A dishwasher is designed to wash multiple batches of glassware and crockery without much manual effort. These appliances are nothing less than a blessing, but they can sometimes run into problems like shaking or vibrating. In most cases, you do not need to panic especially if the shaking seems normal. But, if the dishwasher happens to shake violently, you should immediately turn it off and inspect it for any issues or call in an appliance repair expert. We will identify the potential reasons along with some troubleshooting tips to avoid shaking or vibrating issues in a dishwasher.
Foreign Objects
It is often the case that people tend to place dishware inside the dishwasher in a hurry without realizing they have forgotten to remove forks, spoons, or other utensils. These things can find their way deep inside the machine and rattle when it runs.
Sometimes, the utensils may rest without making any noise until a few days later. In such cases, the homeowners assume there is something wrong with the dishwashing unit. And, since the utensils are most probably going to end up at the bottom, access can be an issue.
In such a case, you should try to determine the type of the sound. If there is a loose or broken component, the machine should either stop working or struggle to. If that is not the case, it is most likely a foreign object that is making the noise. You can consult the user manual to access the area but not if you do not have the required tools.
You can easily end up damaging the parts and injuring yourself. It will be better to consult an expert and request them to fix the issue for you.
Clogged Drain Pump
Although dishwashers need to be cleaned on a frequent basis, especially the drain pump, most people completely ignore it or are too lazy to do it on their own. The drain pump is a simple component inside the dishwasher that helps drain dirty water.
With time, the drain pump, filters, and pipe might get clogged due to oil, food leftovers, and other remnants. This causes the drain pump and related components to choke. It could be a serious situation for the pump as it will work harder than usual to drain the dirty water.
In this case, you should make sure to shut down the machine and check the pump for any blockages. It will be a lot better if you are able to identify the blockage in its early stages. Otherwise, the drain pump might overheat and permanently malfunction.
Depending on the type and model of the dishwasher, the drain pump could be expensive. Other than that, you should also keep an eye on the drain lines and pipe. Clogging of these pipes can also result in the backing of the dirty water leading to complications so unclog the appliance.
Dishes Stacked Incorrectly
Dishes stacked incorrectly can also lead to the dishwasher shaking. Most people do not realize or are not familiar with the fact that dishwashers come with compartments. This means you should place different types of dishware in the compartments specified. If you were to overstack the dishwasher, it would result in the shaking of the dishwasher.
Not only that, the dishwasher will also struggle to properly wash and dry the dishes. In other words, you will be putting excess stress on the dishwasher. Therefore, if you have a load of dishware to clean, you should wash them in batches and load the dishwasher correctly. Do not attempt to hurry the process and place more dishware than you should.
Poor Installation
Although it is not that common, dishwashers can also shake abruptly whole operating if they are not installed properly or not correctly placed on a leveled surface. Sometimes, the angle might be so minor that it would be hard to notice. But, for a dishwasher to perform the washing cycle properly, it needs to be installed on a leveled floor.
If the machine is tilted to one side, the weight of the dishware, water, and cleaning agent will also shift to one side, causing the other side to slightly lift off the floor. Then again, you might think it is a problem with the machine but it is not. Plus, using a tilted dishwasher may damage it components so fixing this problem is important.
It could also be that your dishwasher started to vibrate all of a sudden after getting it serviced or maintained. To make sure the unit’s floor is level, you should use a scale.
How To Prevent Dishwasher Vibrations?
Dishwashers while running tend to produce a slight humming sound. While that is not something you should be concerned about, the worrying factor is when it starts to vibrate or makes other types of unusual sounds.
In most cases, people tend to ignore and wait for the problem to go away on its own.
This decision could lead to expensive repairs. Prevention is always better than cure and you should follow the same principle. A dishwasher making unusual noises or shaking all of a sudden is a sign there is a problem.
You should immediately stop the cycle or shut the unit down if the issue is extreme. A vibrating dishwasher can end up damaging its components, which could be costly. So, while your dishwasher is struggling to perform, you should work on its diagnosis and fix it.
The same is true for other appliances like your refrigerator. A noisy or shaking refrigerator should not be ignored so inspect it yourself or consider professional refrigerator repair Springfield.
Does Expert Maintenance Help?
Expert maintenance is the best way to ensure your dishware receives the care it deserves. Home electric appliances require minimal inspection and cleaning when compared to the other appliances in the house. Plus, expert dishwasher maintenance is not that expensive either unless you call them when there is a problem to fix.
Depending on your dishwasher usage, you should get it professionally cleaned and maintained at least twice a year. In the meantime, you should keep an eye out for unusual signs & symptoms. Professional maintenance goes deep inside the unit and fixes and prevents problems that could occur in the future. This is a great investment for you to keep your problems at bay.
On the contrary, people think professional maintenance is just an expense and they can perform maintenance on their own. Modern dishwashers are technologically advanced and packed with features and options that are both sensitive and delicate.
Experimenting with such machines can result in malfunctions that could be expensive to fix. This is why you need professionals to work on your machine and not amateurs who add fuel to the fire.
Conclusion
A shaking dishwasher is not a big issue if you inspect and detect the problem in its initial stages. In most cases, it comes out to be a minor problem. But that does not mean you should take it lightly. You should follow the tips mentioned above to avoid such issues in the future and consult a dishwasher repair Northern VA company if the issue doesn’t go away after trying out these tips. A dishwasher taken for granted will pose a lot more problems than offering convenience.
