Spare parts for dishwashers: types, where to look and how to choose good ones

Evgenia Kravchenko
Checked by a specialist: Evgenia Kravchenko
Author: Lydia Korzheva
Last update: June 2019

The dishwasher is so firmly included in everyday life that its breakdown can become a real disaster. To put it into operation as soon as possible, spare parts for dishwashers are required.

To purchase them, you need to know what applies to them and how to choose them.

Reasons to Search for Parts

Components of dishwashing equipment often turn out to be inoperative due to the instability of the characteristics of the electrical network, high water hardness, and improper handling of the unit by the user.

Which spare parts are needed can be determined independently based on some observations. There are troubles with water entering the working compartment or with a drain. In this case, the hose and filter are subject to revision. If these elements are in order, then there is a possibility of failure of the pump motor.

Dishwasher components
Parts of different models are different, but in general the structure of dishwashers of different companies and the principle of their work are similar. Therefore, the list of main spare parts for them is identical

Not always the issue of establishing the work of the dishwasher is solved by repair with the replacement of a node. If at the end of the process it turns out that the dishes are only partially washed, you need to check the filter of the sump - perhaps you just need to clean it. The reason for this may be a banal error when loading dishes. How to clean the dishwasher is described in detail in this stuff.

And if there are problems with the power supply, even a working machine does not turn on.

Large and expensive parts

Separate spare parts for dishwashers are quite expensive, but still their replacement will cost less than the purchase of new equipment. We will analyze in detail what applies to the main nodes.

The consequences of engine failure

The heart of the dishwasher, like any other similar mechanism, is the engine. Its task is to take and move the water supplemented with detergent through the spinning rocker arms. If the engine breaks down, the washing process will stop.

Inverter motor in the dishwasher
The inverter motor in the dishwasher controls the speed by converting the alternating current to direct and vice versa with the required frequency

Corresponds to the importance of this unit and its cost - this part is the most expensive.

The main causes of motor failure are:

  • excessively high voltage in the network;
  • wet bearings due to the ingress of water into them due to wear of the seal;
  • slipping foreign matter into the pump cavity.

Engines in cars can be of two types: collector and inverter. The first - collector - is an ordinary model with brushes, operating on alternating current. During its operation, a noise characteristic of friction is heard.

Digital inverter - inverter motor. It is installed on a new generation of dishwashers. It operates on direct current and is almost silent, as there are no brushes in it.

To avoid these malfunctions, it is necessary to periodically clean the circulation motor using special means.

Devices for heating water

This item is on all models of dishwashers. On some it is a flowing water heater, on others it is a heater in the form of a tube with a heating coil inside.

Flowing heaters have increased power and quickly warm water. Any of them is designed to warm water to the desired temperature. If this does not happen, you should check the operability of this element.

TEN for a dishwasher
To replace the heater, you need to remove it, then check for conductivity. To do this, disconnected wires are connected to a special device

It is installed at the bottom of the cell where the dishes are placed. Some models are equipped with sensors, then if they fail, the process is interrupted. A machine without a sensor will work even when the water remains cold.

Damage can be judged by the result - the dishes will not be very clean. A punched heater may cause an electric shock if it touches the body of the machine.

You can check the TEN for breakdown in this way:

  • disconnect it;
  • immerse in saline, but do not immerse wires;
  • Resistance should be measured between the electrode and the liquid.

If the device confirms the presence of conductivity, there is a breakdown. The reason for this may be water of increased hardness.

Dishwasher control board

The control module is responsible for the overall washing process. If the unit does not turn on or a program malfunction occurs, up to its complete failure, then most likely the reason is in it.

The malfunction of this element is indicated by the simultaneous lighting of all the lights on the panel, the inability to set the desired program.

Control module
The control module has the form of a motherboard in a case - plastic or metal. Here are the manipulators, indicators and display

If as a result of the diagnostics it turns out that the module is to be replaced, you need to purchase not a cheap unit, but a suitable one for a specific model. These parts are not interchangeable.

Responsible manufacturers equip the control modules of their dishwashers with several degrees of protection, so they fail very rarely.

Dishwasher protection
Well-known manufacturers equip the control modules of their dishwashers with several degrees of protection, so they fail very rarely

Even when visually the board seems completely identical, when installed on another model, it will not work. The machines of the old image are equipped with mechanical control modules. The list of spare parts for dishwashers includes individual switches, displays, timers.

Drain pump or pump

This element more often than others fails. The source of trouble may be a factory defect or voltage instability in the mains.

The pump can be overloaded if you neglect the recommendations in the instructions. Foreign objects can get into the pump.

Pump installation
Replacing the pump in the dishwasher is accompanied by a number of inconveniences due to limited internal space. Incorrect installation will lead to water leakage and more serious malfunctions

Replacement can be done independently, following the recommendations of the manufacturers. The pump is first disassembled, the fasteners, trays, baskets, filters are removed. After that, the side panels are dismantled, the faulty element is separated and a new one is installed.

Small car parts

In addition to the main ones, there are still many small parts for the dishwasher, in the event of a breakdown of which it will not fully function.

Drain and inlet hoses

Leak insurance covers quality hoses - drain and inlet. Manufacturers include them in the kit dishwasher.

Dishwasher hoses
Before connecting, the hoses should be checked for integrity. The instructions usually indicate whether leakage protection exists and what

There is a valve on the filler pipe. If it stops functioning, no water will enter the machine.

Aquastop hose - in fact, an ordinary pipe, but placed in a protective casing and having a special device. It in the event of an accident cuts off the flow of water into the unit. Triggering occurs if a leak or rush of hose appears.

The Aquastop system has different designs:

  • mechanical;
  • absorbent mechanical;
  • electromagnetic.

The first is quite rare - sometimes it can be found on budget models. Its basis is a valve and spring of a special design. The spring is triggered by a sharp change in fluid pressure, which occurs during a hydraulic shock or rupture of the pipe.

It closes the valve almost hermetically, which avoids flooding. Aquastop does not react to digging and fistulas of a mechanical type, which means it cannot completely protect the dishwasher.

More reliable is the absorbent mechanical system. Here in the tank there is a special absorbent, and the main structural elements are a spring and a plunger equipped with a valve. When the slightest leak occurs, water from the pipe enters the protective casing. As a result, the absorbent quickly absorbs it, expands and causes the spring to act with the plunger and the valve closes.

The disadvantage is that this valve is disposable. The absorbent that has become wet and has increased its volume hardens and after the valve is closed, neither it nor the entire hose can be reused.

Inlet hose with solenoid valve
Inlet hose device with electromagnetic valve. The pipe inlet is connected to the water tap by means of a nut. The tightness of the valve is ensured by filling it with a compound

Aquastop electromagnetic type has an electromagnetic valve. It can be one or two, located at the base of the pipe. From it, the power cable runs along the entire hose to the terminal block, then connects to the circuit diagram of the dishwasher.

When liquid enters the protective casing, it drains into a drip tray with an electromechanical device. It responds by completely cutting off the water supply. The operation of the system is evidenced by the disappearance of the fluid injection function, while the unit may produce a corresponding system error.

When the code is not issued, and the machine does not work, you need to check the pallet. If it is filled with water, then the protection has worked 100%, therefore the hose must be replaced. If the hoses are fastened properly, there will never be a return return of dirty water from the sewer.

When buying a spare part such as a drain hose, make sure that the length matches your conditions so that you do not have to lengthen it later. A hose that is too long is also not good - a length increased by more than 2 times causes an increase in the load on the pump.

In the case when an extension cord is still required, you will have to purchase another fitting and three clamps. Changing a faulty pipe, first remove the check valve and screws, then remove the sleeve.

Dish baskets and holders

Over time, holders of dishes and baskets may become unusable. The latter must be purchased with an eye to the model of the dishwasher. For different dishwashers, different types are used. You can replace it yourself.

The main types include the lower basket. It is used to place pans, pots, so it has a large volume. Make the lower basket of metal.

In the middle of the internal space of the unit have a basket under the plates. Since these devices are lighter, high-quality plastic is used to make trays. They can be advanced or delivered individually.

At the top they mount a small plastic tray for spoons and forks. Additional baskets for glasses are also produced. They have complex geometry, special connectors that provide reliable support for such fragile products.

Dishwasher baskets
When choosing baskets, you need to consider their properties and sizes. Well, when the upper basket has a height adjustment

Foldable plate holders are more preferred. They allow you to wash dishes of different sizes.

Filter system for dishwashers

Good quality cleaning elements extend the life of the main parts of the unit.

When buying a filter, you need to look at its type:

  • Phosphate filters are the cheapest. They delay only solid inclusions and can also form a protection inside the machine.
  • Magnetic stand one step higher, because in addition to solid, they also remove some harmful impurities. They are also more durable.
  • Complex the filter captures both bacteria and harmful substances. It makes water, washing utensils completely safe.

On sale can be both magnetic and phosphate, as well as complex products. Mount these devices near the tap that supplies water through the main pipe, then all the liquid entering the room is disinfected.

You can purchase an individual filter for the dishwasher and install it in front of the circulation pump.

Filter for dishwasher
Dishwasher filter marked with the Green Line. Designed for optimum pressure of 0.6 MPa. Volume 0.1 dm3. Reliably protects internal elements from scale and corrosion

Lockers for the PMM door

The dishwasher door must be securely locked during operation. To do this, use a special lock. If it breaks down, the program may not start, although the corresponding buttons signal that it is selected correctly. The lock in this case must be replaced.

Loading door lock
This loading door lock is equipped with a microswitch designed for a voltage of 250 V and a current of 16 A. For each model, you need to choose your own lock

There are electromagnetic and combined locking products. The spare part fails if the thermocouple is damaged or the electrical part malfunctions.

Accessories for dishwashers

In addition to spare parts, there are a large number of accessories for such kitchen appliances as dishwashers.

These include:

  • clamps for bottles and small items;
  • microfilters;
  • strips with which water is tested for stiffness;
  • deodorants, cleaning agents for the inner chamber;
  • trays for tall glasses;
  • facades on the door;
  • sprayer for washing baking sheets;
  • special inserts for knives.

The cleanser helps to keep the internal surfaces and the seal along the door contour in order, eliminating limescale and grease. If you apply it constantly, then unpleasant odors will not appear.

Glass holders
Glass holders hold them securely in the car. In wide dishwashers, you can install four such accessories at the same time, in narrow - only two

Siemens manufactures hooks for holding small kitchen utensils for its dishwashers. Fasten them to the ends of the upper basket.

Bottle holders are installed in the basket below. For some models of dishwashers, there are special inserts that hold the plates in the lower box.

We also recommend that you read our other article, where we talked in detail about how to independently perform dishwasher repair.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the flowing heater for some models of dishwashers in the video:

A detailed video tutorial on board repair is offered by a practicing master. True, to repeat his experience, certain skills and knowledge will be required:

We offer you to watch a video about replacing a drain hose in a dishwasher:

You can try to replace the door lock mechanism with your own hands. The nuances of this process are demonstrated in the video:

Video on self-replacement of failed dishwasher elements with new parts:

Spare parts for a failed dishwasher need to be purchased only original. There are many low-quality details, they will last very short. If the required item cannot be purchased, the marking should be deciphered - some parts may be interchangeable.

Have questions about the topic of the article? Or can you add material with interesting information regarding the selection of spare parts for dishwashers? Please leave your comments in the box below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Johnny boy

    I always try to buy parts for household appliances from an official manufacturer, either in a store at a service center (if any) or in a large specialized store. All other options seem very unreliable to me. I don’t want to buy a spare part that was banally pulled out of decommissioned equipment, and it is still unknown why that thing stopped serving. Maybe she completely swam in the water.

    • Expert
      Evgenia Kravchenko
      Expert

      No, in stores there are not many chances to run into a bad or already used part. Another thing is that the repairmen know where to buy much cheaper.

    • Boris

      On the one hand, I agree with you that it is best to buy original spare parts - this is a fact that has been repeatedly proven in practice. But there is a flip side to the coin, as they say - a good technique lasts for five, ten years, and even longer.

      Naturally, for a ten-year-old dishwasher, it will be very difficult to find not only the original, but in general a suitable part. In such cases, the search for dishwashers that sell for parts is just relevant.

      Agree, it's silly to buy a new dishwasher if you only need to replace a broken controller, for example. In such cases, and analogues can help out, so not everything is so simple.

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