If your dishwasher is not starting, it could be because the machine cannot fill with water or drain fully.
At the start of every cycle, your dishwasher will drain any standing water from the previous program before starting to fill itself with fresh water. If it cannot do this, it will not start.
While this is a common cause, there are various other issues that can be causing your dishwasher not to start.
Signs Your Dishwasher Is Not Starting Properly
If your dishwasher is not starting properly, one of the most obvious signs of a fault would be that nothing happens when you press the start button.
However, it can be a bit more nuanced than that!
If your dishwasher still has power, that is a good sign. You may notice the lights come on as normal but it just won’t start the cycle or progress it. On the other hand, if your dishwasher has no power whatsoever, it can indicate a faulty plug or socket.
In the next section we will dig deeper into possible causes with solutions. We recommend reading on!
Common Causes & Solutions
Let’s discuss the most common causes which can make your dishwasher not to start properly.
We will also offer solutions with each cause.
As always, if you’re planning on carrying out any of our recommendations yourself, ensure you remain safe at all times. If you are not sure on how to do something, consult a professional.
1 > Power supply problem. One of the most basic but common reasons your dishwasher may not start is due to a problem with the power supply. This could be a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or the dishwasher being accidentally unplugged. We recommend checking that the appliance is receiving power correctly by inspecting the plug and socket for visible damage. You can try plugging another device into the socket to confirm it is working. Due to the nature of this cause, if you’re unsure, we strongly recommend contacting a professional.
2 > Door not closed properly. If the door on your dishwasher is not closed properly, it will trigger a safety switch which will stop the chosen cycle from starting. Ensure that the door is closed at all times during the cycle. If your door cannot stay closed, it may mean your door latch has failed. Note that sometimes, the door may close normally but, this does not necessarily mean the door latch is working properly.
3 > Water supply problems. If your dishwasher is not able to fill with water, it will also not start properly. Ensure that the inlet hose is not kinked or damaged. The inlet hose is located at the rear of the appliance. If you have an integrated appliance, this may not be easily accessible and we would recommend calling a professional to assist.
4 > Drainage problem. If there is standing water at the base of your dishwasher, it may be the result of a drainage problem. This can be caused due to a blockage, faulty drain pump or a damaged waste hose. You should inspect the filter for any blockages. You can also inspect the waste hose at the rear for any visible damage.
5 > Faulty start button. If your start button is faulty, it may appear loose. If this is the case, it will require replacement. You will often have to replace the entire front fascia panel as the start button is not usually sold separately. This is not usually expensive but, you should contact a professional so that they can give you a quote.
6 > Electrical fault within the dishwasher. In rare cases, this can cause the dishwasher not to start. It could be a faulty PCB or a wiring issue that is causing your dishwasher not to start properly. If you suspect that this is causing the problem, we recommend calling a professional to help you diagnose and repair efficiently.
When should you call a professional?
While we recommend carrying out some basic checks by yourself, if you are unsure at any point on what to do next, we would suggest calling a professional service centre.
They will help diagnose quickly and repair the problem effectively.
Is it worth repairing a dishwasher that won't start?
More often than not, yes, it would be worth repairing. This would of course depend on the exact cause but, usually, a dishwasher which does not start is not caused by anything major.
If needed, you can give us a call. We offer free advice over the phone and can help guide you in the right direction.
How do I reset my dishwasher?
The reset method would vary depending on the manufacturer. In most cases, turning the dishwasher off at the mains for a few minutes may reset the controls.
Conclusion
In this article we have covered the signs your dishwasher may not be starting. We have also explained several possible causes with solutions.
If you are still not sure on what to do next, please give us a call. We offer free advice over the phone and will be happy to help guide you in the right direction.