Dishwasher Spray Arm Not Working: Common Causes

Since dishwashers are constantly used, a dishwater spray arm tends to encounter some problems. Usually, problems are evident each time the dishes are unloaded which can be very irritating and troublesome. When dishwater spray arms malfunction, dishes are not cleaned as thoroughly. There will be grit found on glasses and dishes and in some cases, they will need to be re-washed the old fashioned way. As durable as most dishwashers are, with some basic knowledge it is recommended to perform regular check ups.

Spray Arm

The main function of dishwater spray arms is to provide high temperature water. Usually water shoots out from the arms at high pressures. With a malfunctioning or broken dishwasher spray arm, you’ll end up with unclean dishes. The subsequent sections enumerate some of the common causes of dishwasher spray arm breakdown. Tips and some troubleshooting measures are also included.

Blockage and Food Residues

One of the main causes of dishwasher spray arm problems is blockage. When the spray holes become clogged, it’s impossible for the spray arms to function well. There are several causes of blockage, one of which is food residue.

Troubleshooting

Dishwashers normally have a set of spray arms. One spray arm is placed at the bottom while the other is positioned beneath the upper tray. You’ll know that the spray is malfunctioning if your dishes don’t appear as clean as they were before. Make sure that there is nothing inside the dishwasher before it is taken apart.

To examine the spray arms, remove the bottom tray. The spray arm in the upper part is usually attached to the upper tray. This is very easy to detach. After taking out the spray arm, let water run through them. If there is no blockage, water should be able to flow freely through the spray holes. Otherwise, there is blockage. Remove the blockage and rinse. This can be done with a small piece of wire if the blockage is really stubborn.

Unclean Water and Coffee Grounds

Another problem with spray arms is when spray arms sprout unclean water. A cause of this is coffee grounds. When coffee grounds are put in the garbage disposal, it can often create problems with the water. In many kitchens, the drain of the dishwasher is connected or goes right into the garbage disposal. Usually, there is the misconception that coffee residue in the garbage disposal can not get transported into the dishwasher but this is not always the case.

Dirty Dishes and Overloading

While blockage causes dirty dishes, overloading of plates and utensils also cause spray arm problems. Water cannot freely escape the spray arms nor thoroughly shoot out water to rinse the dishes. It’s important to rinse the dishes before placing them inside the dishwasher. Make sure that it is not too crowded and that the water can run freely from the spray arms.

In some cases the spray arms may need to be replaced. Making sure that all dishes are thoroughly rinsed prior to being placed in the dishwasher as well as routine cleaning and inspection will help to prevent future blockages.