Dishwasher Parts GuideThe main parts of a modern dishwasher are actually fairly few, simple and common across all brands and models. Due to their simplicity, dishwashers are generally very reliable and, in the cases when dishwashers do go wrong, troubleshooting is a simple process which you can do yourself before having to consider repair or replacement of parts with a dishwasher spare. Below is an explanation of the major components and their functions.
Intake Valve Water from the mains enters the dishwasher through the intake valve. The water is not actually pumped in, but is forced through purely through the pressure of the water mains supply. The intake valve is one of the most common components in a dishwasher to fail and if it is broken will not allow adequete amounts of water into the dishwasher at a suitable pressure. Heating Element The heating element heats and maintains the temperature of the water in the dishwasher. Some dishwashers recieve hot water from the mains and the element keeps it at the required temperature. Most models however are connected to the cold water supply and the element heats it from cold. The heating element is an important component as dishwashing at below the required temperature will not clean the dishes sufficiently and the detergent will not dissolve correctly. Filters and Drainage The filter in the base of the dishwasher is there to keep dirt and food away from the dishwasher's pump and motor. A blocked filter is a common cause for a dishwasher not draining properly and is one of the first things you should check if you are having problems - simply removing and cleaning the filters can improve performance and should be done regularly as part of routine dishwasher maintenance even if your dishwasher is operating normally! |