Basics of Dishwasher
Dishwasher is simply a home appliance that washes dishes by cleaning and rinsing with water. Dishwasher uses detergent to clean the dirty dishes and the computerized or electro-mechanical system controls the various functions. Once the dishes are loaded and detergent is added, you will just need to set washing cycle and switch it on. The dishwashers does everything: it fills itself with water. If needed, the dishwasher heats up the water to the required temperature, uses detergent & sprays water on the dishes, removes the dirty water and rinses the dishes with water. You can also set the dishwasher to dry the cleaned dishes
Dishwasher consists of three parts. They are:
- Electro-mechanical or computerized system that controls various functions of dishwasher.
- Water supply system having intake valve.
- Electrical motor-pump
Most dishwashers use electro-mechanical control system while some high-end dishwashers come with computerized control. These systems have a timer that regulates the main functions of dishwasher such as wash spray, detergent dispenser and draining etc. The latest models come with a door latch that ensures that the door is closed before you switch on the machine. You can also find additional safety features like child safety lock etc.
Intake valve allows or stops water flow into dishwasher. It will be either in open or close position. Water flows into dishwasher, when the intake valve is open, due to water pressure.
The main function of electric motor is to pump water into the spray arms. When dishwasher is in drain mode, the water flows through the drain hose. The motor unit is located below the basin.
There are two types of electric pump used in dishwashers – reversible pump and direct flow pump. In reversible type, water is pumped to the spray arms first and later pumped back to the drain so water flows in two directions, hence reversible pump. Usually, this type of pump is used in vertically mounted dishwasher. Direct-flow motor directs water flow in one direction. The solenoid in the motor unit uses valves and switches to direct water from spray arms to drain and this type of motor is used in horizontally mounted dishwashers.
In a dishwasher, water is filled up in a small basin at the bottom. If the water is cold, it is heated to 150 degrees F as the warm water removes the dirt off the dishes more effectively than cold water. The electric pump shoots up the water to the spray arm which jets the air forcefully on the dirty dishes. The spray arm spins just like lawn sprinkler so that all the dishes in the dishwasher are washed and rinsed. But, how does a dishwasher know that the dishes are washed? There are three components that regulate and monitor the functions:
- The timer makes sure that the cycle of operation is properly repeated.
- The sensor that regulates water and temperature in the dishwasher.
- Dishwashers have another sensor to check that water level does not exceed the maximum level.
- Some advanced automatic features like sensors that monitor the dirtiness of the rinsed water and make sure that dishes are clean.
Once the dishes are cleaned, the dirty water flows back to the basin. The electric pump removes water from the dishwasher. The drained water can be directed to the sink using pipes or drain line beneath your sink.
The washed dishes can be dried in the dishwasher itself using the heating element. This feature is quite useful in damp environmental conditions. However, it is up to you to use this feature.
There are two types of installation available with dishwashers. They are:
- Portable
- Fixed or permanent installation
Portable dishwasher can be kept in the corner of your kitchen when not in use. When you want to use it, you can just move it to the sink and connect it to the water tap and power supply.
To install the dishwasher permanently, it should be kept under the sink and its water inlet and the drain outlet are connected to the water tap and drain line respectively.
