Dishwasher Won't Start or Is Noisy

What usually causes it

• Door latch and switch. The dishwasher will not run unless the latch confirms the door is closed.
• Control lock or delay start. A child lock or a delay setting can look like a dead dishwasher.
• Power. A tripped breaker, GFCI or disposal-side switch cuts power.
• Control board and touchpads. Failed keypads or boards stop the cycle from starting.
• Debris in the wash or drain pump. Glass, bones and seeds grind and rattle in the pumps.
• Spray arms hitting dishes. Tall items or a loose rack let the arm knock as it turns.
• Wash motor bearings. A loud hum or growl through the whole wash points to motor wear.

Dishwasher not starting

A dishwasher that will not start may have a door latch problem, a control lock turned on, or no power from the breaker or switch.

Check first: Check the child or control lock and make sure the door latches firmly.

Dishwasher making noise

Grinding or rattling often means debris in the pump or a spray arm hitting a tall item.

Check first: Check the filter and pump area for glass or seeds, and make sure the arms clear the racks.

Safe checks you can do

• Check for a lock or delay indicator on the control panel.
• Make sure the door latch clicks firmly.
• Check the breaker, the GFCI, and any wall switch that feeds the dishwasher.
• Clean the filter and check the sump for glass or bones.
• Spin the spray arms by hand after loading.

Parts that fail most often

• Door latches and switches fail with daily use.
• Drain pumps pick up glass and seeds.

How your home affects it

In older homes

Older homes in the Houston area often have smaller kitchens and laundry closets built for smaller appliances, older wiring, and shut-off valves that have not been turned in years. Older sink drains and disposals are often the real reason a dishwasher will not drain.

In new construction

Newer homes in the Houston area usually come with builder-grade appliances, and many early problems are installation issues rather than failed parts. A disposal knockout plug that was never removed or a kinked drain hose is a classic new-home dishwasher problem.

In apartments and condos

In apartments, condos and townhomes around the Houston area, space is tight and the building often has its own rules for access, parking and shut-off valves. The dishwasher and sink often share a drain, so check the sink first.

In garages

Plenty of homes in the Houston area keep a second fridge, a freezer or the laundry in the garage, where summer heat regularly passes 100°F. Hard water and heat both take a toll on outdoor and garage sinks and dishwashers.

During storm season

Storm season around the Houston area brings power outages, surges and sometimes flooding, and appliances often show problems right after the lights come back on. A dishwasher that sat in water needs its pump and controls checked before use.

When to call for repair

• The dishwasher has power and no lock is set but still will not start.
• Grinding continues after cleaning the filter and sump.
• The breaker trips when the dishwasher runs.

If water is leaking near the electrical connection under the dishwasher, turn off the breaker before cleaning up.

Need help? We do dishwasher repair across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.

Common questions