A dishwasher door that falls open usually has a broken or unhooked door spring, or a snapped cable between the spring and the hinge. A heavy custom panel, a bent hinge or a dishwasher that isn't anchored to the cabinet can cause the same drop.
In this post:
- •A door spring broke or came unhooked
- •The spring cable or pulley failed
- •A custom panel is heavier than the springs are set for
- •A hinge is bent or worn
- •The dishwasher isn't anchored
1. A door spring broke or came unhooked
Most dishwashers have a spring on each side of the tub that counterbalances the weight of the door.
How to tell: The door drops hard, or it falls faster on one side and sits crooked. You may have heard a snap when it happened.
What to do: Turn off power at the breaker and remove the kick plate. On many models the springs are visible near the floor on each side. Replace them as a pair. If yours can only be reached by sliding the dishwasher out, have a technician do it, because the water and power connections are back there.
2. The spring cable or pulley failed
Many designs link each spring to the hinge with a cord or cable that runs over a small pulley.
How to tell: The spring is intact but hangs loose, or the cable is frayed, snapped or off its pulley.
What to do: Replace worn cables and pulleys on both sides at the same time so the door stays balanced. Use the parts listed for your model number.
3. A custom panel is heavier than the springs are set for
Panel-ready dishwashers take a wood front that matches the cabinets, and that panel adds weight the springs have to carry.
How to tell: The problem started right after a new panel went on or the cabinets were refaced.
What to do: Many panel-ready models let you adjust spring tension for the panel's weight, and the installation guide lists the maximum. A panel over that limit needs to be lighter.
4. A hinge is bent or worn
Leaning on an open door, or letting kids stand on it, can bend a hinge arm.
How to tell: The door sits unevenly, rubs the tub when it closes, or leaks at one corner.
What to do: Stop putting weight on the open door. A bent hinge gets replaced, not straightened, and the job usually means pulling the unit out, so leave it to a technician.
5. The dishwasher isn't anchored
Brackets at the top or sides hold the dishwasher to the counter or cabinets. Without them, the whole tub tips forward when the open door or a loaded rack pulls on it.
How to tell: The dishwasher rocks toward you when you open the door or slide out the bottom rack.
What to do: With the power off, find the mounting brackets and fasten them to the counter or side cabinets as the installation guide shows. Stone counters usually need the side-mount option.
When a technician is the better call
Call a pro if a hinge is bent or cracked, the door is twisted, or the springs can only be reached by pulling the dishwasher out. Our dishwasher repair team replaces springs, cables and hinges and can re-anchor a unit that has worked loose.
Southern California note
An unanchored dishwasher can also slide or tip in an earthquake and pull on its water and drain lines. While you're checking the brackets, go through our list of ways to earthquake-proof your kitchen appliances.
Marco's advice: Never let anyone sit or stand on an open dishwasher door. It's the quickest way I know to bend a hinge, and a door that drops can catch fingers on the way down.
Door still dropping? Call ProFix LA at (818) 334-4526.