Troubleshooting Dishwasher Arms Not Spinning

Why Aren’t My Dishwasher Spray Arms Spinning?

If your dishwasher’s spray arms aren’t spinning, chances are your dishes are coming out spotty, grimy, or completely untouched. Not ideal, right? The spinning arms are responsible for spraying high-pressure water around your dishwasher to clean your dishes effectively. When they stop working, your dishwasher becomes a high-priced drying rack. Let’s break down the possible culprits and how you can troubleshoot them like a pro.

1. Blocked Spray Arms

Let’s start with the basics. Over time, food particles, hard water deposits, or general gunk can clog the tiny holes in your spray arms.

What to do:

• Remove the spray arms (usually they just twist off).
• Rinse them under warm water.
• Use a toothpick or small brush to clean out the holes.
• Soak them in vinegar if there’s mineral buildup.

Once they’re squeaky clean, pop them back in and see if that helps.

2. Low Water Pressure

Dishwashers rely on strong water pressure to get the spray arms moving. If water isn’t being pumped with enough force, the arms won’t spin.

Check for:

• Clogged filters or screens at the bottom of your dishwasher.
• A partially blocked or kinked water supply hose.
• Sediment in the water inlet valve.

Cleaning or replacing these parts can often restore proper pressure and get those arms back in action.

3. Malfunctioning Pump or Motor

The spray arms are powered by the dishwasher’s motor and circulation pump. If either of these fails, no spin.

Signs of pump issues:

• Strange humming or buzzing noises
• Dishwasher fills with water but doesn’t clean
• Water remains pooled at the bottom

Unless you’re handy with appliance repair, this one may require professional help.

4. Improper Loading

Believe it or not, sometimes the problem isn’t mechanical — it’s just how you’re loading the dishwasher. Big pans or dishes can block the arms from spinning freely.

Quick fix:

• Make sure nothing is physically obstructing the spray arms.
• Try spinning the arms by hand before starting a cycle to ensure they rotate.

5. Worn Bearings or Bushings

Spray arms spin using small plastic or metal bearings. If these wear out or get gunked up, the arms won’t rotate properly.

Solution:

• Inspect the connection points where the arms mount.
• If they’re loose, cracked, or stiff, you may need to replace them.

Still Not Spinning? Time to Call in the Experts

If you’ve gone through all the steps above and your dishwasher arms still aren’t doing their job, it’s time to reach out to a trusted dishwasher repair service. Ignoring the issue can lead to more serious damage — and more expensive repairs down the line.

Wrapping Things Up – Keep Your Dishwasher in Tip-Top Shape

So there you have it! If your dishwasher arms aren’t spinning, don’t panic. It’s a common issue that you can often fix with a bit of elbow grease and regular maintenance. Start with the easy stuff — cleaning, checking for obstructions, and proper loading. If that doesn’t cut it, it might be time to call the pros.

Looking for a reliable appliance repair team?

GIR Appliance is the name to remember if you’re in The Woodlands or Houston area. With fast response times, honest pricing, and certified technicians who actually know what they’re doing, they’re the go-to crew for dishwasher and home appliance repairs. Save yourself the guesswork and the repeated wash cycles — call GIR Appliance and get it fixed the right way the first time.