1. Dishwasher’s Age
Like most electrical appliances, if your dishwasher is more than 10 years, it is time to replace it. In other words, age is a sign in itself that you need a new dishwasher. This is particularly important if your old model is of the lower end. It is a fact that you can never compare the latest technology with the old technology. This is why upgrading to a new dishwasher will save you a lot more than you think. Aside from saving you constant maintenance, you will be able to save money on electric bills, water bills, and constant maintenance costs.
2. Rust
The truth is that some specs of rust on the outer part of a dishwasher are not a sign of immediate replacement. However, the moment you begin to see rust on the inner parts of the dishwasher then it is a definite answer that it should be replaced or upgraded soon. Rust is a sign that water is leaking or a serious problem. It also means that some parts of the dishwasher can break away, which will expose the whole unit to water.
Do not forget the fact that small specs of rust can embed themselves onto your clean dishes. Rust produces a rusty color and if the problem is severe, you may find yourself with rusty-looking pans and pots. Always consider adding some citric acid to clear rust if any.
3. Water Remaining After A Wash
After a cleaning cycle has been completed, you should never see standing water in the dishwasher. Remember, we are not talking about small amounts of water (comparable to droplets) that have collected in the bowls or mugs, we are talking about a pool of water at the bottom of the dishwasher. Whenever you see a pool of water at the bottom of the dishwasher, it is a sign the drain is clogged. Unclogging a dishwasher is an easy fix and it is something that occurs frequently.
However, if you have tried to unclog the drain and you have identified that clogging is not the issue, then it is time to call a plumber and upgrade your unit.
4. The Door Does Not Lock
Whenever a door latch is broken, the solution is often replacing or repairing the dishwasher door. That is because, without the door closing and locking, the device will be unable to run a washing cycle. In fact, all models have this feature where if the door is not locked, it will not run. It is designed to protect users against water leakages that can cause bigger problems.
It is important to note that different models have different price ranges when repairing door locks. Some are very simple and very affordable to repair whereas others are not. Newer models are covered by a warranty which is an added benefit. It can be very difficult to find parts for an old dishwasher for repair.
Summary
Before investing in a new dishwasher, it is wise to first investigate your current one. What does this mean? It simply means going over the cost of repair, availability of parts, its condition, and more. If your dishwasher is old, it is wise to consider replacing it. All you have to do is weigh your options.