“Do plumbers fix dishwashers” you may asked? You will probably try to see if you can fix it yourself.
Google will be your best friend for a few hours until you give up and realize you’re no expert in repairing appliances. But you’ll probably try to find a way around calling a professional because that means paying out-of-pocket.
You don’t need to get scared of broken appliances if you have a home warranty. The warranty offers coverage to service calls. Plus, it will also shoulder a portion of the costs of fixing the appliances. Some may even offer to replace it, though at a lower price than you would’ve liked to get. Before buying a home warranty, check the top providers in your area. Ask for quotations and study each option well.
But Do Plumbers Fix Dishwashers At All?
It might sound practical to call the plumber once the dishwasher breaks down. After all, this has something to do with plumbing, right? The dishwasher is connected to the water pipes, and that’s where the leakage may be coming from. There was a time when plumbers were generalists. This means they can fix everything — from leaky water heater to burst pipes to toilets that won’t flush. They may even know how to install a dishwasher or any appliance that connects to the water pipes.
However, technology further defined the plumber’s roles. They do not fix faucets and install appliances anymore. A plumbing technician can work on the faucet and sink while appliance installers take care of the dishwasher and clothes washer. The technician does not install appliances, and the installers do not provide drainage and sanitation services
So, which of these two kinds of plumbers should you call for a broken dishwasher? The answer is none. You need not call any plumber if you already have a home warranty. When something breaks in the house, the first thing you need to do is check if the warranty covers it. After confirming that the dishwasher is covered, you can call the home warranty company.
What Happens During the Claims Process?
The warranty company’s agent will ask about the gist of the problem. You should try to be as detailed as possible. Insist that the warranty covers the dishwasher if that is what the contract says. Some agents will try to wiggle their way out of providing you the coverage you need. This is why you should choose the warranty company wisely.
They will schedule a service call. Who the company sends to your home will depend on who they have accredited in your area. Again, check the accredited service providers before signing any agreement. Make sure that you are present during the service call. You need to explain the problem to the technician. Also, you can negotiate why your dishwasher should be covered by their repair and replacement.
Is the company going to send a plumber to look into the dishwasher? It will if the agent thinks that the problem is with the plumbing connection. If there is a leakage or flood on your kitchen floor, the problem might not be with the appliance itself but the water pipes that connect to it.
Most of the time, the plumber can do simple appliance fixes. After working on so many appliances in the past, they develop skills in diagnosing and fixing some of the common problems in household appliances. However, make sure that they are licensed to do that and that the warranty company will still cover the repairs if they do.
Common Dishwasher Problems
Most common dishwasher issues are easy for the technicians to fix. In fact, one look, and they’ll give you a diagnosis, as well as how to better maintain the appliance. Here are the known dishwasher problems:
Leaky Water Connection Hose
The connection between the water supply hose and the dishwasher can leak because of incompatibility. This is easy to fix since all you need is a more compatible drain house. If that is not the problem, maybe there’s a problem with the hose that does not drain the dishwasher effectively. A clogged hose or pipe could be the answer.
Broken Door Latch
Two screws hold the door latch of the dishwasher. When these screws become loose, the door won’t budge. You cannot use the dishwasher. A quick and straightforward solution is to replace those two loose screws and make sure they’re tightly screwed.
Detergent Dispenser Door
Another common problem is the detergent dispenser door. It opens and closes using a magnet or spring. The dishwasher cannot work correctly if it does not dispense soap. Any technician will quickly detect if this is the problem. All they need to do is realign the spring or magnet. They may even advise replacing it.
The Takeaway
First, get a home warranty because it protects your most important household appliances. Second, make sure to call the company if something breaks in your house. Don’t take matters into your own hands. You should not be intimidated by broken appliances if you already have a warranty. While a plumber sometimes has the experience to fix a dishwasher, they are not the best people for the job.
Michael Davis is a heating & plumbing expert who currently works as independent contractor in SC. He also writes for Plumbertip.
For almost 10 years he worked on various plumbing tasks across South Carolina.
