like a propeller.
- Reinstall the circulation pump, reconnect the water supply, and plug it back into the power source.
- Start the dishwasher and initiate a cycle to check if the dishwasher is now successfully spraying water.
Pros and Cons of KitchenAid Dishwasher
Pros
- Third rack
- Adjustable tines
- Lots of features
Cons
- Cleaning power was low for its price
Differences Between KitchenAid and Bosch Dishwashers
KitchenAid
KitchenAid dishwashers often come with advanced features such as bottle wash jets, third-level racks, and various wash cycle options. They may also include features like a ProDry system for better drying performance.
Bosch
Bosch dishwashers are known for their innovative features, including the popular MyWay™ rack, which provides extra space for hard-to-fit items. Bosch also offers models with advanced water-softening technology and precision spray arms.
Alternative to kitchenaid dishwasher
Miele
Miele dishwashers are known for their sleek design and exceptional build quality. They often feature a stainless steel interior for durability and aesthetics.
6. A Failed Circulation Pump
The circulation pump is one of several essential pumps within a KitchenAid dishwasher, and these pumps collectively play a vital role in the proper functioning of the appliance.
The primary responsibility of the circulation pump is to circulate water throughout the dishwasher, ensuring that the unit sprays water at the correct pressure to effectively clean dishes.
Over time, the circulation pump can deteriorate due to extended use, as well as the accumulation of food particles and soap residue that may take a while to dissolve.
When the circulation pump fails, it results in a lack of water for the spray arm to use in cleaning your dirty dishes. The most effective way to troubleshoot a failed circulation pump is by replacing it with a functioning one.
Here are the steps to address this issue:
- Disconnect the dishwasher from both the power source and the water supply.
- Open the dishwasher and carefully clear any obstacles that may impede access to the circulation pump.
- Once you reach the circulation pump, remove its mounts and electrical connectors, and install the new circulation pump.
- Reconnect the water supply and power source.
- Start the dishwasher and run a wash cycle to verify if the dishwasher is now successfully spraying water.
7. Clogged/Broken Pump Filter
The pump filter's role is to propel soapy water from the tub to the spray arm, but it can become obstructed by food particles, causing the spray arm to be unable to spray water.
Fortunately, there are two methods available to clean the pump filter and restore the dishwasher's ability to spray water.
You can clean the pump filter by either using a vacuum cleaner or rinsing it with warm water. It's recommended to perform this cleaning process at least twice a year to maintain the dishwasher in excellent working condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when faced with the issue of a KitchenAid dishwasher not spraying water, it's essential to diagnose and address the underlying causes effectively. This problem can stem from various factors, including faulty components like the float switch, water inlet valve, chopper blades, spray arms, and circulation pump. Additionally, the condition of the pump filter plays a crucial role in ensuring proper water circulation within the dishwasher.
By identifying and resolving these issues, often through simple cleaning or replacement procedures, you can restore your dishwasher's ability to spray water and, in turn, achieve optimal cleaning results. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the pump filter and inspecting critical components, is key to preventing these issues and maintaining the dishwasher's excellent working condition. Ultimately, tackling these challenges with the appropriate solutions can save both time and money, providing a convenient and efficient dishwashing experience for your household.
