Dishwasher repair in Stafford, VA
Standing water, dirty dishes or a leak under the door. We find the fault and get it cleaning again.
Swift and Reliable
Straight answers
Most dishwasher problems come down to water: it isn’t getting in, it isn’t getting out, or it’s ending up on the floor. The parts behind those failures are well known, including drain pumps, inlet valves, float switches, door gaskets and the filter most people don’t know is there.
We repair built-in dishwashers, from basic models to ones with third racks and hidden top controls. We’ll run a cycle, test the parts and explain what failed in plain terms.
If your dishwasher is older and the fix is a big one, we’ll tell you that too.
Book a dishwasher repair
- Arrival windowWe text when we're 30 minutes out.
- A price before any work startsYou decide whether to go ahead.
Common problems
What goes wrong with a dishwasher, and what we check
-
Dishwasher won't drain
What we check
We clear the filter and sump, check the drain hose and the air gap, and test the drain pump. On new installs we check that the disposal's knockout plug was removed.
-
Dishes come out dirty
What we check
We check the spray arms for clogged holes, the wash motor and the filter. A weak inlet valve that underfills the tub, or water that isn't hot enough, also causes poor results.
-
Leaking from under the door
What we check
We inspect the door gasket, the hinges and whether the unit is level, and check the spray arms for cracks. Regular dish soap in place of dishwasher detergent can also cause suds that push past the seal.
-
Dishwasher won't start
What we check
We check the door latch and switch, the thermal fuse, the control board and the power supply under the sink. A failed latch switch is one of the most common causes.
-
Dishes don't dry
What we check
We test the heating element and high-limit thermostat, or the drying fan on models that have one. On condensation-dry models, rinse aid makes a big difference.
-
Humming but no water comes in
What we check
We test the water inlet valve and check that the supply valve under the sink is fully open. A float switch stuck in the up position will also stop the fill.
Straight answers
Is it worth fixing?
A dishwasher typically lasts about 9 to 12 years. Drain pumps, inlet valves, latches, heating elements and gaskets are routine repairs and usually worth doing.
A failed control board or wash motor on an older machine, or a cracked tub, is where the math changes. If the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new dishwasher, or it’s near the end of its typical life, replacing it usually makes more sense. Rust inside the tub or a rusted-through base is also a sign it’s time.
Brands we service
- Bosch
- Electrolux
- Frigidaire
- GE
- Kenmore
- KitchenAid
- LG
- Maytag
- Samsung
- Whirlpool
Don't see yours? Tell us the make and model when you book and we'll confirm before we come out.
How a visit works
From booking to a working dishwasher
-
Book
Pick a time online or call. You get an arrival window and a text when we are 30 minutes out.
-
Diagnose
We test the appliance, find what failed and give you a price before any work starts.
-
Fix
We repair it on the spot when we have the part. If it has to be ordered, we tell you when we will be back.
-
Covered by warranty
The parts we fit and the work we do are covered by our warranty.
Before we arrivePlease unload the dishwasher before we arrive and clear the cabinet under the sink so we can reach the water supply and drain connections. If there's standing water in the tub, you can leave it for us.
What it costsYou'll get a price for the repair before any work starts.
FAQ
Dishwasher repair questions
Still have a question? Call (540) 922-7111
Is it normal to have water left in the bottom?
A small amount, yes. Most dishwashers keep a little water in the sump under the filter so the seals don’t dry out.
If water sits above the filter or covers the floor of the tub, the drain is blocked or the pump isn’t working.
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Many newer dishwashers use a manual filter that needs rinsing about once a month, more often if you don’t scrape plates. It usually twists out of the floor of the tub, under the lower spray arm.
A clogged filter is behind a lot of dirty-dish and slow-drain problems. Rinse it under the tap with a soft brush, and skip wire brushes, which can tear the mesh.
Why does my dishwasher smell?
Food trapped in the filter, sump or drain hose is the usual cause. Clean the filter, wipe the edges of the door gasket, and run a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner.
If the smell comes back quickly, the drain hose may be missing its high loop under the counter, which lets sink water flow back into the tub. That’s a simple fix.
Related repairs
We fix these too
Garbage disposal repair
Humming, jammed, leaking or draining slowly. We find the cause and get the sink working again.
Trash compactor repair
Won't run, won't compact or the drawer is stuck. Built-in and freestanding compactors.
Refrigerator repair
Not cooling, leaking or icing up. We find the cause and keep your food safe.
Something stopped working? We'll take a look.
Book online in a couple of minutes, or call and speak to the team.