Asked on Mar 03, 2015

Dishwasher not working

Max
by Max
I have to add water to the tub of my dishwasher before starting in order for it not to give me a draining problem error code. I have a new motor and new drain pump. Could there be a vacuum problem?
  10 answers
  • 153091 153091 on Mar 04, 2015
    First thing.. I would call the place you purchased..if that doesn't work, call Lowes, ask for install sales department and tell the person your problem and and also what would the charge be to come look and perhaps fix. Is is an older one? have you tried vinegar and baking soda just to run it alone, no dishes? does it drain? Gosh, wish I could help, no fun when things don't work .
    • See 1 previous
    • 153091 153091 on Mar 06, 2015
      @Sharon Buchanan BerryI usually do this often in all my drains..1/4 to 1/2 cup of each.. baking soda first then pour vinegar, let sit a minute or so ..then run hot water.In drains it will "bubble up yucky water" the hot water flushes it down.
  • GabbyinPa. GabbyinPa. on Mar 04, 2015
    it sounds like your intake valve is shot. The part is cheap. the labor is...ummmm, crazy !
    • See 1 previous
    • GabbyinPa. GabbyinPa. on Mar 04, 2015
      @Mfasinski Geesh, I'm not sure why you have to put water in unless the intake valve sticks at the start of the rinse cycle. My machine starts to fill then rinses, there's a pause then it empties,and then refills for the wash cycle.
  • Sheri Barry Sheri Barry on Mar 04, 2015
    How fast is the water coming in? There may not be enough water pressure coming in to start your load. That would cause problems with your motor.
    • Max Max on Mar 04, 2015
      Nothing has changed in the plumbing. After about 4yrs I started getting an OE error on the LG machine indicating a drain prob. Had the drain pump replaced, no good. Had the motor replaced, no good. The only thing that works is if I add abt 4pots of water prior to starting. Then the cycle runs thru beautifully. Ideas?
  • Sheri Barry Sheri Barry on Mar 04, 2015
    I still feel there is a small blockage some wheres that is not allowing enough water pressure to enter into your machine, before the dishwasher starts. It sounds like it works great after that.
  • Pat Pat on Mar 04, 2015
    I thought dishwashers always had a little bit of water in the bottom when the load was finished.....can't see it....is under the floor of the dishwasher....just enough for the sewer gasses (?) to not come back up. I didn't think the little bit of water had anything to do with the next load starting. I would go along with Sheri Barry....a blockage, not enough water pressure or something like that,
  • Sharon Buchanan Berry Sharon Buchanan Berry on Mar 04, 2015
    My dish washer gets water than you can see in the very bottom of the machine every once in a while. Had it checked and can't seem to find out why it gets enough in there to see. Any suggestions. Works good.
  • Jan Munroe Jan Munroe on Mar 04, 2015
    Please make sure the float isn't stuck...the white cylinder usually on the right hand side in the front of the floor of the dishwasher. I would also prime it with white vinegar and go through a cycle if the float isn't stuck. White vinegar will clear your lines.
  • Pat Pat on Mar 05, 2015
    good suggestion, Jan.
  • Georgemangus Georgemangus on Mar 06, 2015
    I am not sure of the meaning of the error code but the repairs you described were quite possibly unnecessary. I think you have a water inlet problem. On the water intake valve there is usually a metal screen. They get clogged with grit scale from lime build up. By all means don't call that repairman. Every one should watch for a reply to my post. It could save you untold and unnecessary repair bill. There should be a valve on the water inlet. close the valve. Put a pie pan or similar pan under the valve. Open the nut on water valve inlet, slowly at first until you are sure valve is fully closed. After nut is loose, there are probably 4 screws holding the end cover and screen. Remove screws (don't lose them) and you should be able to remove valve end and remove and clean screen. The screen likely needs to be soaked in vinegar until all debris is removed. Carefully reassemble valve end, screen and then water nut. Open water valve slowly to test for any leaks. Try to operate dishwasher. If it does work, congratulate yourself for making the repair and saving big bucks. If it does not work correctly I am stumped. Only remaining thought is perhaps electronic problem with that error code. BEST WISHES, George Mangus
    • Max Max on Mar 09, 2015
      But I only have to add water to the tub before I start the cycle. Water runs into the machine for the rest of the time the cycle runs. Do you still think there is a blockage in the water inlet valve ? I don't even know where that is, lol. I'd have to do more research on that and don't want to take it apart if it's not necessary. Your thoughts? Btw, thanx
  • Georgemangus Georgemangus on Mar 09, 2015
    Hi Mfasinki, You must be terribly frustrated! It's not easy to trouble shoot from afar. (It's not always easy to trouble shoot period) I would hope you can get this resolved without spending much more money. I sense the repair person was a parts changer rather than any kind of good trouble shooter. All the responses have been well intentioned but you still have your problem. I can't guarantee my solution will work but from my own personal experience, I feel it will and shouldn't cost much. Under these circumstances I would accomplish valve screen cleaning before any other work or thought is done. Hopefully you have a friend or relative that could do this for you rather than using the high priced parts changer that you used previously. I know it's not easy to rely on someone you don't know on the internet but I resolved exact or similar problem using my method recently. This was done for a friend, and took me less than one half hour with no cost period. Hope fully your owners manual or google diswasher repair to learn where the valve is located. Continued Best Wishes, George Mangus