A functioning dishwasher is an important part of any home. Unfortunately, dishwashers don’t last forever. The average life of a dishwasher is around 10 years, but if notice that your dishwasher isn’t living up to its potential, then it may be time to consider getting a replacement. Here are a few helpful tips on how you can tell if your dishwasher is due for an upgrade.
Rust
A common sign that you need to replace your dishwasher is rust. If you see that the racks are rusty, then more than likely the protective coating is becoming old and isn’t functioning as it should. The rust can and will damage plates and kitchen items when the dishwasher is being used. While there are ways to temporarily fix this issue, you will find that the rust will continue to come back.
Low Temperature
Heat is a vital part of the dishwasher cycle to disinfect and sanitize the items inside. As the dishwasher gets older, you may notice that the dishes are not coming out as hot or as clean. This is a big red flag that something is wrong with the dishwasher. Heat is an important part of drying your dishes, as well as killing bacteria on the dishes, utensils and other items you place within it. If you notice residue on your plates and utensils, wash them by hand with hot water before you use them, as they could be harboring germs and other bacteria.
Leaks
If your dishwasher is leaking, it’s important that you get a repair or replace the unit immediately. A leak means there could be the result of a crack in the pipes, or a crack within the unit, which will only get worse over time. If you continue to use a dishwasher that is leaking, you run the risk of damaging your floors, walls, and could potentially cause standing water to form resulting in black mold in and around your unit.
Door and Lock Damage
The door and lock to the dishwasher play the very important part of keeping the water inside from leaking into your home. If there is visible damage to your dishwasher’s door/locking mechanism, then you should consider replacing the unit. Failing to do so may cause the dishwasher not to run, as well as increasing your risk for standing water around your unit.
Tips
If you want to extend the life of your dishwasher, then you should be regularly cleaning left over food or residue from the dishwasher after it is emptied. Build up of leftover residue can damage and shorten the life of the dishwasher. Additionally, remember that some items are best cleaned by hand, including pots and pans. If you recognize any of these problems with your dishwasher, you can always call a professional to help replace or repair your dishwasher. If you have any questions regarding your dishwasher’s lifespan, a potential replacement, or just have a general question pertaining to your unit; give us a call today!
