Dishwasher Breaker Trips Constantly? Here’S The Shocking Truth Why

If your dishwasher keeps tripping the breaker, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common reasons why dishwashers trip breakers and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

Reasons Why Dishwashers Trip Breakers

There are several reasons why a dishwasher can trip the breaker. Here are the most common:

1. Overloaded Circuit

The dishwasher is one of the most power-hungry appliances in your home. If too many other appliances are plugged into the same circuit, it can overload the circuit and trip the breaker.

2. Faulty Wiring

Damaged or loose wiring can cause a short circuit, which can trip the breaker.

3. Malfunctioning Dishwasher Motor

The motor is the heart of the dishwasher, and if it fails, it can cause the dishwasher to draw too much power and trip the breaker.

4. Clogged Drain Pump

If the drain pump is clogged, it can prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. This can cause the dishwasher to overheat and trip the breaker.

5. Leaking Dishwasher

A leak in the dishwasher can cause water to come into contact with the electrical components, which can trip the breaker.

6. Faulty Door Switch

The door switch is responsible for turning the dishwasher on and off when the door is opened or closed. If the door switch is faulty, it can cause the dishwasher to run continuously, which can overload the circuit and trip the breaker.

7. Power Surge

A power surge can damage the dishwasher’s electrical components, which can cause it to trip the breaker.

Troubleshooting and Fixing the Issue

If your dishwasher keeps tripping the breaker, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

1. Check the Circuit

Make sure that the dishwasher is the only appliance plugged into the circuit. If there are other appliances plugged into the same circuit, unplug them and see if that solves the problem.

2. Inspect the Wiring

Look for any damaged or loose wiring. If you find any, repair it or replace the wiring.

3. Test the Dishwasher Motor

To test the dishwasher motor, unplug the dishwasher and remove the access panel. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the motor. If the motor is faulty, it will need to be replaced.

4. Clean the Drain Pump

To clean the drain pump, unplug the dishwasher and remove the access panel. Locate the drain pump and remove it. Clean the pump and impeller of any debris.

5. Fix a Leaking Dishwasher

To fix a leaking dishwasher, you will need to identify the source of the leak and repair it. Common sources of leaks include the door gasket, the water inlet valve, and the drain hose.

6. Replace the Door Switch

To replace the door switch, unplug the dishwasher and remove the access panel. Locate the door switch and disconnect the wires. Install the new door switch and reconnect the wires.

7. Contact a Qualified Appliance Repair Technician

If you are unable to troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself, you should contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Preventing Future Breaker Trips

There are a few things you can do to prevent future breaker trips:

• Avoid overloading the circuit by plugging the dishwasher into its own dedicated circuit.
• Inspect the wiring regularly for any damage or loose connections.
• Clean the drain pump regularly to prevent clogs.
• Fix any leaks in the dishwasher promptly.
• Replace the door switch if it becomes faulty.

What to Do If Your Dishwasher Keeps Tripping the Breaker After Troubleshooting

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps above and your dishwasher still keeps tripping the breaker, there may be a more serious problem with the dishwasher. In this case, you should contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Takeaways

If your dishwasher keeps tripping the breaker, it can be a frustrating problem. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this blog post, you can identify and fix the issue yourself in most cases. If you are unable to fix the issue yourself, you should contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Questions You May Have

Q: Why does my dishwasher keep tripping the breaker when I use the heated dry cycle?

A: The heated dry cycle uses a lot of power, which can overload the circuit and trip the breaker. Try using the air dry cycle instead.

Q: I have a new dishwasher, and it keeps tripping the breaker. What could be wrong?

A: There may be a problem with the wiring or the dishwasher itself. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.

Q: My dishwasher is old, and it keeps tripping the breaker. Should I replace it?

A: If your dishwasher is old and has been tripping the breaker frequently, it may be time to replace it. A new dishwasher will be more energy-efficient and less likely to trip the breaker.