Dirty water sitting in the bottom of the tub, dishes that come out cloudy or a leak under the cabinet are problems we fix every day. Appliance Repair Toronto has repaired dishwashers in Toronto, North York, Scarborough and Etobicoke since 2004, including built-in and panel-ready models. Phone 647-642-1414, 7 AM to 11 PM daily. The $70 service call is waived if you proceed with the repair.
Common Dishwasher Problems We Fix
Below are the issues we see most, with the parts usually involved. The technician tests the dishwasher to confirm the cause before giving you a price.
Water Left in the Bottom
Standing water after a cycle usually comes from a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose or air gap, a garbage disposal knockout plug that was never removed, or a failed drain pump. If the dishwasher was just installed with a new disposal, the knockout plug is a common culprit.
Dishes Not Getting Clean
Gritty or spotty dishes point to a dirty filter, blocked spray arm holes, a weak circulation pump or low water temperature. Mineral scale and wrong detergent amounts also play a big part (see the hard water section below).
Leaking Onto the Floor
Leaks usually come from a worn door gasket, a cracked spray arm, a loose drain or supply connection under the tub, or too many suds from regular dish soap. Some models have a leak sensor that stops the cycle and shows a code.
Won’t Fill With Water
If you hear a hum but no water flows in, the inlet valve may have failed or the supply valve under the sink may be partly closed. A stuck float switch can also stop filling.
Won’t Start or Stops Mid-Cycle
A faulty door latch, a failed control board or user interface, or a tripped thermal fuse can stop a dishwasher from starting. Child lock settings are worth checking first.
Dishes Not Drying
Wet dishes often mean an empty rinse aid dispenser, a failed heating element on models that use one, or a vent fan that isn’t running. Many newer, quieter dishwashers dry by condensation and leave plastics a bit damp by design.
Loud or Unusual Noises
Grinding or rattling can be glass or a fruit pit caught in the pump, a worn wash motor bearing or a spray arm hitting a tall item.
Types of Dishwashers We Service
Most of our calls are for standard 24-inch built-in dishwashers, but we also repair 18-inch compact models common in smaller condo kitchens, panel-ready and fully integrated units hidden behind cabinet doors, portable dishwashers on casters, and dishwasher drawers. Stainless tub models from European brands run quieter and rely on a filter and softener system that needs a little more care. Plastic tub models are simpler and usually quicker to repair. Either way, we bring the tools to pull the unit out and reinstall it level and sealed.
Toronto Hard Water and Your Dishwasher
The City of Toronto’s 2025 drinking water summary puts average hardness at about 119 mg/L, which is moderately hard. Over time those minerals build up as white film on glasses and scale on the heating element, spray arms and inlet valve screen. To slow it down, keep the rinse aid topped up, set your dishwasher’s water hardness setting if it has one, and run a dishwasher cleaner every month or two. Miele and other European models often have a built-in softener that uses dishwasher salt; keep the salt reservoir filled.
Clean the Filter Regularly
Most dishwashers sold in the last 15 years have a manual filter under the lower spray arm instead of a self-cleaning grinder. If it’s never cleaned, it causes bad smells, poor washing and slow draining. Twist it out, rinse it under the tap with a soft brush, and reinstall it firmly once a month.
Dishwasher Error Codes by Brand
Most digital dishwashers show a code when something goes wrong. The tables below list the codes we see most often, with meanings taken from each manufacturer’s support pages or owner’s manuals. Codes can vary by model, so confirm yours in the manual. Before checking anything inside the appliance, unplug it or switch off its breaker. If a code points to a leak, overheating or a burning smell, stop using it and call us at 647-642-1414.
Samsung Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| 4C / 4E | Water supply problem | Check the water valve is open and the inlet hose isn’t kinked. |
| 5C / 5E | Drain problem | Clean the filter and check the drain hose. |
| LC / LE | Leak sensor detects moisture | Check hoses and the door seal; use only dishwasher detergent. Call us to find the leak. |
| HE | Heater / temperature detection error | Empty it and run a normal cycle. If it returns, switch off at the breaker and call us. |
| OC / oE | Too much water (over-level) | Turn it off and call us if it repeats. |
LG Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| OE | Not draining | Clean the filter, straighten the drain hose and check the air gap. |
| IE | Insufficient water supply | Open the supply valve and straighten the inlet hose. |
| AE / E1 | Leak detected by the float switch | Turn off the water and call us to find the leak. |
| LE | Wash motor error | Call us. |
| HE | Water not heating | Call us. |
Whirlpool Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| F9 E1 | Long drain: not draining | Clean the filter, check the drain hose and disposer knockout plug, then cut power for 30 seconds. Call us if it returns. |
| F6 E4 | Water float switch problem | Check the dishwasher is level and the float moves freely, then cut power for 30 seconds. Call us if it returns. |
| F2 E2 † | User interface / control communication error | Cut power for 30 seconds. If it returns, the control or wiring needs service. |
Maytag Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| F9 E1 | Long drain: not draining | Clean the filter, check the drain hose, disposer and air gap, then cut power for 30 seconds. |
| F6 E4 | Water float switch problem | Level the dishwasher and cut power for 30 seconds. Call us if it returns. |
| F6 E1 | User interface / main control error | Cut power for 30 seconds. Call us if it returns. |
KitchenAid Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| F9 E1 | Long drain: not draining | Clean the filter, check the drain hose, disposer knockout plug and air gap, then cut power for 30 seconds. |
| F6 E1 | User interface / main control error | Cut power for 30 seconds. Call us if it returns. |
| F8 E4 | Water detected in the drip tray (leak) | Turn off the water supply under the sink and check connections. Call us to find the leak. |
| F7 E2 | Wash motor error | Cut power for 30 seconds. Call us if it returns. |
| H2O | Not detecting water | Make sure the water supply is on and the supply hose isn’t kinked. |
Frigidaire Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| i10 † | Low fill detected | Open the water shut-off fully and check the supply line for pinches. |
| i20 | Did not drain properly | Clean the filter and sump, check the drain hose (min. 32 in. high) and the disposer knockout plug. Reset with Cancel or 3 minutes unplugged. |
| i30 † | Leak or overflow in the bottom pan | Check the water inlet connection and that the unit is level. Call us to find the leak. |
| i40 | Clogged filter or sump | Clean the glass trap, filter and sump, then rerun. |
| i50 † | Drain or wash motor problem | Press Cancel or turn the breaker off for 5 minutes. Call us if it returns. |
Electrolux Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| i10 † | Water inlet problem: no water coming in | Open the supply valve fully, check the inlet hose for kinks and clean the inlet filter. |
| i20 | Did not drain properly | Clean the filter and sump, check the drain hose and disposer knockout plug, then reset. |
| i30 † | Water leak detected | Turn off the water supply and call us. |
| i40 | Clogged filter or sump | Clean the glass trap and filter and rerun. |
GE Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Pump-out during drain took over 2 minutes | Clean the air gap, check the drain hose and run the disposer. |
| C3 | Dishwasher will not drain | Cut power at the breaker for 30 seconds, then reset. Call us if it persists. |
| C6 | Incoming water temperature too low | Run the kitchen tap hot before starting; water should be at least 49°C (120°F). |
| H2O | Low water | Check the inlet hose isn’t kinked and the supply is on. Call us if it persists. |
| LEAK DETECTED | Possible leak detected; cycle cancelled | Turn off the water supply and call us. |
Bosch Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| E15 | Water in the base: leak protection activated | Turn off the water supply and call us. |
| E24 | Not draining: drain hose blocked or kinked | Check the drain hose, the sink connection and disposer knockout plug, and that the pump cover is secure. |
| E25 | Drain pump blocked or cover loose | Remove the filter and clear the pump under it; reseat the cover. |
| E22 † | Filters dirty or blocked | Clean the filters. |
| E09 † | Heating element fault | Bosch advises not to fix this yourself. Call us. |
Miele Dishwasher Codes
| Code | What it means | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| F11 | Drain fault: water left in the tub | Clean the filter combination, non-return valve and drain pump (watch for glass). |
| F14 | Circulation pump blocked (often after long disuse) or inlet fault | Soak with 1 L hot water and a few drops of rinse aid for 5 minutes, then restart. Call us if it persists. |
| F70 | Waterproof system activated | Close the tap, turn off and unplug the dishwasher, then call us. |
Kenmore Dishwasher Codes
Kenmore dishwashers follow their maker’s codes: 665 means Whirlpool-built and 362 or 363 means GE-built, so use those brands’ codes above.
† From an owner’s manual, a service manual or a parts supplier’s listing rather than the manufacturer’s support site; confirm in your manual. If a code keeps coming back after these checks, the part behind it usually needs replacing, so book a repair visit.
Repair or Replace Your Dishwasher?
Drain pumps, inlet valves, door latches, gaskets and spray arms are usually worth replacing on a dishwasher less than 10 years old. A failed control board plus a failed wash motor on an older, entry-level unit can approach the cost of a new one. Premium built-in models from brands like Miele, Bosch and KitchenAid are generally worth repairing for longer.
Cost and Warranty
A $70 diagnostic visit applies, and it’s waived when the repair goes ahead. Dishwasher work is guaranteed for 3 to 6 months, depending on the part. We don’t add extra charges for evenings, weekends or holidays, and we take cash, credit, debit or Interac e-Transfer.
How We Handle a Dishwasher Call
- Phone us or schedule online, with your model number if you can find it on the edge of the door or tub.
- We set a visit time, often the same day.
- The technician runs a diagnostic, finds the fault and quotes the repair.
- We repair it and run a wash to check filling, draining and for leaks.
Dishwasher Brands We Repair
We service Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Maytag, Electrolux, GE and Frigidaire dishwashers, along with Kenmore models built by Whirlpool or Frigidaire.
Areas Served
We fix dishwashers throughout Toronto, North York, Scarborough and Etobicoke. Condo kitchens often have panel-ready dishwashers that match the cabinets. We remove and reinstall the panel carefully, so let us know at booking if yours is fully integrated.
Dishwasher Repair FAQ
Why is there water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
Usually a clogged filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a failed drain pump. If you just installed a new garbage disposal, its knockout plug may still be in place. Clean the filter first; if water still stays, book a repair.
Why are my dishes coming out cloudy?
Cloudiness is often mineral film from Toronto’s moderately hard water. Keep rinse aid filled, use the right detergent amount, and run a dishwasher cleaner regularly. If dishes are also gritty, the filter or spray arms may be clogged. To check, wipe a cloudy glass with white vinegar: if the film comes off, it’s mineral scale.
How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
About once a month for most households, and more often if you don’t pre-rinse dishes. Twist the filter out from under the lower spray arm, rinse it with warm water and a soft brush, and lock it back in place.
Is it worth repairing a dishwasher?
Generally yes when it’s under 10 years old and the repair is a pump, valve, latch or gasket. For older basic models needing a control board and motor, a new dishwasher may be better value. We quote before starting so you can decide.
Can you repair a panel-ready dishwasher?
Yes. We regularly service fully integrated dishwashers. The technician removes the custom panel, slides the unit out if needed, completes the repair and reinstalls everything aligned with your cabinets. Tell us when you book that it’s fully integrated, so we set aside a little extra time for the panel.
Related Kitchen Repairs
Need help with other kitchen appliances? We also offer fridge repair and oven repair in Toronto. See all our services on the main page, or call 647-642-1414 from 7 AM to 11 PM.