Problem: My dishwasher is not getting the dishes very clean and there is about two inches of water in the bottom of the tub. Can this be fixed or do I need a new dishwasher?
Answer: There are several things that could be wrong so letās cover them one at a time.
Most Dishwashers here in Sun City are General Electric brand. Typical is a GE NautilusĀ model #GSD3630FOOWW. The most common cause of this problem is the deterioration of the neoprene poppet on the end of the piston that diverts the flow of water to the pump. It is thus unable to eject the water to the drain and it collects on the bottom of the tub.
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 1/4″ hex head screws (see Fig. 1).
Figure 1
The only tool you will need is either a 1/4″ hex driver or a 1/4″ open end wrench. If you donāt have one, walk next door and borrow one. The piston assembly (Fig. 2)Ā 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 tellĀ them you need a WD24X10018 Piston Assembly, or you can order one on the internet. The cost is between $10 and $20, much cheaper than a new dishwasher.
Figure 2
The cause of the 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. To avoid this deterioration you can use a dishwasher detergent called Finish. It comes in little rectangular packets that fit nicely in a rectangular receptacle in the door.Ā The three little compartments of the capsule melt at different rates and your glasses will be streak free.
The second possible cause of this problem is a clogged drain hose. The drain hose leads from your dishwasher into the cabinet under the sink where it connects into the garbage disposer or directly into the drain for the other sink. To check if this hose is clogged disconnect it and point it into a pail. Run the dishwasher through a rinse cycle (on the control panel) and see if water is being drained. If so, this is not your problem. If there is no flow or if it is very slow you will need to clear the plug in the hose. This can be done with a wire like that from a wire coat hanger.
The third possible cause of the problem will be covered in the next issue of the Sun Day in Part II of this article.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
