The Home Repairs Thread
 

I'll start

Water keeps collecting at the bottom of my dishwasher. The drain isn't clogged, and the hose looks fine. It's a Kenmore under the counter dishwasher (I don't know how old it is). We don't have a trash compactor which I've heard sometimes can be an issue.

Anyhow, I'm stumped on what the issue is. Any suggestions?

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=SmootSmack;915795]I'll start

Water keeps collecting at the bottom of my dishwasher. The drain isn't clogged, and the hose looks fine. It's a Kenmore under the counter dishwasher (I don't know how old it is). We don't have a trash compactor which I've heard sometimes can be an issue.

Anyhow, I'm stumped on what the issue is. Any suggestions?[/quote]

There is a leak somewhere.


Yes, you have just received the full extent of my handyman knowledge and expertise. I accept all major CC's and paypal.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Make sure it is balanced properly.

By "compactor" you mean disposal right?

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=SmootSmack;915795]I'll start

Water keeps collecting at the bottom of my dishwasher. The drain isn't clogged, and the hose looks fine. It's a Kenmore under the counter dishwasher (I don't know how old it is). We don't have a trash compactor which I've heard sometimes can be an issue.

Anyhow, I'm stumped on what the issue is. Any suggestions?[/quote]


I am assuming you mean by the bottom of the dishwasher you mean outside on the floor. Could be a number of gaskets that have worn out.

By trash compactor do you mean garbage disposal? If you mean GD; the dishwasher empties into the GD so if you have a blockage there that could be impeding the drain function on your DW.

Here are my little fun findings about appliances now a days; it is more cost effective to replace them then repair them. I had a six year old oven that the mother board blew out on; $350 to fix $500 for a new one.

I got burned (not literally) with a Kenmore dryer. First the heating element went out so I replaced it; $80 I replaced it myself $250 if Sears did it. After I fixed that the blower motor went; $150 I replaced it myself, I think Sears want something like $300 to do it. So right now I am $230 in on a 6 year old dryer, one more thing goes and I should have just bought a damn new one. If I had Sears do all the repairs I literally could have just had a new dryer.

So basically SS start looking for a new Dish Washer. I have had good luck with all my Maytag/ Whirlpool appliances.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=SmootSmack;915795]I'll start

Water keeps collecting at the bottom of my dishwasher. The drain isn't clogged, and the hose looks fine. It's a Kenmore under the counter dishwasher (I don't know how old it is). We don't have a trash compactor which I've heard sometimes can be an issue.

Anyhow, I'm stumped on what the issue is. Any suggestions?[/quote]

One other thing if you use to much soap that cam cause a leak as well. Just look at your shower drain after you wash your hair; see how slow it drains with all the bubbles same thing in your dishwasher.

Also let me add I hate hate plumbing problems. It always seems simple but it never is and if you need help from a professional get ready to shell out the $$$.

I have my own home and a few rental properties so I have become pretty handy over the years to try to save me some dollars. I encourage everyone to try to tackle a home repair on your own first at the very least you will gain some knowledge and if you can't fix it call a professional; when they come watch them and try to learn for the next time.

If you are dealing with natural gas or electricity be extremely carefully. I personally don't F with any of my natural gas stuff. My gas fireplace thermal coupler went it seemed super easy to repair but i still shelled out the money for a professional to do it; the risk was to high if I screwed up.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Sorry, got a couple of things mixed up. Was thinking of something else

So anyway, yeah I do have a garbage disposal and it's not clogged so nothing is impeding anything there.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=SmootSmack;915819]Sorry, got a couple of things mixed up. Was thinking of something else

So anyway, yeah I do have a garbage disposal and it's not clogged so nothing is impeding anything there.[/quote]

Then it is probably some gasket in the dishwasher.

If the tub itself is cracked and leaking I believe Sears warranties the tub for a lifetime.

You probably need to do some test runs and watch it to determine the source of the leak.

Also if you have not all ready take off the pipe leading into the disposal you could have a blockage there but not in the disposal itself.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Try cleaning your filter screen as well:

[url=http://www.ehow.com/how_6018105_clean-filter-screen-kenmore-dishwasher.html]How to Clean the Filter Screen on a Kenmore Dishwasher | eHow.com[/url]

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Thanks. I got someone coming in this morning to take a look with me. I feel like I've checked everything I'm capable of

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=SmootSmack;915828]Thanks. I got someone coming in this morning to take a look with me. I feel like I've checked everything I'm capable of[/quote]

Just so many variables to that problem; without seeing it hard to diagnose. Assuming you have the funds just get a new one; unless it is a really simply cheap fix in the long run throwing parts at appliances is a waste of money and time.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=mredskins;915822]Then it is probably [I][B]some gasket in the dishwasher. [/B][/I]

If the tub itself is cracked and leaking I believe Sears warranties the tub for a lifetime.

You probably need to do some test runs and watch it to determine the source of the leak.

Also if you have not all ready take off the pipe leading into the disposal you could have a blockage there but not in the disposal itself.[/quote]

I think you nailed it.

SS, I have a Kenmore (maybe a very similar model year?) and had a tiny gasket that was basically a $20 fix for a handyman to come over and take care of. If you take the bottom plate off, mine was on the left.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

my dad is a plumber, get rid of the garbage disposal while you're at it.

So what was the issue SS?

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

everything that you would think to check we checked and it works fine. We ran the dishwasher a couple of times and no issues. Problem is it will certainly run fine a few more times and work fine until it doesnt again. Might just have to get a new one. Maybe it's a problem with the motor

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

I am serious about making sure it level and balanced. Does it clean well? Ours had cleaning issues and water prssure issues and once I took it out and put it back in it improved greatly. We deduced that when I put it back in I had re-positioned it enough to re-balance it and fix the issue.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Yeah did that too. That was actually the first thing we did

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;916020]Yeah did that too. That was actually the first thing we did[/QUOTE]

Might want to check you water hardness if by chance your on well water. I ran into the same problem and it turned out to be sediment that had collected. Put in a water softener and havn't had any issues since.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Remove the dishwasher entirely, replace with more cabinets and hand wash your dishes. You'll never have problems with your dishwasher ever again.... unless she gives you some sass.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=mredskins;915826]Try cleaning your filter screen as well:

[url=http://www.ehow.com/how_6018105_clean-filter-screen-kenmore-dishwasher.html]How to Clean the Filter Screen on a Kenmore Dishwasher | eHow.com[/url][/quote]

best advice of the thread, this is the most over looked problem and a super easy fixed for non draining dishwasher and washing machines. it's best to clean both of these filters out about twice a year but let's get real. if you have not done this yet try this.

if it keeps f-ing up just get one off c-list or buy a new one and save yourself some money and install it yourself. it's not too tough and you could knock it out in a day easy.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Sometimes they just get old and suck better to replace it now then have it really crap the bed on you and now you are replacing it your subfloor and anything else below it.

Worst thing is to let keep going even if it is leaking a little; then you got a mold problem.

Water and fire two things that will destroy your house in a heartbeat.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;916035]Remove the dishwasher entirely, replace with more cabinets and hand wash your dishes. You'll never have problems with your dishwasher ever again.... [B]unless she gives you some sass.[/B][/quote]


Ha...love it.


Also, a 4-legged garbage disposal is the most effective kind to use.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=mlmdub130;916054]best advice of the thread, this is the most over looked problem and a super easy fixed for non draining dishwasher and washing machines. it's best to clean both of these filters out about twice a year but let's get real. if you have not done this yet try this.

if it keeps f-ing up just get one off c-list or buy a new one and save yourself some money and install it yourself. it's not too tough and you could knock it out in a day easy.[/quote]

I never knew about this step. I'm going to do mine...never did it!

Maybe I can put off buying a new one a bit longer.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=Monkeydad;916081]Ha...love it.


[B]Also, a 4-legged garbage disposal is the most effective kind to use[/B].[/quote]

So true I go to other folks houses that don't have dogs and when my 4 year old drops some some food I am like damn now I actually have to clean it up.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Might be a little off-topic but I just spotted this ad on my local CL.

[url=http://york.craigslist.org/app/3002289527.html]Chest freezer - make offer[/url]
[QUOTE]
[B]Chest freezer - make offer (York PA)[/B]


Just moved into a house and they left behind a chest freezer in the garage that obviously had something in it. I bombed the garage to kill all of the flies and my son opened the freezer when we bombed. I made him go back in and close it because the smell was nauseous!! So if you know how to get the spoiled food smell out of it and would like it - I'll post pics tomorrow. Make me any offer whatsoever and come and pick it up and it's yours!! [/QUOTE]

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

I'm guessing that your drain gets a little clogged and your DW backs up and leaks around the door gasket. Next time it happens check to see how the water drains in your sink.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

I looked in the manual to my dishwasher last night and it mentioned another cause of leaks is if your sink has a air gap plumbed in that it needs to be cleared. If clogged, it can cause the water to flow back into the dishwasher that will then back up and leak. Not every sink has one though. It's usually a cover on the back of your sink.

[IMG]http://terrylove.com/images/sink_dw.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/attachments/plumbing/17099d1235902511-dishwasher-install-100-yr-old-home-dishwasher-air-gap-installation.gif[/IMG]

[YT]rmG2JXQL858[/YT]

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

I was gonna post this in the global warming thread to go along with my garden stuff but it might fit better here, particularly after seeing buster’s diagram above. This is probably a good question for a plumber, contractor, civil engineer or physicist.

In Richmond city you get a tax credit if you have a rain barrel that diverts 50% of your roof water (also rain barrels save on watering costs and are good for the earth and all that stuff…..). The problem is I have no good spot to put one that can capture 50% of my roof water without making it ugly, less functional and cost prohibitive.

Unless I bottom fill the rain barrel:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdg6Jwxb9bM"][COLOR=#0000ff]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdg6Jwxb9bM[/COLOR][/ame]

So my question is does the “overflow” [I]have to be[/I] higher than the diverter?

If you top fill a rain barrel you can get diverters that shut off once the barrel is full and resume sending water through the gutter downspout. So in the youttube example if the overflow line was higher than the diverter would the barrel simply not fill? Or would it fill to the height of the diverter then back up the diverter line and into the downspout?

Ive looked on the internet pretty good for answers. Im wondering if you bottom fill, do you become forced into using the overflow as your new downspout, ie water always fills the rain barrel then goes out the overflow when in use. That there is effectively no operational shut off in the diverter (regardless of what diverter used)?

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojUGUaShPdI]Plumbing Tips Its All About the Butt Crack - YouTube[/url]


This has always been one the best tips videos that I have come across in regards to plumbing.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=mlmpetert;917128]I was gonna post this in the global warming thread to go along with my garden stuff but it might fit better here, particularly after seeing buster’s diagram above. This is probably a good question for a plumber, contractor, civil engineer or physicist.

In Richmond city you get a tax credit if you have a rain barrel that diverts 50% of your roof water (also rain barrels save on watering costs and are good for the earth and all that stuff…..). The problem is I have no good spot to put one that can capture 50% of my roof water without making it ugly, less functional and cost prohibitive.

Unless I bottom fill the rain barrel:

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdg6Jwxb9bM"][COLOR=#0000ff]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdg6Jwxb9bM[/COLOR][/URL]

So my question is does the “overflow” [I]have to be[/I] higher than the diverter?

If you top fill a rain barrel you can get diverters that shut off once the barrel is full and resume sending water through the gutter downspout. So in the youttube example if the overflow line was higher than the diverter would the barrel simply not fill? Or would it fill to the height of the diverter then back up the diverter line and into the downspout?

[B]Ive looked on the internet pretty good for answers. Im wondering if you bottom fill, do you become forced into using the overflow as your new downspout, ie water always fills the rain barrel then goes out the overflow when in use. That there is effectively no operational shut off in the diverter (regardless of what diverter used)?[/quote][/B]

That's how the system she has seems to work. I bet the city could tell you how big of a container you need to receive the tax credit. There is no way they can require you to conatain 50% of the rain fall on your roof. I'm guessing they require that 50% of the roof runs into a rain barrel of a certain size. The reason I think this is because what happens when we have a very heavy rain?

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

My turn. Estate washer made by Whirlpool:

Never had an issue with it until last night. It filled up with water but won't go to the next cycle to agitate/spin. It also will not drain. I checked the breaker first because it wasn't doing anything at all, it was fine. After resetting, it will produce a clicking sound with an occasional straining sound but won't start spinning on any setting. Turned the knob to rinse to get it to spin and drain, no luck. I'll have to shopvac the water out but does anyone have an idea before I just replace it? My first inclinations are the timer switch that activates when you close the lid, or something motor-related like a motor coupling, not he entire motor though. I do not think this washer has a belt system.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

water pump is most probable

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=Monkeydad;918990]My turn. Estate washer made by Whirlpool:

Never had an issue with it until last night. It filled up with water but won't go to the next cycle to agitate/spin. It also will not drain. I checked the breaker first because it wasn't doing anything at all, it was fine. After resetting, it will produce a clicking sound with an occasional straining sound but won't start spinning on any setting. Turned the knob to rinse to get it to spin and drain, no luck. I'll have to shopvac the water out but does anyone have an idea before I just replace it? My first inclinations are the timer switch that activates when you close the lid, or something motor-related like a motor coupling, not he entire motor though. I do not think this washer has a belt system.[/quote]


[url=http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/washer-repair/208036-estate-washer-questions.html]Estate Washer Questions - Appliance Repair Forum[/url]

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

I have an Estate Frig that I got from my grandmothers estate.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=FRPLG;918998]water pump is most probable[/quote]

That would prevent the drum from spinning too or just the drainage issue?

My wife was using it all day no problems...just stopped.

Could it just be a clog? Sock stuck somewhere?

[quote=firstdown;919003]I have an Estate Frig that I got from my grandmothers estate.[/quote]

Thanks for your input.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=mredskins;918999][URL="http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/washer-repair/208036-estate-washer-questions.html"]Estate Washer Questions - Appliance Repair Forum[/URL][/quote]

I saw that exact thread earlier...sounds JUST like mine...which is why I'm thinking about the timer switch.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Had the same issue in our whirlpool. Seems very much like a motor issue or some type of switch issue to a layman. Repair guy without even taking a look when he showed up was pretty sure it was the water pump. It sounded nuts to me (very much a layman) since my notion of a pump issue wouldn't involve just a plain dead washer. He replaced the pump for a reasonable amount of money and bingo it was all fixed. I guess the pump in some way is integral to the overall functioning of the machine. He said it is the most common issue.

One thing to try....get a lot of the water out of the machine and see if then will run. Ours did but then wouldn't again under a full load of water.

I got a good look at the pump and the damn thing looked like a serious POS. All plastic in a cheap way. Surprised that what turns out to be such an important piece of the machine was so cheap looking.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=FRPLG;919021]Had the same issue in our whirlpool. Seems very much like a motor issue or some type of switch issue to a layman. Repair guy without even taking a look when he showed up was pretty sure it was the water pump. It sounded nuts to me (very much a layman) since my notion of a pump issue wouldn't involve just a plain dead washer. He replaced the pump for a reasonable amount of money and bingo it was all fixed. I guess the pump in some way is integral to the overall functioning of the machine. He said it is the most common issue.

One thing to try....get a lot of the water out of the machine and see if then will run. Ours did but then wouldn't again under a full load of water.

I got a good look at the [B]pump and the damn thing looked like a serious POS. All plastic in a cheap way.[/B] Surprised that what turns out to be such an important piece of the machine was so cheap looking.[/quote]
They all look like that....I would say I have had very good luck with Whirlpool appliances....FWIW

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Well, it is fixed. Took a while but wasn't hard...most of the time was shopvaccing the tub of dirty water out, took about 10 trips to the bathroom to dump the vac.

I replaced the lid timer switch and also took the pump apart to find a baby sock wrapped around inside of it...clogging the whole drain line up. Spent extra time cleaning all of the parts up while it was apart so it runs and LOOKS new too.

I don't think the sock was the cause of the breakdown because it smelled and looked nasty like it was in there a while. My dad recommended the lid switch first too and he (and the link above by mredskins) was right.

Total repair cost was $42.97. Could have gotten the part for $30 online but I didn't want to wait. My wife has laundry to do!

Glad I didn't have to buy a new one. Fixing something yourself and saving half a grand is such a satisfying feeling.

Thanks for the advice. FRPLG - your pump suggestion made me take a look down there for clogs...good job.

Had some trouble getting the cabinet back on so I pulled up a Youtube video of some British guy with the same washer and there was a trick to it...was easy then. Times like these make me love the internet.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

Awesome I love the feeling of fixing something myself and saving big $$$.

Of course on the flip side I have tried to fix things and end up spending money then still having someone else come out.

You can go hero to zero really fast in the DIY world.

Re: The Home Repairs Thread
 

[quote=Monkeydad;919336]Well, it is fixed. ... Had some trouble getting the cabinet back on so I pulled up a Youtube video of some British guy with the same washer and there was a trick to it...was easy then. [B]Times like these make me love the internet[/B].[/quote]

Another "Internet saved me money & grief on repairs" Couple years ago, during a sewing emergency (don't ask!), my wife's sewing machine stopped working at 2:00 a.m. on a project needed at 8:00 a.m.

I got on the internet, goggled the make/model - came up with post with diagrams explaining the problem as a common one caused by a jammed gear. Disassembled the sewing machine, found the issue exactly as described/shown, fixed it, reassembled it and had it working all in ~45 minutes.

Fixed a TV per the internet also. Truly amazing the info that is out there.