How Dishwasher Sprays Work
In the wash cycle, water enters the dishwasher via the water inlet valve. The water pools in the bottom and heats up, and the heat activates the dishwasher detergent to create suds. A circulation pump intakes the soapy water and pushes it to the spray arms, and the spray arms spray the water onto the dishes at a high pressure.
After the (now dirty) water drains, the dishwasher starts a rinse cycle. The tub fills with water again, the pump sends the water to the spray arms, and the spray arms rinse the dishes clean. The rinse water drains and the dishwasher starts a heating cycle to dry the dishes.
Causes of Dishwasher Not Spraying Water
The spray arms are clogged and can't spray water. Your dishwasher's spray arms dispense the water through small holes. If these holes are blocked with food, plastic, or calcium deposits, the water won't be able to get through them.
The spray arms are broken. If the spray arms are cracked, for example, they may not spin properly and disperse the water evenly across the dishes.
The support tube that transports water to the spray arm is damaged. The support tube receives water from a water supply tube nozzle at the back of the dishwasher. If the spray arms are getting little to no water, the support tube might be leaking and need replacing.
The drain filter is clogged, causing blockages in the spray holes. The drain filter at the bottom of the dishwasher is supposed to separate the large food particles from the water before it drains. When the filter gets too dirty, the excess debris gets taken up into the spray arms and clogs the holes.
The water circulation pump is blocked and can't pump water. Sometimes food or plastic gets stuck in the impeller mechanism that forces the water into the spray arms, blocking the water's path. If this is the problem, you may hear the motor humming, but your dishes will still be dirty because the pump isn't circulating water through the spray arms.
The circulation pump motor no longer works. When this happens, the only thing you can do is replace the pump with a new, identical one. You also won't hear the motor humming, but you may hear the sound of the electric contacts clicking.
How to Fix Dishwasher Not Spraying Water
Remove the spray arms and clean the spray holes. Unscrew the upper and lower spray arms and soak them in warm soapy water. Use a toothpick to poke debris from the holes and a toothbrush to gently scrub off any remaining grime. Rinse the spray arms off, let them dry, and screw them back into place. Sometimes calcium deposits build up on spray arms. These are harder to remove than food. If soaking them in warm water alone doesn't help, try soaking them in a solution with equal parts white vinegar and water. If the spray arms are cracked or have broken pieces, replace them with new spray arms designed for your specific dishwasher model.
Examine the spray arm support tube for cracks or holes. If you find any, unscrew the spray arm and unclip the support tube from the rack. Replace the entire assembly with the one recommended by your dishwasher manufacturer in the manual.
Check if the drain filter is dirty. Locate the filter in the back and bottom of the dishwasher. Pull it out and soak it in warm, soapy water in the sink. Use a soft toothbrush to remove any stubborn debris. Rinse the soap off the filter until the water runs clear, let it dry, and then put it back in the dishwasher. If the filter looks damaged or moldy, throw it away and buy a replacement that fits your dishwasher model.
Remove the water circulation pump and assess the damage. First, unplug the dishwasher from the power source and shut off the water supply. Then detach the dishwasher from the counter and the floor and pull it out. Tip it onto its back so you can unplug and detach the pump. If the pump appears blocked but has no other obvious damage, remove the debris and reinstall it. If there's no blockage, but it looks black, broken, or worn down, replace it with an identical pump as recommended by the dishwasher manufacturer.
Cost to Repair Dishwasher Not Spraying Water
The cost to DIY repair a dishwasher that isn't spraying is $0-$120. The impact on your wallet depends on how bad the damage is and whether you need to replace any parts. Below is a breakdown of typical price ranges of dishwasher parts you may need to purchase. Spray Arms: $20-$30 Drain Filter: $10-$20 Circulation Pump: $30-$120
Hiring a professional to repair your dishwasher spray could cost $50-$300. Appliance repair technicians charge $60-$70 per hour. The more complicated the spray issue, the more time and parts the technician will require to fix it.
If the fix costs more than 50% of the dishwasher's value, replace it. The last thing you want to do is pour more money into a dishwasher than it would cost to purchase a new one. Dishwashers typically work for 10 years before they break down. If you've owned your dishwasher for that length of time or longer and it starts malfunctioning, you may save more money in the long run by replacing it with a new one.
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