It can take a while for a dishwasher to really work its magic. Certain dishwasher cycles, such as the extra-efficient eco-mode, can take as long as three hours. As such, every minute really counts. But when your dishwasher insists on pausing every few minutes, it can become even more frustrating, resulting in a much more dragged-out cycle.

But why exactly do dishwashers sometimes start and stop? Is it normal? Or is it instead a sign that the dishwasher is in need of repairs?

Put simply, if your dishwasher is starting and stopping frequently, it’s likely a sign that it needs some TLC. But frequent pausing can actually be a result of a number of different problems. Today, we’re going to catalogue these problems, so you can find a solution for your dishwasher!

Why Does My Dishwasher Stop And Start Every Few Minutes?

Faulty Door Latch

Dishwashers are designed to only operate when the door is fully and securely latched shut. If the latch is not fixed in place, the dishwasher assumes that the door is wide open. When this happens, the dishwasher will refuse to activate and begin your washing cycle.

Intermittent dishwasher activity can be attributed to many things, including faulty door latches, damaged circuit boards, and faulty motors. Contact an electrician to have them ascertain the source of your issues!

If your dishwasher is stopping and then starting up, it could be due to a faulty latch. The dishwasher may be recognising that the latch is shut one second, only to believe that it is unlocked the next second.

Damaged Circuit Board

The central circuit board of your dishwasher can be thought of as the brain of the unit. When it’s not working just right, neither will your dishwasher.

Circuit problems are a common culprit of dishwasher performance issues. The only problem is, it’s hard to diagnose the issue. If you suspect that the circuit board is damaged in some way, then it’s worth contacting an electrician to take a look at your dishwasher.

There may also be a problem with the fuse. The fuse is designed to monitor the temperature of the circuit board and other parts and stop the appliance if it becomes too hot. If the fuse is faulty, then it may not be able to correctly gauge the dishwasher temperature.

Water Supply Issues

The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing water into the central tub of your dishwasher. If there are problems with this component, then the tub won’t receive as much water as it should. This will cause the dishwasher to operate intermittently.

Motor Problems

The motor is responsible for keeping everything moving inside your dishwasher. Without a functioning motor, water would not be able to splash around all of your dishes. As such, if your dishwasher simply stops randomly during a cycle, then it could be a result of motor issues. You’ll know the motor is broken if it begins emitting strange noises during the cycle.

Should You Repair A Faulty Dishwasher?

Now that we’re a little clearer on why your dishwasher is working improperly, you might be wondering whether you should bother paying for repairs.

For the most part, it’s absolutely worth paying to have your dishwasher repaired. However, this will ultimately depend on two things. First, you will need to consider the age of the appliance. Secondly, you will need to ascertain the extent of the repairs.

Let’s start with age. If your dishwasher is significantly older, such as over the age of 10, then it may not be worth repairing it. Dishwasher repairs are more costly with older models. Older models are also more likely to develop further issues after paying for expensive repairs.

If your dishwasher is younger than 5 years, then it may be worth paying for repairs, as they may be more affordable. Be sure to compare the cost of the repairs against the cost of a replacement model. A younger dishwasher may also be covered by a warranty, so you can go for repairs without having to spend a single penny!

If your dishwasher is stopping intermittently, it might be worth repairing it, especially if it is a newer model. Have an older dishwasher? Then you might save more money by replacing it.

If your dishwasher is on the younger end of the spectrum, then you’ll want to consider the kinds of repairs you’re opting for. Some repairs may cost more than others. This is why you should always compare the price of repairs against the price of a replacement. In some cases, it may cost less to buy a new unit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does My Dishwasher Stop Every Few Minutes?

An intermittent dishwasher can be caused by a number of things. From faulty door latches to fried circuit boards. It’s worth contacting an electrician to safely and efficiently find the source of the issue. Once you find out the cause of the issue, you might want to research repairs. If the repairs cost more than an entire dishwasher replacement, then save your money and grab a shiny new model!

What Causes Dishwashers To Stop Washing?

If you find that your dishwasher is consistently dispensing still-dirty dishes, then it may be because you have overfilled it. Overfilling your dishwasher makes it tough for water to travel around the central tub. It could also be a result of faulty parts making it tough for water to reach the right temperature or travel around!

What Do You Do If Your Dishwasher Stops Working Randomly?

If your dishwasher stops running randomly, it’s worth contacting an electrician to take a look. Do not try and repair the dishwasher while it is still connected to your home’s power supply. This could result in electrocution. An electrician will be able to safely diagnose the issue, and give you a quote for a repair service!