Several Woodchucks have reported lately that their dishwashers have not been getting the dishes clean, and there is water on the floor inside the dishwasher that does not drain properly.
Most dishwashers here in Del Webb are General Electric brand. Typical is a GE Nautilus model # GSD3630FOOWW.
The first sign of a problem starts like this. “Honey, the dishes are not getting clean; we need a new dishwasher.”
One week later: “Honey, I thought we were going to talk about the dishwasher; the dishes are still not getting clean.” The first piece of advice here is to not answer, “I thought I married one.”
Two weeks later: “Hey, you, there is water in the bottom of the dishwasher tub.” This problem is not going away by itself, so you need to get out the flashlight and troubleshoot the @#%$& thing. You find out the water is pooling in the bottom of the tub. This is probably why the dishes are not getting clean and explains why she has been giving you all the dirty dishes to use. What is happening is the water gets cold, and the dishwasher is reusing the cold, dirty water over and over again.
The cause of the whole problem is that the very strong detergents used in dishwashers cause the neoprene poppet on the end of the “piston” that diverts the flow of water to the pump to deteriorate and fail. It is thus unable to eject the water to the drain.
Fig. 1: Plastic framed screen removal.
The fix will take you about 15 minutes. The “piston” in question is in the back of the cabinet, under a plastic-framed stainless steel screen that is held in place by four ¼” hex head screws (see Fig. 1). The only tool you will need is either a ¼” hex driver or a ¼” open end wrench. If you don’t have one, walk next door and borrow one. The piston assembly (Fig. 2) can be removed by unscrewing it counter-clockwise with your thumb and first finger. Take it to Gulgrens on Route #176 in Crystal Lake and tell Steve you need a WD24X10018 Piston Assembly. (He will think you are a pro at appliance repair.)
Fig. 2: Piston Assembly.
Gulgrens even has a 10% discount coupon in one of the phone books. (That’s when he will know you are from Del Webb.) The piston only costs $15.95. After tax and with your discount, it costs $15.46; lots better than buying a new dishwasher. After replacing this piston, you will be surprised at how clean the dishes are.
Another tip from Steve is to consider using a dishwasher detergent called Finish. Steve told me about it, and it does a great job. It comes in little rectangular packets that fit nicely in a rectangular receptacle in the door. Steve explained that the three little compartments of the capsule melt at different rates, and your glasses will be streak free. He was right; they are very clean and steak free.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions aboutmaintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.
