Three Online Sources for Dishwasher Parts

Sometimes, fixing your own appliances is not difficult and can save you a great deal of money on service calls. If you want to find dishwasher parts to replace minor problems or fix major ones, you can find affordable, quality dishwasher parts from several online providers.

A-1 Appliance Parts

A-1 Appliance Parts gives customers a wide variety of appliance parts to choose from. Dishwasher parts are easy to find with A- 1 Appliance Parts' database search feature. On their home page, you can search by your dishwasher's model number or more specifically by the part number if you know it. A more general search begins with the appliance type, in this case a dishwasher, down to the brand then to the specific part you need. This way even if you do not know the model number of the part in question, you can still find the dishwasher part that you need. They carry parts for dishwashers made b y GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire as well as repair manuals to help you in your do-it-yourself dishwasher repair project.

A-1 Appliance Parts assures their customers that they handle each part carefully. They promise personal, live operators when you call during regular business hours. Your dishwasher parts exchanged through A-1 Appliance Parts will come with a one- year warranty. If you get your dishwasher part only to realize you do not need it, you can return it within 30 days for full credit as long as it was not installed or ordered as a special order.

Appliance Aid

This company found on the internet also offers an extensive selection of dishwasher parts. Models they provide parts for include Whirlpool, Kenmore, Kitchen-aid, Maytag, Magic Chef, Performa, Jenn Air, Kelvinator, Hotpoint, GE, Moffat, McClary, Tappan, and White Westinghouse. Their website allows you to search by brand and part descriptions or by part number and model number if you have that information. Many links are shared with A-1 Appliance Parts.

Part Store

Another website to find your dishwasher parts is www.partstore.com Part Store carries all the major brands. They also offer the option to buy compatible equivalents that could save you money on your do-it-yourself dishwasher repair. They have an extensive database to determine if the dishwasher part will fit with your specific model. They have an easy return policy where you call for an authorization number to return the part within 30 days. However, the warranty on their parts is only 30 days unless there is a warranty from the manufacturer. Returns must not have been installed and must be in resalable condition. Credit is given once it is received and determined to fit these conditions.

For the handy person who would like to repair the dishwasher on his/her own, the World Wide Web offers many opportunities to find dishwasher parts at affordable prices. These three sources are a good starting point to find the dishwasher part that you need.

Dan is a part-time appliances repairman and with his dishwasher website at http://www.alldishwashers.com , he gives reviews of both commercial and residential models and states common problems that he encounters with each one, with solutions! To learn more visit the portable dishwasher website.

Recipe For Automatic Dishwasher Detergent?

Automatic dishwasher detergents are among one of the products that contain higher amounts of phosphates which can wreck havoc on the environment. The bad news is, from all my experimenting so far I have yet to find a recipe that actually works in a dishwasher but without leaving spots or residue behind on the the dishes.

I am extremely hesitant to recommend one of the "green" phosphate free brands though because many contain an ingredient called "zeolite", which I have read may not necessarily be the lesser of the two evils. There is concern over the fact that because zeolite is undoubtedly not as effective as phosphates, more detergent or cleanser is needed- even more getting dumped into the environment. It is actually also cheaper and easier to remove phosphates from contaminated waters that it is for zeolite. As always, if something sound too good to be true there's probably another side to the story...

There is also a popular recipe on the net that uses two tablespoons of half borax and half baking soda in the dishwasher. Once again, I have a hard time recommending this. Only in this case I'm not claiming it doesn't work or isn't more environmentally friendly , but borax has been linked in research studies to create fertility issues and just because it may natural doesn't mean it's innocent- remember borax is also used as a form of pesticide! Even though many swear by the use of borax in many types of homemade cleaners, I won't use it in my home in areas that come in contact with my family at any time so I simply cannot recommend you use it to clean the same plates you'll eat off of.

So what do we do? Well there is one tactic for the dishwasher I found to be at least helpful until better solutions are known of. First off I've found that you really don't need as much dishwashing detergent as most brands recommend- using half of that amount does an excellent job in itself. Another thing that can be done mixing your powdered dishwashing detergent with as much as half baking soda, which acts as a water softener to make that lesser amount of detergent you use even more effective. Or even better yet, just do your dishes by hand!

Visit Lisa Chambers' website for more free information, tips, and recipes based on a healthful and balanced take on beauty, home, and well being.

The Dishwashing Domain

Dishwashers are the ultra-convenient, time saving kitchen appliance you need to own. Once you’ve owned your first dishwasher, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. Meal times are much more pleasant when they aren’t followed by the monotony of hand washing and drying a mountain of dirty dishes. UK studies have shown that owning a dishwasher saves you 2 to 3 weeks of laborious kitchen work every year. Just think of the extra leisure time you could enjoy!

The history of the dishwasher began way back in 1850. The first dishwasher patent was applied for by American Joel Houghton for a wooden machine with a hand turned wheel which simply splashed water on to the dishes. However, the first practical dishwasher was invented in 1886 by Josephine Cochran. It made a big splash with restaurants and hotels at the 1893 World Fair. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that electronic washing machines became efficient enough to make them attractive purchases for the average family.

Modern units are also becoming increasingly popular because of the positive health spin-offs of their use. Thanks to their multiple rinse cycles and the fact that the water is heated to a temperature much higher than the human hand can stand, dishwashers are far superior to traditional hand washing. High temperature washing kills more germs than hand washing and the fact that you don’t have to use dirty, unhygienic hand towels to dry the dishes also means a safer wash every time.

Today there are dishwashers to suit every lifestyle, kitchen design and personal taste. From full size built in under-counter models that can deal with 14 place settings, through to tiny countertop models perfect for small kitchens, and even the new independent drawer style dishwashers – the choice is getting better by the day. But, with so many different brands around the globe offering so many different appliances boasting a confusing range of options, you need independent advise to find the dishwasher that will suit your needs best.

It’s important to realize that the most expensive dishwashers do not necessarily do the best job. Neither are they the most energy and water efficient, or the quietest running.

Guide4Home dishwasher review - countertop and drawer style models.

How To Choose A Dishwasher That Will Go Well In Your Kitchen When You Are Remodeling

Did you recently deicide to start remodeling your kitchen? If you do then do you already know everything you need to do. If you don't then you might want to think about buying a dishwasher, if you don’t already own one. Even if all your kitchen remodeling plans have already been made, you should still be able to buy one. That is why you might want to think about buying a dishwasher before you go further in your plans.

One of the most frequently asked questions in remodeling is how is it possible? To some it might be a little bit more difficult, but to others it may be easier, even if you plan on buying new kitchen cabinets. When time comes to install a dishwasher properly, most homeowners either take out a piece of the cabinet or a chunk of the countertop. This will eliminate any problems you had for the space of the dishwasher. Even if you have already planned your remodeling project you can still have your dishwasher that you might still want.

If you didn’t already find out, there are so many benefits to owning your own dishwasher. One of the benefits is time saved instead of washing by hand, even if your family is really big. Average families go through three sets of dishes daily; one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner. If you don’t like washing dishes by hand and always feel like the sink is full of dishes, you could well use a dishwasher in the kitchen every day. What is nice to know about dishwashers is all you have to do is load the dishes up, put your soap in and then start washing. With most dishes and full sinks it only takes five minutes to load the dishwasher up.

As the benefits stated above, you might also not know that dishwashers come in a wide variety of styles, even thought they are all the same size, the styles are what set them all apart. It is not uncommon to see the old white dishwashers, black dishwashers, black and white dishwashers, silver, as well as stainless steel dishwashers. This will mean that it will probably be easier to find the matching piece, even after you have finished remodeling. For the best results you should just buy all the necessities you need right when you buy your dishwasher so everything matches in the long run.

The price is something else you might be happy about. Even if you are changing your kitchen in a set price range, you should be able to find the dishwasher you want at an affordable cost. Standard model dishwashers, which most come in white or black, go for as low as $150. If you aren’t buying your things in a preset budget, but looking for the dishwasher to compliment your kitchen, you might be looking to pay a bit more. High quality dishwashers sell for $1000.

Maybe it would be easier to add your own dishwasher if you were going to install it yourself as well. Many homeowners are able to install their own simply because the dishwasher is bought with directions. If you are using assistance from an expert be sure they could find the time to help you install it if you couldn’t do it yourself. Some find it the same cost whether they use help or not, but it isn’t guaranteed; you may have to pay more. Even if these payments exist depends on who you are working with.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about kitchen remodeling as well as kitchen dishwashers at http://www.kitchenthingsplus.com

How To Replace a Dishwasher Inlet Valve

The dishwasher's inlet valve controls when hot water is delivered to the dishwasher. A solenoid powered valve is given commands from the timer control and opens and closes the valve appropriately. If your dishwasher is not filling, the problem could be a defective inlet valve.

To replace a defective inlet valve follow these instructions.

1. Turn off the power using the appropriate method; remove the fuse, turn-off the breaker, unplug the cord.

    

2. Turn off the water supply valve to the dishwasher (usually located under the sink), or disconnect hoses from the faucet.

    

3. Below the dishwasher door is a panel. The panel is either held in position with screws and is removable or is hinged to allow it to fold downwards. Remove or open the panel. This panel provides access to most of the dishwasher components.

    

4. Installed in the front area of the opening will be an inlet valve. This is where the incoming water supply to the dishwasher is automatically turned on and off depending on the dishwasher's working cycle. Each manufacturer's inlet valve looks somewhat different and the mounting configuration could place the outlet on the top or side, however you should be able to identify the unit, quite easily.

    

5. Remove the wires that power the solenoid portion of the inlet valve. In most cases the wires are connected to the inlet valve using quick connect terminals. To remove the wires use a pair of needle nose pliers and pull on the connector that is attached to the end of the wire. DO NOT pull on the wire itself, as it is more than likely that you will pull the wire out of the connector. Identify which wire goes to which terminal before removing the wires.

    

6. Newer dishwasher installations will have copper piping connected to the inlet valve, while older units will have a rubber hose. Most will be connected using a hex fitting. Using a wrench, or pliers loosen the fitting and pull the pipe or hose away from the inlet valve.

    

7. In most cases, the fill hose that is connected to the inlet valve will have a spring clamp. Using a pair of pliers grasp both ends of the clamp and squeeze inwards while sliding the clamp down the hose. In some cases the fill hose may be connected using a hex fitting similar to the inlet hose, but most likely a different size. Whichever method your manufacturer used the fill hose must be removed.

    

8. The inlet valve itself will be fixed to the frame of the dishwasher using a mounting bracket that has 2 to 4 screws holding it in place. Remove the screws and save them, as the replacement inlet valve will not have mounting screws included.

    

9. Install the new inlet valve in the same manner as the original.

    

10. Install the fill hose, sliding the clamp back up the hose.

     

11. Install the hot water copper pipe or rubber hose and tighten the fitting.

     

12. Turn the hot water shut off valve on until you hear water flow, check the fittings and ensure they are not leaking.

     

13. Replace the wires to the inlet valve, making sure that each wire is connected to the correct terminal.

     

14. Open the hot water shut off valve all the way and again look for leaks.

     

15. Replace the removable panel or raise the hinged panel as the case may be.

     

16. Turn the power back on to the dishwasher.

For more detailed information, including diagrams and pictures, visit How To Replace a Dishwasher Inlet Valve:

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