BEST Hard Water in Dishwasher Repair Tips for Your Home
Keep Your Dishwasher Running Like New in Edmonton and Surrounding Rural Areas
Why Hard Water Is a Bigger Problem Than You Might Think
If you live in areas like Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan, or Nisku, you probably deal with hard water, and your appliances feel it too.
Hard water is filled with minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals build up inside your dishwasher and cause issues like:
- Clogged spray arms
- Slow drainage
- Cloudy dishes and glassware
- A burnt-out heating element
- Foul odors and slimy buildup
It’s something we see all the time when we get service calls from homes outside Edmonton. Inside the city, the water quality is better due to the municipal sewer system, but just a short drive out, and it’s a different story.
Common Hard Water Damage We Repair
We’ve repaired dishwashers with completely blocked pumps and spray arms, broken heating elements, and even corroded internal parts, all caused by hard water damage that went untreated.
In one recent case, we had a customer who was experiencing slow drainage and poor cleaning. The problem? A buildup of minerals had completely blocked the filter and affected the drain pump. We cleared the blockage and got them back up and running, but it could have been avoided with a few simple steps.
What You Can Do to Prevent Damage
1. Use a Water Softener
If your home has hard water, a whole-home water softener is a solid investment. It not only helps your dishwasher, but also your washer, shower heads, and plumbing system in general.
2. Run Vinegar Rinses Monthly
Once a month, pour a cup of vinegar into the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot cycle. This helps break down mineral deposits and prevent blockages in the spray arms and drain.
3. Use a Descaler
There are appliance-safe descaling solutions designed specifically for dishwashers. Use these every few months if vinegar alone isn’t cutting it.
4. Clean the Filter Regularly
Hard water causes mineral deposits to accumulate on the filter. Clean it at least once a month. If you have pets or a large household, clean it even more frequently.
5. Don’t Treat It Like a Garburator
This is one of the biggest mistakes we see. Your dishwasher isn’t designed to break down chunks of food. Always scrape your dishes before loading them, especially if you have hard water. Leftover food and mineral buildup do not mix well.
When to Call a Professional
If your dishwasher is:
- Not draining properly
- Leaving dishes dirty
- Smelling bad even after cleaning
- Making loud grinding noises
… these could be signs of a deeper issue caused by hard water buildup. We’re here to help. Our technicians are trained to spot these issues quickly and make long-term recommendations so the same problem doesn’t come back.
Honest, Flat-Rate Service
At Dial An Applianceman, we always offer transparent pricing. No surprises. Our flat-rate labor fee is $209, and if we come out and you move forward with the repair, we waive the $109 service call fee. It’s our way of keeping things simple and honest.
Serving Edmonton and Beyond
Whether you’re in Edmonton or one of the many surrounding communities with hard water, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here to make sure your dishwasher – and the rest of your appliances – are running smoothly for years to come.