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HomeRepair HelpDishwasher RepairDishwasher takes too long Repair
Dishwasher takes too long
If your dishwasher takes too long, the problem is often tied to weak water circulation and poor wash action, not just the timer or control. A broken wash impeller is one of the most likely causes because it may not push enough water through the wash arms, which can leave the dishwasher not washing properly and stretch the cycle time. Next, check the filter assembly, filter, screen filter, and strainer in the sump. If any of these are clogged with food debris, water flow drops, dishes still dirty after dishwasher cycle becomes more likely, and the machine can seem like it has a dishwasher cycle too long. If those parts are clear, the circulation pump may be failing. A bad circulation pump can hum, run weakly, or stop moving water well enough to clean dishes, which is another common reason a dishwasher takes too long or runs for hours. On many models, the wash impeller can be replaced separately, but some require a full pump and motor assembly. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - Dishwasher Wash Impeller
The wash impeller is a small plastic blade that forces water up through the wash arms. If the impeller is broken or is missing some of its fins, it might not generate enough pressure to force the water up through the wash arms. On most models, you can replace the wash impeller independently of the pump and motor assembly. Search for your model number to determine if your impeller is replaceable. If the impeller cannot be replaced separately, you will have to replace the entire pump and motor assembly.
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Highly Likely
02 - Dishwasher Filter
A dishwasher's filter assembly usually consists of both a course and a fine filter located in the sump. If one or both of these filters is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
03 - Dishwasher Screen Filter
A dishwasher will usually have both a course and a fine screen filter located in the sump. If one or both of these filters is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
04 - Dishwasher Strainer
Dishwashers will use a strainer located in the sump to catch food particles. If the strainer is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the stainer cannot be cleaned effectively or is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
05 - Dishwasher Filter Assembly
A dishwasher's filter assembly usually consists of both a course and a fine filter located in the sump. If one or both of these filters is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
06 - Dishwasher Circulation Pump
The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the circulation pump is defective, the dishes won’t be cleaned properly. If the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled, the motor may be burned out. First, ensure that power is getting to the motor. Second, to ensure that the impeller can turn, check the pump housing for debris. If power is getting to the motor and the pump is clear of debris, the motor might need to be replaced. Be aware that the circulation pump may be challenging to replace, although many do-it-yourselfers ha...
Common
07 - Dishwasher Pump and Motor Assembly
The motor drives an impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the motor is defective, the pump impeller is broken, or some part of the pump is clogged, dishes won’t be cleaned properly. Make sure that power is getting to the circulation pump and motor. If power is getting to the pump and motor assembly but it still won’t run, replace the pump and motor assembly.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dishwasher taking too long and not cleaning dishes well?
Can a clogged filter make my dishwasher not wash properly?
What does a bad wash impeller do in a dishwasher?
My dishwasher fills but just hums and the dishes are still dirty. Is the circulation pump bad?
How do I find the right dishwasher part for my model?