How to Fix a Dishwasher Soap Dispenser
As dishwashers age, their parts may begin to wear and break. The purchase of new dishwasher can be costly and hiring a repair professional can be expensive as well. If you have the knowledge and know-how to fix your dishwasher, you can get a little more life out of it and save some money in the process. One part that commonly breaks on a dishwasher and can be easily repaired by a do-it-yourselfer is the soap dispenser.
Cleaning the Dispenser
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Determine whether debris build-up in the soap dispenser may be causing it to leak and not dispense correctly.
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Clean debris from the soap dispenser.
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Test the soap dispenser to see if it is still leaking.
Replacing the Rubber Gasket
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Locate the rubber gasket on the soap dispenser door. This gasket should provide a tight seal and prevent leaking when closed.
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Examine the gasket to see if it is cracked or damaged. Replace the gasket, if this is the case.
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Clean the gasket, if it does not appear to be cracked or damaged. Debris build-up can be the cause of a leaky dispenser.
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Coat the gasket with Vaseline. This will moisten the gasket and help it seal properly.
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Test the dispenser to ensure it is working properly.
References
Resources
Tips
- Before making any repairs, check if your dishwasher is still under warranty or if a particular part has been recalled. If the above steps do not resolve the problem, you may need to replace the soap dispenser. One well-known company that sells replacement parts is AppliancePartsPros.com (see Resources section). Search for the make and model of your dishwasher and purchase a new soap dispenser. Install according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Writer Bio
Jon Olson holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also has a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction, as well as a master's degree in educational administration. Olson teaches industrial technology at the high school level and is in charge of all industrial technology curriculum for his school district.
Photo Credits
- Jon Olson Photography
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