Im an apartment maintenance coordinator and the aappliances from the 80's outlast the newer appliances by a bunch. And they are easier to fix. I would repair the old one if it were me.
putting money into an 11 year old dishwasher.
- Thread starter JustinH
- Start date
- Status
I found out not to long ago, I was loading dishes wrong in the dishwasher. My dispenser cup was not opening during the cycle and would stay closed or open half way. I was putting the big plates and big pans in front of the dispenser cup and blocking it from opening. I know how dumb! I thought I needed a new timer or something. check GE youtue video and see if it's a quick fix. who knows it might work
I would just fix the $20 wax motor. I use cascade with phosphates to get my dishes clean bought online. I read years ago it was banned for home use, dishes came out with spots. people freaked and bought new dishwashers and still had the same problem. came to find out, epa banned phosphates in dishwasher detergent causing the spots. only ones who can get it, restaurants they need clean looking dishes.
I would just fix the $20 wax motor. I use cascade with phosphates to get my dishes clean bought online. I read years ago it was banned for home use, dishes came out with spots. people freaked and bought new dishwashers and still had the same problem. came to find out, epa banned phosphates in dishwasher detergent causing the spots. only ones who can get it, restaurants they need clean looking dishes.
Last edited:
If you like your current dishwasher then there it makes sense to toss cheap parts at it. Buying a new cheap dishwasher buys you a few years before you are tossing new parts at it.
If you don't like the current washer then replacing it makes sense.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
It was my understanding that the pre-wash used one "side" of the detergent doohickey and the main wash somehow popped that open via water pressure. You say it's a wax thing? Maybe like a car thermostat, hot water does it? Interesting.
One thing to beware of, is new dishwashers just steam the food off and take forever. Mine has an hour, 40 minutes cycle. Saves energy.
The wax switch does work like a car thermostat except it uses an electric heater. I've replaced them before.
If you don't like the current washer then replacing it makes sense.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
It was my understanding that the pre-wash used one "side" of the detergent doohickey and the main wash somehow popped that open via water pressure. You say it's a wax thing? Maybe like a car thermostat, hot water does it? Interesting.
One thing to beware of, is new dishwashers just steam the food off and take forever. Mine has an hour, 40 minutes cycle. Saves energy.
The wax switch does work like a car thermostat except it uses an electric heater. I've replaced them before.
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2013
- Messages
- 3,075
One half teaspoon of trisodium phosphate, from the Home Depor / Lowes paint department, will replace that missing phosphate the EPA ordered removed...
Another appliance the GOVERNMENT has ruined...
If I had a 11 year old dishwasher and it worked well, I WOULD REPAIR IT.
IF IT WORKED WELL.
Same for washing machines... water cleans, and the EPA wants you to use less of it!!!
Water is the most recyclable [censored] thing on this planet!
If I had a 11 year old dishwasher and it worked well, I WOULD REPAIR IT.
IF IT WORKED WELL.
Same for washing machines... water cleans, and the EPA wants you to use less of it!!!
Water is the most recyclable [censored] thing on this planet!
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: mattwithcats
One half teaspoon of trisodium phosphate, from the Home Depor / Lowes paint department, will replace that missing phosphate the EPA ordered removed...
Is this related to the OP's issue?
It actually wasn't the EPA. Several states banned it and then the companies decided to remove it themselves.
Also, there's no need to add anything. Just buy a detergent that works. Some companies botched the transition. Others didn't. There are brands at various price points that work very well.
Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
Another appliance the GOVERNMENT has ruined...
If I had a 11 year old dishwasher and it worked well, I WOULD REPAIR IT.
IF IT WORKED WELL.
Same for washing machines... water cleans, and the EPA wants you to use less of it!!!
Water is the most recyclable [censored] thing on this planet!
Many modern dishwashers perform very well. I'm not sure this is a case where older is better.
One half teaspoon of trisodium phosphate, from the Home Depor / Lowes paint department, will replace that missing phosphate the EPA ordered removed...
Is this related to the OP's issue?
It actually wasn't the EPA. Several states banned it and then the companies decided to remove it themselves.
Also, there's no need to add anything. Just buy a detergent that works. Some companies botched the transition. Others didn't. There are brands at various price points that work very well.
Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
Another appliance the GOVERNMENT has ruined...
If I had a 11 year old dishwasher and it worked well, I WOULD REPAIR IT.
IF IT WORKED WELL.
Same for washing machines... water cleans, and the EPA wants you to use less of it!!!
Water is the most recyclable [censored] thing on this planet!
Many modern dishwashers perform very well. I'm not sure this is a case where older is better.
I'd buy the $20 part and fix it. Or use the tabs. Thing may run for another ten years.
Originally Posted By: mattwithcats
One half teaspoon of trisodium phosphate, from the Home Depor / Lowes paint department, will replace that missing phosphate the EPA ordered removed...
TSP IS NOT the right stuff. Sodium tripolyphosphate is what you need.
Originally Posted By: mattwithcats
One half teaspoon of trisodium phosphate, from the Home Depor / Lowes paint department, will replace that missing phosphate the EPA ordered removed...
TSP IS NOT the right stuff. Sodium tripolyphosphate is what you need.
As an aside, I'm amazed at the number of stories about the kitchen appliances like this these days. Not only is it really expensive, under the hood, where most people would never venture, it's poorly made to a price-point. My stuff is all decades + old and rarely breaks. My DW is also a Whirlpool, built in the mid-90's.
It's got to be very, very frustrating for the HO's.
It's got to be very, very frustrating for the HO's.
11 years old? Get a new one. They go on sale around the holidays all year long. I have a stainless (inside)$1700 GE Monogram I bought on ebay still in the crate for $500.
You have time to shop until it dies 100%....start looking. You'll get the best deal on ones at Lowes or Home depot that are missing parts. I got a $500 Whirlpool one for my other home at Lowes for $150. Then called the 1-800 number and Whirlpool customer service sent me the parts for free. Took two weeks.
You have time to shop until it dies 100%....start looking. You'll get the best deal on ones at Lowes or Home depot that are missing parts. I got a $500 Whirlpool one for my other home at Lowes for $150. Then called the 1-800 number and Whirlpool customer service sent me the parts for free. Took two weeks.
I replaced the pump motor in my dishwasher about 2 years ago. A little over $100 off of Amazon. Could have got a cheap dishwasher for $350 but it made sense to me to fix my old one since it's stainless inside and out. You always run the risk of something else going out on old appliances but it's worked out for me so far.
The detergent dispenser door quit working in my dishwasher over a year ago. I now just put the powdered soap in the same compartment & leave the door open. Dishwasher works as well as it ever did. No need to overthink this little problem.
Personally I'd stay away from Kenmore. They are NOT built at all like they used to be. I bought a new Kenmore dishwasher a couple of years ago. It lasted 6 months. Motor went bad, and when I called Sears to get it repaired I had nothing but trouble. After 2 months of "technicians" not showing up, or phone calls not being returned I junked it and bought a Maytag. The Maytag works perfectly, cleans the dishes very well and uses less electricity.
FWIW - I do have a close family member employed by Sears! I've tried to buy many things from Sears to support the company (and her job) but it just hasn't been worth it.
FWIW - I do have a close family member employed by Sears! I've tried to buy many things from Sears to support the company (and her job) but it just hasn't been worth it.
1988 Maytag DW still works fine. I did have to replace the door gasket a few years ago, as it became too stiff to seal the water in. That cost me $50 for the seal.
I would repair what you have now.
I would repair what you have now.
You can DIY. That's a huge advantage, and changes the recommendation.
A new wax 'motor' might cost only $10, shipping included, on FleaBay. Replacing it takes much less time than installing a new dishwasher, especially if you consider you are likely to have minor fit and finish problems that will take extra time. (A professional install will just ignore gaps and an uneven fit, unless you pay top dollar.)
The reason to replace a dishwasher rather than fix it is when the liner cracks, the frame or door is rusting or the racks have a problem ($$$). If you are cheap, buy a replacement that has inexpensive part common across the whole product line rather than lowest upfront cost.
A new wax 'motor' might cost only $10, shipping included, on FleaBay. Replacing it takes much less time than installing a new dishwasher, especially if you consider you are likely to have minor fit and finish problems that will take extra time. (A professional install will just ignore gaps and an uneven fit, unless you pay top dollar.)
The reason to replace a dishwasher rather than fix it is when the liner cracks, the frame or door is rusting or the racks have a problem ($$$). If you are cheap, buy a replacement that has inexpensive part common across the whole product line rather than lowest upfront cost.
Miele Dishwasher, it's a "20 year" dishwasher. It's German, however it is shaped different than the standard ones, so your cabinet will need modified.
Last edited:
- Status
