The spray arms in a dishwasher are crucial for effectively cleaning dishes. They spin and spray water and detergent throughout the dishwasher, ensuring all dishes are cleaned. If the spray arms are not functioning properly, the dishes may not be cleaned effectively.
Caution: Please read our safety information before attempting any testing or repairs.
Important Safety Notice: Before checking the spray arms, unplug the dishwasher or shut off the power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid an electrical shock hazard.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Screwdriver (if necessary)
- Warm water
- Cleaning brush or toothpick (for cleaning spray holes)
Steps to Check the Spray Arms
Step 1: Safety First
- Turn Off Power: Ensure that the dishwasher is unplugged or the circuit breaker is turned off to prevent any electrical shock.
Step 2: Access the Bottom Spray Arm
- Remove the Bottom Dish Rack: Slide out and remove the bottom dish rack to gain clear access to the bottom spray arm.
- Spin the Spray Arm: Reach in and spin the bottom spray arm. It should spin freely without any resistance.
- Check for Play: Lift the spray arm from the end. There should be some play in the arm, allowing you to wobble it up and down slightly.
Step 3: Inspect for Damage
- Check Seams: Inspect the seams of the spray arm for any splits or cracks. If water sprays out of a seam, the dishes will not receive an adequate spray for proper cleaning, and it may cause leakage.
- Check the Spray Tower (if applicable): If your dishwasher has a spray tower, pull up the center part of it as far as it will extend and let it drop. It should lift and drop smoothly. Unscrew the tower by hand to inspect the interior for any foreign objects that might clog it.
Step 4: Access the Upper Spray Arm
- Remove the Upper Dish Rack (if necessary): Slide out and remove the upper dish rack to access the upper spray arm.
- Repeat Checks for Upper Spray Arm: Spin the upper spray arm to ensure it spins freely. Lift the spray arm slightly to check for play. The upper arm may not have as much wobble as the lower arm.
Step 5: Inspect the Water Supply Tube
- Check Alignment: Ensure that the upper dish rack is properly aligned with the water supply tube when pushed all the way back. The water source for the upper spray arm on some dishwashers may be through a tube that mates with the spray arm.
Step 6: Remove and Clean the Spray Arms (if necessary)
- Remove the Spray Arm: If the spray arm needs to be removed for cleaning or replacement, unscrew the spray tower (if any) by hand. Remove the bolt (if any) in the center of the spray arm. Otherwise, lift and rock the spray arm until it comes off. Keep any washers in the same order as they are removed.
- Clean the Spray Arm: Soak the spray arm in warm water and rinse with a vigorous spray. Use a cleaning brush or toothpick to clean out any debris from the spray holes.
Step 7: Reassemble and Test
- Reattach the Spray Arm: Reattach the spray arm by securing any bolts and washers in the same order as they were removed.
- Replace the Dish Racks: Slide the upper and lower dish racks back into place.
- Restore Power: Turn the power back on at the fuse box or breaker panel.
- Run a Test Cycle: Run a short test cycle to ensure the spray arms are functioning properly and the dishes are being cleaned effectively.
Tips and Warnings
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and clean the spray arms to ensure they function properly and to prevent clogs.
- Use Genuine Parts: If any part of the spray arm needs to be replaced, use genuine replacement parts for optimal performance and longevity.
- Consult the Manual: Always refer to your dishwasher’s user manual for specific instructions related to your model.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about any step or if the problem persists, consider seeking help from a professional technician.
By following these steps, you can effectively check and ensure the proper functioning of the spray arms in your dishwasher, ensuring your dishes are cleaned thoroughly. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will help keep your dishwasher running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
