dishwasher draining in Chelmsford (8)

Not sure whether to repair or replace your broken dishwasher? Consider the following before deciding:

• Age of the dishwasher – If it’s over 10 years old, replacement may be more cost-effective
• Severity of the issue – Minor faults are usually worth fixing; major breakdowns may not be
• Repair vs replacement cost – Always compare quotes with the price of a new machine
• Energy efficiency – New models can cut your water and electricity bills long term
• The 50% rule - If the cost to repair your dishwasher is more than 50% of a new one, replacement is usually better

Still unsure? Use our online search tool to speak to checked tradesperson covering Chelmsford, or post a job for quick quotes.

Here are some of the most common dishwasher problems you might encounter — along with potential causes and fixes.

Leaking

• Often caused by worn-out seals, damaged hoses, or a faulty door gasket
• Try: Check the door seal for wear or food debris. Replacing a door gasket is often a simple DIY fix

Dishwasher not starting

• Usually due to power supply issues, a broken door latch, or a faulty control board
• Try: Check that it’s plugged in, the breaker hasn't tripped, and the door is closing fully

Not cleaning properly

• A sign of clogged spray arms, a dirty filter, or poor detergent
• Try: Remove and clean the spray arms and filter

Water not draining

• May be due to a faulty drain pump or a blockage in the waste disposal or drain hose
• Try: Clear food debris from the filter and check for kinks in the hose

Water isn’t filling

• This could be caused by a faulty inlet valve, low water pressure, or a blocked water supply hose
• Try: Make sure the water supply valve is open and the hose isn’t kinked or blocked

Making strange noises

• Usually caused by a loose part, faulty pump, or worn-out bearings
• Try: Remove any foreign objects and ensure racks are positioned correctly, but call a pro if noise persists

Issues with hot water

• Often linked to a damaged heating element or thermostat issue
• Try: Check your hot water supply and thermostat settings. For electrical faults, contact a qualified technician

Still unsure? Our guide to fixing a broken dishwasher can help — or use our online tool to find a dishwasher repair technician who works in Chelmsford.

Maybe. If you're a confident and experienced DIY enthusiast, you might be able to tackle some simple dishwasher repairs yourself.

Some of the minor issues that might be suitable for a DIY repair include:

• Cleaning the filter

• Unclogging the drain hose

• Clearing blocked spray arms

If you’re a confident DIYer, our guide to fixing a broken dishwasher can walk you through a few easy steps for basic repair jobs.

However, it’s often best to leave the job to the professionals. So, if you're not sure where to start, speak to dishwasher repair services operating in Chelmsford.

Here are several ways to find the right dishwasher repair service for you, covering your area of Chelmsford:

• Use Checkatrade search – Our search tool lets you find verified dishwasher repair technicians in your area

• Check reviews and ratings – Look at reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge the quality of their work

• Request quotes – Get quotes from at least three different dishwasher repair engineers to compare prices and services

• Ask for customer references – Ask for references from previous customers to get first-hand feedback

• Ask relevant questions – Learn more about the technician’s experience and expertise by asking questions, either in person or over the phone

For more tips and advice, read our guide to hiring a good dishwasher repair service.

Most dishwasher repair services available in Chelmsford can handle a wide range of popular brands, including:

• Bosch
• Siemens
• Neff
• Beko
• AEG
• Hotpoint
• Indesit
• Zanussi
• Whirlpool
• Samsung

However, it’s always worth confirming with the service provider to make sure they support your make and model of dishwasher.

Ready to get quotes for your dishwasher repair? Use our get a quote tool and we’ll get multiple dishwasher repair services covering Chelmsford to contact you directly.