Dishwasher Making Noise? Learn What it Means from Appliance Rescue Service.

Dishwashers are very handy in the kitchen, saving us precious minutes that we would otherwise spend washing and drying dishes individually. But when your dishwasher is making loud, strange sounds, it can be concerning. Before there is a major issue with your dishwasher, learn why your dishwasher is making noise and what those noises mean, from Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas:

Swishing Noise

If you hear a swishing noise in your dishwasher, there is no cause for alarm. During the wash cycle, the spray arm will spray water into the basin and that is the noise you are hearing.

Loud Banging Noise

If the noise is especially loud, like a loud banging that might echo a little afterward, then you might have a water hammer that needs professional attention. A water hammer occurs when a valve is shut off quickly and the water is forced to “bang” against that closed valve. 

Rhythmic Thumping or Knocking Noise

A rhythmic thumping or knocking noise can usually be attributed to a spray arm hitting something inside the dishwasher at regular intervals. Open the dishwasher door, take a peek inside, readjust anything that might be hitting, then restart the dishwasher. The problem should be solved, but if it isn’t, then give a dishwasher repairman a call. 

Squealing Noise

Is your dishwasher new? New dishwashers do not have water inside them yet, so sometimes a new unit can squeal a little as mechanisms begin working and water has not fully filled the dishwasher cavities yet. The same issue can occur in a vacation home where a dishwasher goes months without use. If you suspect this is an issue, try pouring a little water in the bottom of the dishwasher basin before starting the cycle to see if it solves the issue. 

Humming Noise

A mild humming noise can be normal, but if it’s loud or constant, then it could be a faulty motor or a fan that needs replacing. Call a professional dishwasher repairman to properly diagnose the issue.

Still have questions about your dishwasher and why it’s making noises? Call us anytime at Appliance Rescue Service for a full diagnosis of your machine. We are your Dallas dishwasher repair specialists! 

Additional Reading

Dishwasher Deep Dive

Appliance Storage Hacks: Where to Store Food in your Fridge

Did you know that your refrigerator was actually designed in such a way that certain foods should be kept in various parts of the refrigerator – both for optimum convenience and to keep food fresher longer? 

It’s true, and while you might feel like you know exactly wehre everything should go in a fridge (let’s face it, you’ve been using one your whole life), Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas is here to share a few food storage hacks you may not know:

Store Milk on Shelves – in the Back

As you might guess, milk is more apt to spoiling than other items in the fridge. Many homeowners keep their milk on the door, but this is just not optimum for freshness. The temperatures on the door fluctuate the most, since the air changes each time the door is opened and closed. Instead, store your milk on a shelf, toward the back of the refrigerator. Also – keep it away from foods with strong odors, as it can absorb those scents. Ick.

Keep Meat On Bottom Shelves

Meat storage works best when you keep it down low in the refrigerator. This prevents cross-contamination with other foods in the refrigerator and prevents meat from dripping on other foods. Of course, you should always keep your meats well sealed to prevent any drips or spills. 

Utilize the Crisper Drawers for Fruits and Vegetables

Those drawers near the bottom of your refrigerator – the crisper drawers – are there for a reason! Use them for fruits and vegetables. Each drawer has valves that allow you to adjust the humidity of the drawer, based on how much humidity is needed to store various fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens need higher humidity; while heartier items like apples and carrots need low humidity. 

Hopefully this helps you get organized and extend the life of your food – and your appliance! Should you ever suspect issues with your refrigerator and need Prosper refrigerator repair, call us at Appliance Rescue Service! We offer appliance repair to Prosper, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Grapevine, Flower Mound, and the entire North Texas area. 

Ask Appliance Rescue: Why is My Microwave Sparking?

When your microwave is sparking, it’s a clear sign of an issue – but it doesn’t necessarily mean your microwave is at the end of its life. If you notice sparking, discontinue use and inspect the following:

Is there metal in the microwave?

Most of us know that metal inside a microwave causing sparking, but sometimes a forgetful mishap can land a fork in the microwave by mistake. What could be less obvious is a speck of tin foil left on a dish as you reheat. Inspect for metal just to be sure that isn’t the issue.

 Is the Wave Guide Cover damaged?

If you look inside your microwave, you will notice a square plate off to one side that is known as the wave guide cover. This cover conceals the magnetron in the microwave, and it also guides the heat waves toward the food. If food particles or grease get stuck on the cover, the waves released from the magnetron can hit that debris and cause numerous sparks to fly. 

Is your microwave rack support the culprit?

Some microwaves have racks and require microwave rack supports. Simply put, if you notice sparking coming from the support areas of the racks, then that’s a good indicator that the microwave rack supports need to be replaced. 

Still not sure what is causing your microwave to spark? Call the experts at Appliance Rescue Service today to fix the issue. Many times, sparking in the microwave is an easy fix and does not require a microwave replacement. Our technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your appliance and give you a detailed estimate before any microwave repair is done. We’ll have your microwave up and running again in no time – with no sparking! Call Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas for all your Dallas appliance repair needs!  

5 Things You Should Never Put in Your Microwave

Sure, microwaves are one of the greatest kitchen inventions of our time. Most of us are too young to remember the days before you could just pop food in and heat it up in a matter of minutes. 

While modern-day microwaves can take on quite a bite of abuse, there are certain things that just don’t belong in the microwave. Microwaving these 5 things is a sure fire way to ruin your microwave, create a huge mess, and call for Dallas microwave repair:

Plastic

Plastic plates, cups, and to-go containers just don’t belong in the microwave. First of all, they can begin to melt, leaving plastic residue in your food (not fun). Secondly, as plastic is heated, it secretes BPA, a substance known to disrupt your hormones and cause other health issues. The same applies to styrofoam.

Paper Bags

A bag of popcorn goes in the microwave – why can’t other paper bags? It’s simple. Popcorn bags are made for the microwave, specially formulated with a substance in the liner to absorb radio waves in the microwave. Regular paper bags don’t have this; therefore, they can break down, catch fire!, or even emit their own toxins and fumes into the microwave. No thanks.

Travel Mugs

It’s tempting to heat your coffee in your travel mug before leaving for work, but don’t do it! Travel mugs – whether stainless steel or plastic – are just not designed to be heated in the microwave. The stainless steel mugs may not heat because steel is common in the construction of the microwave, plus, it may cause other interferences with the microwaves. Plastic mugs – even those that say they are microwave safe – may melt, so avoid them all together. 

Foil

Most people know this, but it’s worth repeating. Any liner or material that contains foil cannot go into the microwave. If it does, it will likely cause sparks in the microwave, as the waves reflect off of the foil. This can be extremely dangerous – not to mention a surefire way to need microwave repair.

Nothing

Why would anyone run the microwave with nothing in it? It seems pretty straightforward, but people do it everyday, and the results are not good. Without any food in the microwave, the waves simply bounce around aimlessly and can cause severe damage to the microwave components. 

Hopefully these tips help your microwave last longer and prevent microwave repair. Should you ever need appliance repair in Dallas, Texas, call us at Appliance Rescue Service for the best appliance repairman every time!

Meet John Our New Appliance Technician (in training)

At Appliance Rescue Service we train our technicians to know your appliances inside and out. Here is some pictures from our latest training session. You will not see John in your home repairing appliances for about 16-18 years but he is off to a great start!