Dishwasher Not Spraying Water
You can hear the dishwasher running, but dishes come out completely untouched — not even a little clean. This points somewhere specific.
The Likely Cause
Clogged spray arm holes, almost always from mineral buildup given Abilene’s hard water. Over time, mineral deposits narrow the small holes in the spray arms until water can’t get through with any real pressure, even though the pump itself is working fine.
The Second Possibility
A wash pump that’s lost pressure due to age or wear. This is less common than clogged spray arms but does happen, especially in dishwashers past the 8-year mark.
A Simple Check
Spin the spray arms by hand — they should move freely. If they’re stiff or the holes look visibly crusted with white residue, that’s a strong sign of mineral buildup rather than a pump issue.
What It Usually Costs
Spray arm cleaning or replacement is one of the more affordable dishwasher repairs, typically $100 to $180. A pump replacement runs higher, generally $250 to $350.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean dishwasher spray arm holes myself?
Often yes — a toothpick or thin wire can clear mineral buildup from individual holes, and soaking the arms in a vinegar solution helps with lighter buildup.
Why does this happen more in Abilene than other places?
Our municipal water tests genuinely hard, and dishwashers run water through the same spray arm holes hundreds of times a year, giving mineral buildup plenty of opportunity to accumulate.