Is your dishwasher leaking, not draining, or simply not turning on? At Major Appliances Repair, we offer expert dishwasher repairs in Observatory and surrounding Johannesburg suburbs. With over 16 years of experience, our certified technicians provide reliable, on-site repairs for both residential and commercial dishwashers—getting your kitchen back to full working order without delay.
Serving the Observatory community and nearby areas like Melville, Westdene, Parktown, and Auckland Park, we specialize in fast diagnostics and effective repairs, using genuine parts for all major dishwasher brands.
Types of Dishwashers We Repair in Observatory
Our skilled team fixes all common types of dishwashers, including:
Freestanding Dishwashers
Resolving power issues, drainage problems, and cycle interruptions.Built-in / Integrated Dishwashers
Repairing hidden panels, door latches, sensors, and electronic controls.Drawer Dishwashers
Including Fisher & Paykel and other high-end models popular in modern kitchens.Slimline Dishwashers
Perfect for compact spaces—we fix leaks, heating faults, and error codes.Commercial Dishwashers
Catering to restaurants, guesthouses, and offices requiring fast, dependable service.
Brands We Repair in Observatory
We service a wide range of dishwasher brands, both local and imported, such as:
Residential Brands:
Defy, Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, Smeg, Siemens, Miele, Hisense, AEG, Grundig
Commercial Brands:
Winterhalter, Hobart, Classeq, Meiko, Fagor, Electrolux Professional
We use only genuine replacement parts to ensure long-lasting repairs and peace of mind.
Why Choose Major Appliances Repair in Observatory?
✔ Over 16 Years of Appliance Repair Experience
✔ Certified and Trained Technicians
✔ Same-Day and Emergency Repair Services
✔ Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees
✔ Workmanship Guarantee on All Repairs
✔ Weekend and After-Hours Availability
We serve Observatory and surrounding areas including:
Melville, Parktown, Westdene, Auckland Park, and Brixton.
Need professional dishwasher repairs in Observatory?
Call Major Appliances Repair today for prompt, expert service you can trust.
Common Dishwasher Problems We Repair in Observatory
Here are common dishwasher problems that Major Appliances Repair frequently encounters and fixes, along with their typical causes and solutions:
Dishwasher Won’t Start:
- Cause: No power (unplugged, tripped breaker, faulty power cord), faulty door latch/switch, defective control board, or a bad timer.
- Solution: Check power supply/breaker. If power is good, diagnose and replace the door latch, control board, or timer.
Dishwasher Not Draining:
- Cause: Clogged drain filter, clogged drain hose (kinked, food debris), faulty drain pump, or a blocked air gap (if installed).
- Solution: Clean drain filter. Clear drain hose. If pump or air gap are culprits, they may need replacement or professional clearing.
Dishes Not Getting Clean:
- Cause: Clogged spray arms, using too little detergent, incorrect detergent type, overloaded racks, low water temperature, or a faulty wash motor.
- Solution: Clean spray arm holes. Adjust detergent usage. Check water heater setting. Professional diagnosis for wash motor issues.
Dishwasher Leaking Water:
- Cause: Damaged door gasket/seal, loose hose connections, cracked tub, faulty water inlet valve, or excessive suds.
- Solution: Inspect/replace door gasket. Tighten hose clamps. Diagnose/replace water inlet valve. Reduce detergent.
Dishwasher Making Loud Noises:
- Cause: Loose wash arm, foreign object in the pump or motor, worn wash pump bearings, or a faulty drain pump.
- Solution: Inspect/clear wash arm. Clear pump/motor. Professional diagnosis for bearing or pump replacement.
Dishwasher Not Filling with Water:
- Cause: Water supply turned off, kinked water inlet hose, clogged water inlet valve screen, or a defective water inlet valve.
- Solution: Check water supply. Clear hose/screen. If not, water inlet valve replacement.
Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes:
- Cause: Faulty heating element, defective vent fan, using no rinse aid, or incorrect drying cycle selected.
- Solution: Check heating element/vent fan. Add rinse aid. Select heated dry option.
Dishwasher Stops Mid-Cycle:
- Cause: Drainage issues, overheating motor, faulty door latch, or a problem with the timer/control board.
- Solution: Check drain. Allow machine to cool. Professional diagnosis for latch, timer, or board.
Dishwasher Door Won’t Latch/Close:
- Cause: Misaligned door latch, bent latch strike, or a faulty door latch assembly.
- Solution: Adjust latch or strike. If broken, replace latch assembly.
Dishwasher Dispenser Not Dispensing Detergent:
- Cause: Blocked dispenser door, faulty dispenser mechanism, or using powdered detergent that has clumped.
- Solution: Clear obstructions. Clean dispenser. Professional diagnosis for dispenser mechanism.
Dishes Are Cloudy or Have White Film:
- Cause: Hard water (mineral buildup), using too much detergent, low water temperature, or etching (permanent damage from soft water/too much detergent).
- Solution: Use rinse aid. Reduce detergent. Increase water temperature. Consider a water softener.
Dishwasher Doesn’t Heat Water:
- Cause: Faulty heating element, defective thermostat, or an issue with the control board.
- Solution: Test/replace heating element or thermostat. Professional diagnosis for control board.
Dishwasher Smells Bad:
- Cause: Food particles trapped in the filter, drain hose, or spray arms; mold/mildew buildup.
- Solution: Thoroughly clean filter, spray arms, and interior. Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or dishwasher cleaner.
Dishwasher Runs Too Long:
- Cause: Faulty thermostat, heating element not working (extending dry cycle), water fill issues, or a defective control board.
- Solution: Diagnose thermostat/heating element. Check water fill. Professional diagnosis for control board.
Dishwasher Tripping Circuit Breaker:
- Cause: Electrical short in the heating element, wash motor, drain pump, or faulty wiring. Overloaded circuit.
- Solution: Immediately unplug. Professional diagnosis to identify and fix the short.
Dishwasher Buttons Not Responding:
- Cause: Control panel lock activated, faulty control panel/user interface board, or a problem with the ribbon cable connection.
- Solution: Check/deactivate control lock. Professional diagnosis and replacement of control panel/board.
Dishwasher Has No Power (Dead):
- Cause: Unplugged, tripped breaker, faulty power cord, or a main control board failure.
- Solution: Check power source. If not, professional diagnosis for cord or main board.
Spray Arms Not Spinning:
- Cause: Clogged spray arm holes (food debris), or low water pressure.
- Solution: Clean spray arm holes. Check water supply pressure.
Dishwasher Makes Humming Noise but Won’t Start:
- Cause: Stuck wash pump motor (due to debris), or a faulty start capacitor.
- Solution: Clear debris from wash pump. Replace start capacitor or motor.
Dishwasher Doesn’t Complete Cycle:
- Cause: Drainage problems, issues with the timer or control board, or an overheating motor.
- Solution: Check drain. Professional diagnosis for timer/board or motor.
Dishes Have Food Particles After Wash:
- Cause: Clogged filter, clogged spray arms, incorrect loading, or insufficient water pressure/temperature.
- Solution: Clean filter/spray arms. Load correctly. Check water supply.
Dishwasher Door Spring Broken:
- Cause: Wear and tear, or excessive force on the door.
- Solution: Replacement of the door spring assembly.
Dishwasher Vent Fan Not Working:
- Cause: Faulty vent motor or a wiring issue.
- Solution: Test/replace vent motor.
Excessive Suds/Foaming:
- Cause: Using too much detergent, using regular detergent in an HE dishwasher, or a soft water issue.
- Solution: Reduce detergent. Use HE detergent if applicable.
Dishwasher Overfills with Water:
- Cause: Faulty water inlet valve (stuck open) or a defective float switch/sensor.
- Solution: Replace water inlet valve or float switch.
Dishwasher Dispenser Door Not Opening:
- Cause: Detergent residue buildup, a faulty wax motor or solenoid controlling the door, or a control board issue.
- Solution: Clean dispenser area. Professional diagnosis for wax motor/solenoid or control board.
Dishwasher’s Cycle Buttons Sticking:
- Cause: Food debris, liquid spills, or worn internal contacts.
- Solution: Clean buttons thoroughly. If physical damage or internal contact issue, button/control panel replacement.
Dishwasher Motor Running but Not Washing:
- Cause: Impeller is stripped or broken, or the wash pump motor is running but not effectively circulating water.
- Solution: Inspect impeller. Professional diagnosis for wash pump motor.
Dishwasher Doesn’t Drain All Water:
- Cause: Partial clog in the drain line or filter, or the drain pump is weak/intermittent.
- Solution: Clear partial clogs. If the pump is failing, it needs replacement.
Dishwasher Humming, But No Water is Filling:
- Cause: This usually indicates the water inlet valve is trying to open but is either clogged, stuck, or electrically faulty.
- Solution: Inspect/replace the water inlet valve.
Most Asked Questions & Answers About Dishwashers and Dishwasher Repairs
1. Why is my dishwasher not draining properly?
A clogged drain hose, blocked filter, or faulty drain pump can prevent water from draining correctly.
2. Why does my dishwasher stop mid-cycle?
This is often caused by a faulty door latch, control board failure, or electrical issues.
3. What does an E15 error mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
It indicates a leak in the base of the unit, triggering the safety float switch.
4. Can Samsung dishwashers be repaired if they show LC error?
Yes. LC errors usually indicate a water leak or moisture detection near the sensor.
5. What’s the average lifespan of a dishwasher?
With regular maintenance, most dishwashers last between 8 to 12 years.
6. Why won’t my dishwasher start?
Common causes include door not closing properly, tripped breaker, or faulty start switch.
7. Do you repair built-in and freestanding dishwashers?
Yes, both types are serviceable and have similar internal systems.
8. Why are my dishes still dirty after washing?
This may be due to blocked spray arms, worn-out filters, or low water temperature.
9. Why is my dishwasher making a grinding noise?
It could be debris in the pump, a worn motor bearing, or a broken impeller.
10. How much does a typical dishwasher repair cost?
Repairs generally cost between R450 and R2000, depending on the fault and part replacement.
11. Should I repair or replace my 10-year-old dishwasher?
If the repair cost is less than half the price of a new one, repair is usually worth it.
12. Can leaks in dishwashers be repaired?
Yes. Leaks from doors, hoses, or pumps can be repaired or parts replaced.
13. Do you repair Whirlpool dishwashers?
Yes. We repair all major Whirlpool models including built-in and compact designs.
14. How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
Once every 2 weeks if used daily, or once a month for lighter usage.
15. Why is there water pooling at the bottom of my dishwasher?
A common cause is a blocked filter, drain hose, or failed drain pump.
16. Can a dishwasher motor be repaired?
Yes. Motors can often be rebuilt or replaced depending on the condition.
17. Do you repair countertop dishwashers?
Yes, most countertop models can be serviced for drainage and electrical issues.
18. Can you fix Smeg dishwasher error codes?
Yes, we service Smeg dishwashers and resolve common errors like E2, E5, and E6.
19. Is same-day dishwasher repair possible?
In many cases, yes—depending on technician availability and parts required.
20. Why does my dishwasher smell bad?
Odours usually come from leftover food particles in the filter, seals, or drain.
21. How long does a typical dishwasher cycle last?
Most cycles range from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the model and selected mode.
22. What is the best dishwasher brand for durability?
Bosch, Miele, and LG are among the most reliable and durable brands.
23. Can you replace a dishwasher control panel?
Yes. Control panels and PCB boards are often repairable or replaceable.
24. Why is water leaking from under my dishwasher?
Worn door gaskets, cracked tubs, or loose hoses can lead to leaks under the unit.
25. Do you install dishwashers?
Yes. Both new and replacement installations are offered for all makes and models.
26. Why doesn’t my dishwasher dry the dishes properly?
The heating element may be faulty or the rinse aid dispenser may be empty.
27. What does LE error on LG dishwashers mean?
LE stands for motor error, often due to wiring faults or a locked rotor.
28. How do I make my dishwasher more efficient?
Use eco-mode, keep filters clean, and only run full loads.
29. Do you stock dishwasher spare parts?
Yes, we stock parts or have access to spares for most local and imported brands.
30. Are Hisense dishwashers reliable for small households?
Yes, they’re affordable, compact, and energy-efficient.
31. What detergent is best for Bosch dishwashers?
Bosch recommends Finish or Somat detergent for optimal performance.
32. Can dishwasher racks be replaced?
Yes. Rusted or broken racks can be replaced with OEM or compatible parts.
33. Is it safe to use a dishwasher that leaks slightly?
No. Even small leaks can cause floor or electrical damage over time.
34. How long does it take to repair a dishwasher?
Most repairs take 1–2 hours depending on the fault and availability of parts.
35. Do you repair commercial dishwashers?
Yes. We service under-counter, passthrough, and conveyor-type dishwashers.
36. Why is my dishwasher detergent not dissolving?
Cold water, blocked dispenser, or short cycles can cause this.
37. Do you offer repair warranties?
Yes. All repairs come with workmanship and part warranties, depending on the job.
38. Is dishwasher maintenance necessary?
Yes. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns and keeps it efficient.
39. Why won’t the dishwasher door close?
Misaligned latches, obstructed racks, or damaged hinges can cause door issues.
40. What does F4 error on Defy dishwashers mean?
F4 usually indicates a drainage issue—often a blocked or faulty drain pump.
41. Can spray arms in dishwashers be replaced?
Yes. Damaged or clogged spray arms can be cleaned or replaced easily.
42. Why is my dishwasher clicking constantly?
It may be a faulty timer, control board, or relay switch.
43. What dishwasher issue is most common?
Drainage problems and electrical faults are the most common.
44. Can you repair Miele dishwashers?
Yes. Miele parts are more specialised but repairs are available.
45. Why are there white spots on my dishes?
Usually caused by hard water buildup or missing rinse aid.
46. Do I need to rinse dishes before loading them?
No. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle light food residue.
47. Why is my dishwasher tripping the power?
It could be a faulty heating element, short circuit, or water leakage.
48. How soon should a leaking dishwasher be repaired?
Immediately. Delaying could lead to water damage or electrical risks.
49. Can I replace dishwasher seals myself?
Yes, but professional installation ensures correct sealing and performance.
50. What’s the best way to maintain a dishwasher?
Clean the filter regularly, descale monthly, check for leaks, and service annually.