Dishwasher Repair, Replacement & Installation
You can do without your automatic dishwasher for a day or two, maybe even a week. But do you really want to?
It’s not just the load-and-forget convenience that a dishwasher offers — the easy clean-up after meals, the freedom from scrubbing and soaking, the kitchen sinks left clear for the underappreciated disposal — that makes a dishwasher an essential household appliance.
Dishwashers also:
- Sanitize dishes better than handwashing.
- Save water. California’s reservoirs will thank you.
- Use less energy, in many cases.
- Free up your time for the things you love most (unless you love to wash the dishes).
Chief’s Dishwasher Repair Service
West Coast Chief specializes in appliance repair — all major appliances, like dishwashers.
We service all dishwasher brands, including Maytag, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, GE, Meile, and Bosch, and all types: built-in, drawer, free-standing, commercial — you name it.
We’ve served metro Los Angeles and Orange County since 1995 and guarantee every job with some of the best warranties in the business.
Call us for details or to schedule an appointment.
For same-day repair, call us before noon.
LA’s Hard Water Is Hard on Your Dishwasher
Los Angeles is known for its entertainment, marquee sports teams, and tangled traffic. It’s also notorious for its hard water supply!
What do we mean by “hard water?”
In short, it’s water with high mineral content.
These minerals can wreak havoc on dishwashers and other appliances exposed to water. Over time, the mineral build-up can cause all sorts of problems, including:
- Rusting and corrosion.
- Limescale deposits.
- Decreased dishwasher performance.
- Shortened appliance lifespan.
Symptoms of a Broken Dishwasher
Signs you need dishwasher repair include:
- The dishwasher fails to fill or drain.
- Leaks and puddles around the dishwasher.
- Dishes come out dirty or wet.
- The dishwasher is noisier than usual.
- The dishwasher doesn’t start, or it stops mid-cycle.
- The door won’t shut or seal tight.
- A clogged dishwasher drain that you can’t fix DIY.
- A defective heating element.
- An error code on the machine signals a problem that calls for professional repair.
All dishwashers follow the same mechanical principles, but different manufacturers like to do the little things differently.
So, mending a Kitchenaid or Maytag dishwasher might vary from a GE or Whirlpool unit. It’s just one of the reasons why it pays to hire an appliance specialist who has seen it all.
We get the job done faster, do it right, and carry spare parts in our trucks.
What If Your Broken Dishwasher Is Still under Warranty?
Just show us the paperwork! We honor all manufacturer warranties, even on appliances installed by other companies.
If your homeowner’s insurance covers the repair, we’ll work directly with your insurance agent.
Replacement vs. Repair: When It’s Time to Move on
Most dishwashers last about 10 years — longer if you take exceptional care of your dishwasher and less if you let the hard water of Los Angeles do its pernicious thing.
Eventually, if you stay put long enough, you’ll have to replace your dishwasher and most other kitchen appliances.
It’s a cruel fact of economic life that no appliance lasts forever, especially an appliance with moving parts, complex electronics and timers, and daily exposure to hard water.
So how will you know when to replace your dishwasher instead of forking out for a repair?
Call us, and we’ll let you know.
But as a general rule, if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement price, you’re usually better off ditching the old dishwasher and starting anew.
And when that time comes, we’ll install a brand new, energy-efficient, labor-saving, long-lasting dishwasher lickety-split and haul away your old appliance for free.
Our Professional Dishwasher Installation Service
Your humble, unassuming dishwasher is one of the most complex appliances in your home. It mixes water, soap, detergent, electricity, plumbing — even gas in some models — to wash your dishes clean as a whistle while you take a break.
So when something goes wrong with your dishwasher, it may be challenging to troubleshoot or even describe the problem without the help of a professional.
That’s where we come in! We’ll tell you where the problem lies and what your options are. Repair may not be your best option!
Suppose it makes more sense to install a new dishwasher. In that case, we’ll give you an honest assessment, offer you a deal on a new, energy-efficient unit, and install it according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Or, if you’ve already ordered a replacement unit, we’ll install that for you.
When the Technician Arrives
Here’s what you can expect from a Chief service call:
- A professional assessment of your dishwasher and a clear explanation of the problem.
- A recommendation for repair or replacement, depending on the age and condition of your dishwasher.
- If you’ve already ordered a new dishwasher, we’ll install it quickly and correctly. If not, we’ll give you a great deal on a new one.
- In either case, we’ll recycle your old dishwasher for free.
- We warranty every repair, and for dishwasher installation, we honor manufacturer warranties 100%.
Dishwasher Brands We Install
- Bosch
- Whirlpool
- Maytag
- Samsung
- LG
- KitchenAid
- GE
- Kenmore
- Frigidaire
- Amana
- Viking
- SPT
- Sharp
- Danby
- Fisher & Paykel
- Café
- Farberware
- Summit Appliance
- Kucht
- Blomberg
- KitchenAid
- Miele
- BLACK+DECKER
- Thermador
- And more!
We install ALL dishwasher brands, home and commercial.
Common Dishwasher Types: Which Is Right for You?
Under-the-counter dishwashers dominate the market in Southern California, but you’ll find other types as well, especially in older or smaller homes.
Built-In Under-Counter Dishwasher
They’re mounted beneath a countertop and usually located in the kitchen near the sink. The outlet pipe attaches directly the the the drainage system, eliminating kinks and reducing the risk of blockage.
Drawer Dishwashers
This type of dishwasher has one or two pull-out drawers. The drawers are much smaller than regular dishwasher cabinets, so they can run independently and on different washing cycles.
If you don’t have ample space or huge loads of dishes to wash after meals, drawer dishwashers are an efficient choice.
Portable Free-Standing Dishwashers
You can roll out a portable dishwasher when you need it and store it away when you don’t. Mobile units usually have caster wheels that make them easy to move around, but they still need a water supply and drainage connection. Hoses connect them to a faucet and a drain.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Dishwasher?
The dishwasher installation cost varies depending on the type of dishwasher, the complexity of the job, and whether any other appliances need to be moved to accommodate the new unit.
The best way to get an accurate estimate is to call us. Sometimes we can quote a ballpark figure over the phone; more likely, we’ll dispatch one of our technicians to have a look. There’s a small service charge for visits, which we waive if you proceed with the installation.
Basic Dishwasher Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
While your dishwasher keeps your dishes sparkling clean, it doesn’t clean itself! It may look and smell clean, but it needs your help, especially in the hard water capital of Los Angeles! Here’s how:
Start with the rubber door seal.
Dirt, debris, and mold can collect on the rubber seal around the door. Find an old toothbrush and a warm, soapy water solution, and start scrubbing deep into the grooves.
Clean the interior dishwasher door.
Having scrubbed the rubber seal, you may have released a bit of gunk. Use a soft sponge and soapy water to wipe down the door.
Wash the dishwasher interior.
A non-abrasive soft cleaner will help you eliminate caked-on crud and keep your dishwasher looking and smelling clean.
Clean the drain.
All those food particles in your dishwasher have to do somewhere. That "somewhere" is the drain, usually protected by a fine screen filter. Remove the filter, scrub it clean with your toothbrush, soak it in vinegar if need be to release mineral deposits, and then turn your attention to the drain. Wipe it clean with a soft rag or brush.
Run a wash cycle with vinegar or baking soda.
Periodically, run a short dishwasher cycle with vinegar or baking soda to reduce mineral deposits and odors. Add them to the bottom of the unit to mix with the water supply.
Why West Coast Chief Repair? Our Service Guarantee
West Coast Chief’s is a family-owned and operated appliance repair company that has served greater Los Angeles and Orange County since 1995. We’re known for our:
- Prompt, same-day repair
- Quality workmanship
- Excellent customer service
- Flexible scheduling
- Competitive pricing
- Best-of-class warranties and guarantees
Call us today to schedule an appointment!