Dishwasher Repair in Toronto & GTA - Professional Diagnostics & Honest Service
We repair all major dishwasher problems: not draining, poor cleaning, leaking, no power, error codes and incomplete cycles. All work is done by Octopus Royal in-house technicians - no subcontractors, no commission-based upselling.
Common Dishwasher Problems We Repair
Below are the most common dishwasher issues we see in homes, rentals, and condo units across Toronto and the GTA. Each section includes clear DIY checks and an explanation of what a professional technician will look at.
Professional Dishwasher Repair Service
We diagnose and repair all dishwasher brands across Toronto and the GTA. Whether your machine is not draining, leaking, not cleaning properly, or not starting, our in-house certified technicians provide fast, accurate troubleshooting with no subcontractors and no commission-based upselling.
Same-day and next-day service available in many areas. Every repair includes a 1-year workmanship warranty for your peace of mind.
📅 Book Your Dishwasher Service
1. Dishwasher Not Draining
A dishwasher that finishes the cycle with dirty water at the bottom usually has a problem in the drain path: filter, drain pump, drain hose, air gap, or the connection to the sink / garbage disposer.
Most Likely Causes
- Clogged filter or sump area
- Blocked drain hose or kinks behind the dishwasher
- Food / glass blocking the drain pump impeller
- Air gap or garbage disposer knock-out plug not opened
- Failed drain pump or control not sending power to the pump
DIY Troubleshooting
- Turn off power to the dishwasher (breaker or unplug) before touching internal parts.
- Remove the bottom rack and clean the filter and sump area - remove food, labels, glass.
- Run a short cycle and listen during the drain phase - you should hear the drain pump running.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or clogs; make sure it loops higher than the sink connection.
- If connected to a garbage disposer, confirm the knock-out plug was removed when installed.
If the pump hums but does not move water, the impeller may be jammed or the pump motor is failing.
🚿 Still not draining? Book a diagnostic2. Dishes Are Not Coming Out Clean
When dishes are still dirty, cloudy, or gritty after a full cycle, there is usually a problem with water flow, spray pressure, temperature, or wash time.
Possible Causes
- Clogged spray arms (food, seeds, mineral buildup)
- Filter and sump partially blocked
- Weak circulation pump reducing water pressure
- Water not heating properly (faulty heater, thermostat, or control)
- Wrong cycle, low-quality detergent, or overloading racks
DIY Checks
- Clean filter and sump thoroughly.
- Remove spray arms and flush them with water to open clogged holes.
- Run a hot water cycle and check if the tub feels hot at the end.
- Use a quality dishwasher detergent and avoid overfilling the machine.
- Do not block the detergent dispenser with large plates or pans.
If the heater is not working, the dishwasher may still complete cycles, but cleaning performance will be poor.
🍽️ Get professional cleaning performance back3. Dishwasher Leaking
Leaks can appear at the front of the door, from underneath the unit, or from the plumbing connections. The key is to identify where the water is coming from.
Common Leak Sources
- Worn or dirty door gasket
- Loose or cracked inlet hose / drain hose
- Over-foaming from wrong detergent (hand soap instead of dishwasher soap)
- Leaking circulation pump or drain pump seal
- Leaking tub, sump, or diverter assembly
DIY Inspection
- Check if the leak is from the front door area or from underneath.
- Inspect the rubber door gasket for tears, flat spots, or food stuck on it.
- Make sure you are using only dishwasher detergent and not overfilling the soap.
- Remove the toe kick panel and look for water tracks around pumps and hoses (power off first).
- Check if the dishwasher is level; tilting forward can cause door leaks.
Leaks from pumps and internal seals usually require parts replacement and proper reassembly to avoid future damage.
💧 Stop the leak - book a service4. Dishwasher Does Not Start the Cycle
A dishwasher that will not start, does nothing when you press Start, or only lights up but never runs, usually has an issue with power, door latch, control panel, or safety sensors.
Possible Causes
- No power from outlet or tripped breaker
- Faulty door latch or door switch
- Control board or touchpad failure
- Stuck float switch detecting a false overfill
- Child lock / control lock mode enabled
DIY Checks (Basic)
- Confirm power at the outlet; try another appliance in the same socket.
- Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker.
- Listen for a click when closing the door - if not, the latch may not be engaging.
- Check the float inside the tub (small plastic dome or tower) - it should move freely up and down.
- Look for a Control Lock or Child Lock indicator and disable it according to the user manual.
If the control lights flicker, or it sometimes starts and sometimes does not, the control board or wiring may need professional testing.
⚡ Have us diagnose the start issue⚠ Always disconnect power and close the water supply valve before removing panels or working near electrical components. If you are not comfortable with electrical testing, it is safer to stop and call a professional.
Why Homeowners and Landlords Choose Octopus Royal
- Only in-house technicians - no subcontractors, no commission-based upselling
- $85 service call, waived when you repair with us
- Fast response and clear communication for landlords and property managers
- 2 million liability insurance for extra peace of mind
- 1-year workmanship warranty on our repairs and installations
- Experience with most major dishwasher brands and models
Dishwasher Brands We Service
Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Kenmore and other major household brands.
If you do not see your brand listed here, send us a quick message - in many cases we can still help.
For official tips on saving water and energy with dishwashers, visit the EnergyStar dishwasher guide .
Typical Dishwasher Repair Costs
Prices vary by brand, parts, and access, but most dishwasher repairs in Toronto and the GTA fall into these ranges:
- Drain pump repair or replacement: $160 - $320
- Circulation / wash motor repair: $180 - $380
- Heating system issues (heater, thermostat, sensors): $150 - $350
- Door gasket and leak repairs: $95 - $220
- Control or touch panel issues: $180 and up
- Service call and full diagnostic: $85 (waived when you repair with us)
You will always approve the final repair quote before we start. No surprise charges, no commission pressure.
Repair or Replace - What Makes Sense?
We will always advise you honestly if a repair is worth it or not.
- Under 10 years old and in good shape - usually worth repairing.
- If the total repair quote is less than 50% of a new dishwasher, repair is often the smart move.
- Cracked tub, multiple major parts failed (pump + heater + control) - replacement is often better.
- If you are planning a kitchen renovation soon, we can help you decide timing and options.
During the diagnostic visit, we can also review options like our Appliance Protection Plan for long-term coverage.
🤝 Ask us if your dishwasher is worth repairingDishwasher Repair Across Toronto and GTA
We provide dishwasher repair and installation for homes, condos, and rental units in:
Toronto, North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Scarborough, York Region and nearby areas.
If you are just outside these areas, contact us and we will let you know if we can still help or recommend a partner.
Our Promise To Every Customer
- Only in-house technicians - we never use subcontractors.
- No commission-based pay - our techs are not paid percentage on sales.
- Clear, upfront pricing before any work is started.
- No unnecessary upselling or pressure tactics.
- Clean, careful work in your home or rental property.
- 1-year workmanship warranty on our repairs and installations.
What Our Customers Say About Our Dishwasher Repair
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“Our dishwasher stopped draining and was full of dirty water. Octopus Royal came the next day, found a blocked pump, cleaned everything and it has been working perfect since.”
- Maria, Toronto
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“Very honest technician. He showed us the worn parts, explained the options and the total cost before starting. No pressure, just straight information.”
- Daniel, Vaughan
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“They fixed a leak and also leveled the dishwasher properly. The technician left everything clean and tested the machine before leaving.”
- Sarah, North York
Dishwasher Repair - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dishwasher repair cost in Toronto?
Most repairs fall between $160 and $380 plus tax, depending on the brand and parts required. Our service call and full diagnostic is $85 and is waived when you approve the repair.
Is it worth repairing my dishwasher or should I replace it?
If your dishwasher is under 10 years old and the repair is less than 50% of the cost of a new machine, repair is usually the better choice. If the tub is cracked or several major parts failed at the same time, replacement can be more economical.
Why is my dishwasher not draining?
The most common causes are a clogged filter or sump, blocked drain hose, jammed drain pump, or an installation issue at the sink or garbage disposer. We check the whole drain path and test the pump under load.
Why are my dishes still dirty after a full cycle?
Poor cleaning is often caused by weak water pressure from a failing circulation pump, clogged spray arms, dirty filters, or low water temperature. We test the wash motor, heater and sensors and clean internal components as needed.
Do you repair dishwashers in condos and rental units?
Yes. We work with homeowners, tenants, landlords and property managers. We are used to condo rules, elevators and parking requirements and we keep communication clear for all parties.
How fast can you come to fix my dishwasher?
In many Toronto and GTA areas we can offer same-day or next-day appointments, especially for no-drain and leaking issues. Contact us and we will offer the earliest available time slot.
Book Dishwasher Repair or Installation in Toronto and GTA
Whether your dishwasher is not draining, not cleaning, leaking or not starting, or you just bought a new dishwasher that needs professional installation, Octopus Royal can help.
We provide clean, careful installation with proper leveling, secure water and drain connections, and a test cycle - all backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty.
Last Updated: December 2025