At a Glance
How Dishwasher Spraying Mechanisms Work
Potential Causes of Dishwasher Not Spraying Water
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Isn't Spraying Water
Top 5 Dishwashers for an Enhanced Cleaning Experience
Most families run their dishwashers multiple times throughout the week – if not daily. They don’t have time for these appliances to break down.
Oftentimes, a dishwasher won’t completely break. Instead, certain elements will start to fail or wear out. A great example of this is a dishwasher not spraying water. You can hear the motor running and the appliance wants to work, but you know the unit isn’t spraying like it should.
Use this guide to troubleshoot water not spraying in the dishwasher. This can help you decide whether it is worth repairing the appliance or if you are better off replacing your old model with a new, high-performing dishwasher instead.
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Shop DishwashersHow Dishwasher Spraying Mechanisms Work
Before you can troubleshoot a dishwasher not spraying water, it helps to understand how these appliances work.
The appliance pulls water from your water line and heats it to the right temperature. The water then flows into the drum and mixes with your detergent, making it soapy. Then, the circulation system sucks up the soapy water, compresses it, and pushes it through various jets and spray arms inside the drum. This creates water pressure that rinses grime off of your dishes.
If you notice your dishwasher water not spraying, the issue could be caused by a lack of water, problems with the circulation pump, or issues with the spray arms themselves.
Potential Causes of Dishwasher Not Spraying Water
There are multiple potential causes of a dishwasher not spraying water. Your first step is to evaluate which elements are performing well and which ones aren’t. This can give you clues as to how to fix the issue. Here are a few things to check:
- Blocked spray arms: Sometimes the issues are simple. A fork or other utensil could have fallen into your dishwasher drum and blocked the spray arm. It might be working fine but can’t rotate because of the blockage. There also could be hard water buildup on your spray arms that prevents water from shooting out.
- Faulty water valve: If you notice your dishwasher not circulating water, this could be the issue. Make sure water is getting to your dishwasher to confirm that the spray arms are the issue.
- Clogged filters and drainage systems: Your dishwasher fills the drum with water and then drains it away. If there are problems with your drainage system, it might not add clean water and you could end up with a wet mess once the cycle is complete.
- Pump and motor issues: The circulation pump pulls soapy water from the drum and shoots it throughout your dishwasher. If the pump gets clogged by a large food particle or long-term build-up, it will stop circulating and compressing the water. Additionally, the motor can also wear out over time.
Knowing these potential issues can help you get to the source of the problem. If you notice water not going into the dishwasher, the issue lies with your water line. If you see the
dishwasher filling with water but not spraying, there could be a circulation pump or spray arm issue.
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How to Fix a Dishwasher That Isn't Spraying Water
Once you have an idea of the issue, you can learn how to fix a dishwasher not spraying water. Many dishwasher problems can be fixed by yourself, though you can always call a repair technician if you don’t feel comfortable working on this appliance. Here are a few steps to take once you notice the dishwasher not spraying water:
- Inspect and clean the spray arms: Remove any cookware from your dishwasher and take out the sliding racks. This will allow you to inspect your spray arms. Make sure the arms turn as they should and aren’t getting caught on anything. Also, check for any grime or buildup on the spray heads.
- Check the water inlet valve: Make sure your dishwasher has a steady flow of clean water. Check the water lines for any kinks and make sure all hoses are properly connected. You don’t want any leaks causing water to flow behind your dishwasher.
- Maintain the filters and the drainage system: While the racks are out of the dishwasher check the filter. Clean it out if you haven’t washed the filter in a few months.
If everything seems to be working, you might need to call an expert service technician to look at the motor or circulation pump.
The issue could also lie with how you use the dishwasher. If you notice the dishwasher not cleaning the top rack, it could be because you are overloading it and the spray jets are blocked by large pots and pans.
→ Learn More: How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
Top 5 Dishwashers for an Enhanced Cleaning Experience
If you have an aging dishwasher, problems with circulation and spraying might be warning signs that it is time for a new one. Look at our wide selection of dishwashers and see if there is a better option out there. Instead of paying the repair costs every time your appliance breaks, take home a reliable model that will last for years.
GE 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop GE 24" Built-In Dishwasher
If you are worried about drainage issues and potential blockages in your dishwasher, check out this dishwasher by GE.
The Piranha™ hard food disposer rotates at 3,600 RPM and pulverizes food particles, so they don’t build up over time. This is just one feature that allows modern dishwashers to perform better and last longer.
★ Featured GE GDT225SSLSS Review:
“I’m very happy with my new dishwasher! The dishes are cleaned well! I like the sanitize button because I was recently sick, and I used the sanitize feature to clean my dishes.”
Bosch 100 Series 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Bosch 100 Series 24" Built In Dishwasher
Bosch is known for producing high-quality appliances, and this dishwasher is no exception. The PrecisionWash™ intelligent sensors identify the dirtiest dishes and the overall level of crime on your cookware.
This Bosch dishwasher ensures every load emerges spotlessly clean, leveraging its sophisticated technology to tackle even the toughest of stains on your cookware
★ Featured Bosch SHXM4AY55N Review:
“I have had this for four years now. It is so quiet, it is hard to know it is even running. It cleans really well. I couldn't be happier with it.”
Frigidaire 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Frigidaire 24" Built In Dishwasher
Frigidaire, a brand cherished by many American families, presents a dishwasher capable of accommodating up to 12 place settings for comprehensive cleaning.
Enhanced by three distinct spray arms at the base, this dishwasher by Frigidaire ensures a deeper cleaning experience, effectively removing food particles and stains to deliver impeccably clean dishes every cycle.
Its design and functionality reflect Frigidaire's commitment to quality and efficiency in home appliances.
★ Featured Frigidaire FFCD2418US Review:
“This dishwasher is very basic and inexpensive but has all the features we need. It is easy to load with just the right spacing within the two racks to fit dishes and glassware into.”
LG 24" PrintProof Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop LG 24" Built In Dishwasher
LG elevates the standard for kitchen appliances with its high-tech LG dishwasher, incorporating the innovative QuadWash® system.
This feature adds extra jets within the dishwasher drum, ensuring a comprehensive cleaning from all angles. Such advanced functionality underscores LG's reputation for delivering a superior deep cleaning experience for all your dishes.
★ Featured LG LDFN4542S Review:
“Replaced a 20+ year-old dishwasher with my new LG. Love the appearance and how quiet it is. Learning to use the third tray for silverware. It makes unloading so much easier!”
Samsung 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Samsung 24" Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Samsung enhances the dishwasher experience with its advanced technology, featuring the Zone Booster™ system in this dishwasher by Samsung.
It introduces an additional water stream on the lower left side, specifically targeting extra-greasy dishes placed in that zone to ensure they emerge spotlessly clean.
This innovation demonstrates Samsung's commitment to leveraging modern technology for a deeper, more effective cleaning process.
★ Featured Samsung DW80R9950US Review:
“I've had this dishwasher for one month now and can't get over how well it works. The dishes are coming out the cleaner, and the machine is so quiet while it's running, you have to stand right beside it to hear it.”
If you are ready to add a new dishwasher to your home, stop by Texas Appliance today. We have multiple locations in Fort Worth and Arlington and have been supporting the appliance needs of residents since the 1950s. Come see us today.
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FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about dishwashers.
Why is my dishwasher not shooting water?
If there is water in your dishwasher but it isn’t effectively washing your dishes, the issue could be with the circulation pump. This pump isn’t able to take the soapy water and shoot it through the drum. There could be a clog, or the pump could be defective.
Why does my dishwasher fill with water but not spray?
If you notice that your dishwasher has plenty of water inside but it’s not spraying your dishes, the issue could be with the circulation pump. The water isn’t being compressed and pushed through the spray arm at a high-pressure level. This means the dishwasher isn’t rinsing your dishes and instead is just letting the water flow.
Can a dishwasher circulation pump get clogged?
Yes. The circulation pump takes soapy water from the drum and pushes it through the spray arm. A food particle can clog this pump and prevent water from passing through. However, the pump itself can also break down over time. This could be the issue if you notice your dishwasher isn't spraying water.
Why Trust Texas Appliance?
With roots back to the 1950s, Texas Appliance is an established, locally owned and operated, residential major appliance retailer serving both residential and builders’ needs. Our 4 locations allow us to offer a full spectrum of appliances to meet your every need. With over 40 major quality brands, Texas Appliance has one of the largest displays of built-in and freestanding appliances in the state of Texas.
We will be the best appliance dealer in our markets by exceeding our customers' expectations in every way. We will treat our customers, vendors, and fellow employees with respect, honesty, integrity, and appreciation. The difference between a "Good" company and a "Great" company lies in its' employees' determination.
Shop Dishwasher at Texas Appliance
Stop by Texas Appliance’s Fort Worth Store and Outlet locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop for dishwashers online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best dishwasher for your kitchen — whether you call us at 817-299-2800, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.