How to Fix Dishwasher Spray Arms That Won’t Spin or Spray Water

Restoring Full Water Pressure and Spray Power for a Clean Wash

If your dishwasher runs its full cycle but leaves dishes dirty, sticky, or covered in residual food, the problem is likely not the detergent or the heating element, but a failure in the most critical cleaning component: the spray arms. If the spray arms don’t spin with force or if their holes (jets) are blocked, water pressure can’t reach all areas, leading to poor cleaning. (For a general overview of washing performance issues, see our guide: How to Fix Dishwasher That Won’t Clean Properly).

This guide will help you diagnose whether the problem is a blockage (the most common cause) or a mechanical/motor issue, and walk you through the steps to restore powerful spray action.

Step 1: Check for Blockages and Clogs (The Easiest Fix)

Food particles and debris often clog the small spray jets. Use a thin piece of wire or a toothpick to clear every hole and restore full spray pressure.

The most frequent reason spray arms stop working is physical obstruction. Food particles, labels, or even broken glass can clog the small jets or prevent the arms from rotating.

1. Clear the Spray Arm Jets

• Safety First: Unplug the dishwasher or turn off power at the circuit breaker.
• Remove and Inspect: Carefully remove the lower and upper spray arms. They usually unclip or unscrew by turning a locking nut counter-clockwise.
• Clear the Jets: Hold the arms up to the light. Use a thin piece of wire (like a straightened paper clip) or a toothpick to carefully poke through every jet hole to dislodge any stuck food particles or debris.
• Flush the Arm: Run warm water through the spray arm to ensure it is completely clear, shaking out any loose debris.

2. Inspect the Filter and Sump Area

• Location: The main filter and sump (the basin at the bottom of the tub) often collect debris before it enters the pump.
• Action: Remove the lower rack, filter, and filter housing. Clear away any large pieces of food, broken glass, or labels that could be jamming the intake area or preventing the pump from achieving full pressure.

Step 2: Test the Spray Arm Rotation (Mechanical Check)

Always ensure the spray arms can complete a full 360-degree rotation without bumping into tall dishes or pot handles on the racks.

The force of the water pushes the spray arms around. If the arms are spinning slowly or not at all, the issue may be mechanical obstruction outside of the jets.

1. Check for Clearance

• The Interference Test: After loading dishes, gently push the upper and lower spray arms with your finger. They should rotate freely.
• The Cause: Tall items (like cookie sheets, platters, or pot handles) placed on the lower rack often interfere with the rotation of the upper spray arm. Items on the upper rack can interfere with the rotation of the lower spray arm.
• The Fix: Rerun a light test cycle, being sure to position dishes so that the arms can complete a full 360-degree rotation without bumping anything.

2. Inspect the Wash Impeller or Pump

If the spray arms are clear and have clearance but still don’t spin, the problem is insufficient water pressure, which means the wash pump and impeller are not working efficiently.

• Symptoms: You hear the motor running, but the noise sounds weak, or the water isn’t spraying strongly inside the tub. (If the motor is noisy, also check our guide: How to Fix a Noisy Dishwasher).
• The Cause: The impeller (the propeller attached to the wash motor) may be damaged or jammed with large debris, preventing it from generating enough pressure to push water through the jets.
• Action: Access the impeller area (this often requires removing the wash motor, which is an advanced step). For complex component removal, see our guide: How to Replace a Dishwasher Pump.

Step 3: Troubleshooting the Water Inlet and Housing

Low water pressure can be caused by a low water level or a damaged seal at the central wash arm housing. Ensure the water almost reaches the heating element.

If the pressure is still low, confirm the machine is filling with enough water and that the main water path is clear.

1. Check Water Level

• Action: Run a short cycle. After the machine fills, quickly open the door. The water level in the bottom of the tub should almost reach the heating element (but not cover it).
• Diagnosis: If the water level is visibly too low, the water inlet valve is likely restricted or faulty, preventing enough water from entering the machine. (For specific fixes, refer to our guide: How to Fix a Dishwasher That Will Not Fill With Water).

2. Inspect the Main Wash Arm Housing (Sump) Seal

• Location: The seals and housing where the spray arms clip into the sump (the central water distribution area) can degrade or clog.
• The Cause: If water is leaking past the main wash arm connection point or if the seal is worn, the machine loses pressure before the water even reaches the arm, leading to a weak spray.
• Action: Disassemble the central wash tower and inspect all seals, O-rings, and gaskets for wear or damage.

Need expert service for poor washing performance or spray arm issues in your local area?

While clearing spray arm jets is a simple DIY fix, issues related to pump impellers, wash motor replacement, or main housing seals are complex and best handled by a professional. Our certified technicians are ready to provide fast, reliable appliance repair.

Our appliance repair services extend to the following popular cities across the states:

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