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Determining the cause of a dishwasher malfunction can be among the most difficult of plumbing problems to solve. Following are some troubleshooting tips to help you decide if you can solve the problem or need to call for help.

Dishwasher Won't Fill Up

If the power is on, but the water won't fill up, check the stop valve for the hot water supply under the sink. Make sure it's turned on and open all the way.

It's also possible the float is malfunctioning. When the dishwasher is cool, turn off the power and find the float, a small plastic dome or cylinder near the tub's base. Lift it and clean around the tube (you may have to remove an access panel to disconnect it). Replace the float.

Other malfunctions causing the dishwasher not to fill up could be in the door switch, door latch, drain valve, drain valve lever arm or water inlet valve.

Power Won't Come On

Make sure that the power is on, the door is firmly shut and that the control is on. Then, check the power cord to see if it has a reset button. Push the reset. Then, look at the electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker that leads to the dishwasher is tripped or if there's a blown fuse. If it's tripped, switch the breaker off and back on, or replace the fuse.

Other possible problems could be a defective door switch, selector switch or timer. Call for professional repair.

Dishwasher Won't Drain

If you find substantial amounts of water in the tub after a cycle, the cause can be a malfunctioning pump, backed up drain lines, or a drain hose that isn't working.

Dirty water spewing from the air gap can mean the drain line is clogged. Take the cover off the air gap, a short domed cylinder at the back of the sink, and clean it with a stiff wire. Straighten any kinks in the hose.

For more on plumbing problems, contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We've offered the best in service to our Greater Cincinnati customers since 1910.