Knowledge of dishwasher spares is very important as you use your dishwasher machine. All machines use moving parts to accomplish the desired work. Moving parts are subjected to wear and tear and hence will need changing after some use. The list of these fast wearing parts of a dishwasher is known as dishwasher spares.
The importance of this dishwasher spares list is understood only when the dishwasher machine breaks down. The mechanic after checking may ask for a certain spare parts for changing. You should be cautious about the new spare and by no means should you allow an ordinary spare to be fitted. You should always go for genuine spare of the brand of the dishwasher you own.
The Main Parts of a Dishwasher are:
- Control Mechanism:
- Intake Valve:
- Pump:
It is located inside the door behind the control panel. Many units use a simple electro-mechanical system. A timer decides how long each part of the cycle lasts and activates the proper function at the proper time. Units that are more expensive use a computerized control system. Modern units have a door latch that must be closed for the unit to run. Some also have child safety lock.
This valve is provided at the place where the home’s water supply enters the dishwasher. The unit’s pump does not pump the water into the basin. When the intake valve opens, the water pressure drives the water into the unit.
An electric motor powers the pump. During the pump cycle the pump forces the water into the spray arms. During the drain cycle, the pump directs the water into the drain hose. The motor pump assembly is mounted beneath the basin, in the center of the dishwasher. There are two main types of pumps.
Reversible Pumps-
This pump pumps water to the spray arms and switches to pumping water to drain hose by reversing the direction of the motor. Reversible pumps are generally vertically mounted.
Direct Drive Pumps-
The motor in this type runs in one direction. The change of direction from pumping to spray arms and to drain hoses is done by a solenoid valve that opens and closes the appropriate valve. Direct drive pumps are generally horizontally mounted.
Dishwashers can be installed in either a portable or a permanent configuration. Portable unit tops are finished so as to use as a table. The machine can be placed in a corner by the wall, when not in use. When the machine is required to be used, it can be rolled on casters to the sink where it can be connected to the water supply line of your home. In a permanent installation the machine goes underneath the existing countertop and bolts into place. Hoses underneath the kitchen sink connect directly to the hot water line and the drain line. Generally the plug in is also under the sink.
The guidelines to use the dishwasher safely, effectively and efficiently:
- Do not use regular dish soap, the suds will overflow the dishwasher.
- Do not overload your dishwasher. You must leave sufficient space for spray of water jets which comes in the center.
- Face the dirtiest part of the dishes towards the spray jet which comes in the center.
- Do not mix steel and silver items. Putting two types of metals in a humid condition is a perfect ambience for corrosion.
- Try to keep bowls, spoons and other dishes of identical shapes separated. Otherwise they will nest together and will not allow water to reach all parts.
- Do not put wood, cast iron, fine china, crystal and hand painted dishes in dishwashers. Wash them manually.
- Try to use the machine at a time when the water pressure is high, such as late at night. The dishwasher works better at high pressure water jet.
- If your home has hard water, use slightly more detergent
- Use a rinse aid to avoid spots and help your dishes to dry quickly
- Do not put plastics in the bottom rack. The heating element will melt the plastic
- Do not pre clean the dishes. The dishwasher actually depends on the bits of food that cling to the dirty dishes to maintain the ph level inside the dishwasher. Large pieces should of course be scrapped in the garbage.