Dishwashers are one of the most useful appliances in any home. They save time, water, and energy. For many people—especially families—having a working dishwasher does not feel like a luxury, rather they feel like a daily necessity.
The modern dishwasher was invented by a woman named Josephine Cochrane in the late 1800s. She was tired of her china getting chipped when hand washed. She believed there had to be a better way—one that was both effective and gentle on her dishes. Her invention became the foundation of the dishwashers we use today.
Dishwashers and Home Inspections
The Home Inspector Standards of Practice actually exclude appliances. However, we do a basic check of dishwashers as a courtesy whenever possible. During a home inspection, we will open the door to see if the dishwasher appears safe to run. Occasionally we find washers that are full of items that are not dishes. Other times a unit may be full of old water, or have some other indicator that testng may not be safe. If the dishwasher is installed and appears safe to use, we will run a short cycle to check that it powers on and runs without leaking.
We also look for:
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Obvious leaks under or around the dishwasher
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If the door opens and closes correctly
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If the control buttons are worn
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Whether the door spring feels weak or broken.
We usually choose the shortest cycle so that it can complete its cycle while we are on site. A regular load may take longer than the inspection and we prefer to not still have a dishwasher running when we leave.
The Downside Of Dishwasher Testing
It’s important to know that while we test basic functions, we cannot check how well a dishwasher actually cleans. We don’t bring a stack of dirty dishes with us. The seller usually does not leave us a stack of dirty dishes either. And since we usually chose a short setting, the exact performance of how well dishwasher washes or dries can not be determined.
How Long Will My Dishwasher Last?
As a homeowner, how long will a dishwasher last is a question often on my mind. It feels like every time I buy a new dishwasher, I get less and less useful life out of it. Tom’s Guide says an average dishwasher will last about 10 years. But it’s important to note that is an average of high end models that may last 14 years and budget models that may only last 4-6 years. Many dishwashers look modern on the outside, but may have lower-quality plastic parts inside. And like anything else, it also depends on how often it’s used. A family of 4 who eats every meal at home will put a lot more stress on a dishwasher than two professionals who eat out often. Therefore it is impossible to correctly estimate how long a dishwasher may last.
What This Means For You
If the dishwasher runs and doesn’t leak, we will note that it was working at the time of inspection. But just like any appliance, it could stop working at any time, especially if it is older or hasn’t been well maintained. We recommend asking the seller if they have the receipt and the manual for the dishwasher.
After moving in, we recommend:
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Running a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar rinse cycle
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Looking up the model number online to learn more about its features
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Cleaning the filter regularly for best results
Book your home inspection now by calling 818-298-3405 or book online here