Dishwasher Door Repair: Mistakes to Avoid

Although dishwasher door repair may seem like a daunting task, it is not that difficult, provided you have the right tools for the job and you follow some basic principles. Failing to do so might end in disastrous results. Here are a couple of dishwasher door repair mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

Are Repairs Necessary?

Before you decide to delve into the innards of your dishwasher, ask yourself if the dishwasher door repair is really necessary. Is soap or water leaking from around the dishwasher door? This is not always a sign of problem with the door. Such a problem can be caused if you are using normal liquid detergent in your dishwasher instead of dish-washing liquid. Do not use the liquid detergent that you use for cleaning dishes in the sink in the dishwasher. Also, avoid cleaning the dishes with such a liquid detergent before putting them in the dishwasher.

Is the Dishwasher Installed on a Level Ground?

Dishwashers are meant to be installed on level ground. If your dishwasher is not working properly or is leaking, perhaps the surface that it is kept on is not leveled properly. If you have recently got your flooring redone and your dishwasher problems only started after that, this could be a possible cause.

Safety First

Electricity and water are a potent combination, and a dishwasher has both of them. Before starting any work on your dishwasher do ensure that that the dishwasher has been disconnected from the main electrical supply. Also isolate and disconnect the water connection to the dishwasher. Do ensure that the dishwasher is drained of all water before commencing dishwasher door repairs.

Poorly Installed Gasket

A damaged gasket is the most common reason behind leaks from the dishwasher door. Fortunately, replacing a damaged dishwasher gasket is not that tough. Just ensure that you avoid performing some common mistakes. Make sure that you remove the old gasket completely before fitting the new one. Having two layers of gaskets will only result in more leaks. Also, refer to the manual that came with your dishwasher and buy a replacement gasket with the same dimensions. Retrofitting a gasket which is slightly larger or smaller will not work. Soak the new gasket in warm water before fitting it so that slides into place easily. Avoid using sharp objects such as screwdrivers to push the gasket into place, otherwise you may end up damaging the replacement gasket. Last but not the least, ensure that the gasket is sitting uniformly and no part of it is bulging out too much.

Broken Door Latch

Many leaks are often caused by a defective door latch. When carrying out dishwasher door repairs, check the latch to see that it works properly. If not, you may have to adjust the latch using a screwdriver. If the latch is damaged, you will have to replace it with a new door latch.

Misaligned Door

Door misalignment can also result in leaks from your dishwasher. Check to see that the door is aligned properly with the gasket. If you suspect a problem, perform a chalk test to identify where the door gaskets are not making contact. Follow the instructions given in the manual to align the door properly.