Dishwasher parts

Josephine Cochrane made history when she created what went on to become the prototype of the modern dishwasher, which was unveiled at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Interestingly she had never washed dishes herself. Josephine was rich, the granddaughter of steamboat inventor John Fitch, and the only reason she came up with an idea of a dishwasher was because her maids kept chipping her china! Today dishwashers are ubiquitous in kitchens, but they are not always cheap, or even that easy to repair. However, while there are many repairs that you cannot do on your dishwasher, particularly electrical ones, there are a few that can save you money and hassle by doing yourself.

Finding the problem with your dishwasher

The first step if your dishwasher is not working is to check the plug and circuit breaker. If you are not a qualified electrician, any work on the electrics is best left to someone who is. Things like the timer, door switch and selector switch are often the first parts needing replacing. Also check things like the water intake to make sure it is operating with enough water.

Repairing your dishwasher

If you have established that parts do need to be replaced you may find in some instances that parts from several makers may be compatible. If the repair looks like it will be expensive you can also consider trying second hand parts. Just as there are wreckers for cars there are people who recycle dishwasher parts, and many that will give a guarantee that the part is in working order.

Visit the store that you purchased the dishwasher through, and ask who they recommend, if they don't stock the parts themselves. Often parts can be ordered and picked up from the store if they are not held there.

Problems that can be repaired by the home handyperson include:

• Broken heating element. Suspect this if your dishes don't dry. Can be replaced with any brand element
• Blocked drainage hose. Simply clean your hose manually or with a 'snake', not with a chemical cleaner
• Faulty door switch. Check this with an ohmmeter and buy the appropriate replacement part for your brand of dishwasher.
• A defective drying fan will cause slow or spotty drying. Again, buy the right brand for your dishwasher and replace

Dishwasher parts

Repairs such as a blocked drainage hose, faulty drying fan or heating element or broken door switch can be repaired, with parts sourced online or from your dishwasher retailer. Never, though, attempt any repair with the dishwasher's power on, and don't mess with the electrics. These tips should help you keep Josephine's handy invention working for you!