Monthly Archives: May 2009

Repairing an Incontinent Maytag Dishwasher: A Visual Repair Guideā„¢

(Click the photos below to see the larger version with the illuminating annotations on them.)

Slimey Down UnderSlimey Down Under. This leak had been going on for a while. There was algae growing down there! And water was running down the wall into the basement. It was a real mess! Notice also the partition in the floor. They had a new floor put in IN FRONT of the freaking dishwasher! Hello? Is this thing on? I had to pull the dishwasher outta there to change the upper spray arm water feed tube. Please don’t torture your repair dudes like this!


Drippy Action ShotDrippy Action Shot. Watch with amazement and your mouth agape as you witness water suspended in the air before your very eyes! Right now it’s just dripping vigorously. When the dishwasher switches into drain mode, the water comes spraying out in a fan-like multitude of spray, drenching anything nearby. Honestly, I don’t understand how this could go on more than just one time before someone noticed that something was amiss. You shouldn’t see any water from your dishwasher… ever. Any regular leak should be checked out quickly.


Water-Worn Rubber Fitting on the Old Upper Spray Arm Water Feed TubeWater-Worn Rubber Fitting on the Old Upper Spray Arm Water Feed Tube. Here be the culprit– this rip in the rubber fitting was caused 100% by water! The pump blasts water though this fitting and tube to feed the upper spray arm. After a while, the rubber gets worn thin and rips. Given enough time, water can dissolve anything.


Unscrewing the Upper Spray Arm Retaining NutUnscrewing the Upper Spray Arm Retaining Nut. The upper spray arm water feed tube needed to be replaced. It runs around the outside of the dishwasher to the top where it connects here to the upper spray arm.


Upper Spray Arm Water Feed Tube, External Top ViewUpper Spray Arm Water Feed Tube, External Top View. This is the top, outside of the dishwasher. Note the mouse droppings. Every house has ’em. Decon is your friend!


Upper Spray Arm Water Feed Tube RemovedUpper Spray Arm Water Feed Tube Removed. Notice that the entire dishwasher has to be removed from the cubby to replace the upper spray arm fill tube.


To learn more about your dishwasher, or to order parts, click here.

Gluing Copper Water Pipes Together: A Photo Odyssey

(You can click the photos for a larger view. Or not. Whatever.)

The Battlefield
Lo! The battle doth beckon!


The Threaded Part of the Shutoff Valve
It’s kinda like porno. Not that I’d know anything about that. Por-who?


Water Supply Pipe with the Brazed-on Cap
I have to cut that cap off so I can make the connection with the hand shut off valve using the pipe glue. Uhhh… forgot whether or not I shut off the water before I cut that cap off. Well, I reckon we’ll find out.

Hi. Welcome to my world.


Valve Glued onto Water Pipe
Holy guacamole, Batman, it works! Connection made and water pressure turned back on. No torch, just this glue holding the water valve to the copper pipe. Sheer and uttah, uttah madness!


Both Valved Glued On
An art shot. Go "ooh! ahh!" or something.


All Connections Under the Sink Taped and Made
You’ll probably need to take apart and tape all the connections right under the sink. If’n you need to, you’ll know as soon as you restore water pressure.


Crank it Tight or It'll Leak!
Dayyam! I should be a water valve photographer…. or something!


It is Finished
The bathroom sink installation: plumbing. Fini.