The increase in the area of kitchens in new buildings allows you to accommodate a lot of useful equipment, including a dishwasher (PMM). This appliance simplifies the maintenance of dishes and provides more time for leisure.
The functionality and design of the dishwasher may differ for different models, so when choosing this technique, you must initially study in detail its characteristics.
In this article, we will get acquainted with the design features of the dishwasher, consider the purpose and arrangement of the work units. We also talk about the purpose and maintainability of various elements.
Design components of the dishwasher
Dishwasher is a complex technique, which is increasingly becoming one of the essential attributes of modern kitchen. If you doubt the need for its purchase, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the pros and cons.
The main function of the dishwasher is to clean the dishes embedded in the dishes from dirt. But ensuring a good result is possible only with the correct operation of its nodes.
The main details of the dishwasher include:
- Control Panel.
- Hermetically sealed inner chamber.
- Blocks of sprayers (rocker arm).
- The circulation pump, providing return to the spraying of flowing water.
- Compartment for detergent, rinse aid, water softener.
- Baskets for dishes, shelves for glasses.
- Water filter system.
- Flowing heating element.
- Float switch.
- Power cord.
- Water inlet valve.
- Drain pump.
- Hose system.
- Pressostat.
- Lamp.
The listed details form the basis of a typical PMM, but other modules may be provided in its design. The user can view only the inside of the washing chamber. It is in it that the basic elements responsible for the cleanliness of the processed dishes are located.
When washing dishes without detergent on the inner side of the tubes of the circulation pump, a layer of fat settles quickly, which can lead to a narrowing of their clearance and engine burnout
Behind the door of the dishwasher hides an internal space with a mechanism that is directly responsible for cleaning the dishes.
Not in all devices it is the same: expensive PMMs provide spraying from all sides, and the cheapest ones only from below.
The metal walls of the interior of the PMM are usually perfectly clean, but its filter requires periodic cleaning so that the dirt does not interfere with the operation of the drain pump
The main parts located inside the working space of the dishwasher are:
- PMM case. Made of stainless steel. Its walls do not experience strong mechanical stress, so the thickness of the metal in the tank is minimal.
- Rocker arms for spraying liquid under pressure. They do not have a special drive, but rotate due to the oblique arrangement of several outlet openings.
- Baskets for laying dishes. There can be several of them in the inner space. The size of the baskets is usually different: below is more spacious for pots, and at the top - compact for plates, mugs, cutlery.
- Filter system. Located in the lower sector of the tank, it consists of the upper grid and the lattice cup located below it.
- Compartment for loading funds. Designed for detergent, rinse aid and water softener. These three tanks can be located separately or connected in the framework of one dispenser.
- Sealing gum and a light bulb.
Without these components, the dishwasher simply cannot perform its functions efficiently. But inside the PMM, other elements can be installed that provide advanced features and make it easier to work with the device.
Types of modern models
Not all apartments have spacious kitchens that can accommodate full-sized dishwashers. Therefore, manufacturers have invented many alternative devices that can wash dishes and not take up much space. All of them are exclusively electric with forced pumping of water pressure.
Four structural types of PMM can be distinguished:
- Built-in under the countertop.
- Standing apart.
- Compact portable.
- With vertical loading.
PMMs built under the countertop usually have a depth of 57 cm, which allows the necessary communications between the apparatus and the wall. But different models can differ significantly in their characteristics from each other, which should be considered when choosing a suitable dishwasher. The main selection criteria and the rating of the best embedded models we reviewed in this publication.
With proper installation, the front edge of the built-in machine with a depth of 57 cm will be flush with the table. Read more about installing a built-in dishwasher here.
The width of the dishwasher can be compact (44-46 cm) or full-sized (56-60cm). Their height is usually standard - 81-82 cm with the ability to adjust.
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Built-in dishwasher
Freestanding dishwasher
Portable dishwasher
PMM with vertical loading utensils
Freestanding PMMs are equipped with a beautiful and durable top panel on which you can put any things. The vibration of the machine during operation is minimal, so you can not worry about slipping objects. We talked in more detail about the characteristics of freestanding machines and the features of choosing the best in the next article.
Such devices are installed either near the edge of the countertop, or in the next room, where there are necessary communications. The dimensions of freestanding PMMs are similar to those built-in.
Compact portable dishwashers are convenient for living in rented apartments. They do not require installation work and can be installed both on the floor and on the table. A typical size of such a PMM is 44 * 55 * 50 cm, which should be considered when choosing.
To connect them, just connect the flexible hose to the water tap and lower the drain pipe of the machine into the sink.
Vertical loading PMMs are rarely produced. They usually have one level of bookmarking the dishes, therefore they are functionally limited.
Regardless of the type of dishwasher, their principle of operation is similar. However, the technical features of the models still affect the quality of cleaning dishes and the energy efficiency of the apparatus as a whole.
Additional PMM functionality
Above were considered the basic configuration of dishwashers. Inexpensive models from different manufacturers have approximately the same cost and functionality, so they differ little from each other.
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Laying a 3-in-1 tablet in a container
Beam on the floor to indicate the remaining time
Touch panel at the dishwasher
Active drying in the dishwasher
But there are also premium class dishwashers that provide consumers with additional options.
Such devices may include the following non-standard components:
- Devices for drying dishes: additional heating elements, fans, heat exchangers, ventilation ducts.
- Automation to protect the control panel and door from the actions of children.
- Guide rails for convenient installation of baskets in the working chamber.
- Seamless control panels that look stylish and easy to clean.
- Indicators of the remaining time until the end of the wash and the duration of each washing step.
- Built-in water softener. It serves quite a long time and is subject to regular regeneration.
- Additional tubes for connecting hot water directly from the water supply.
- A sensory system that determines the need to add softening salt to water. Sometimes it works completely automatically paired with a metering device.
- Block for detergent "3-in-1", allowing you to install one cartridge with detergent, rinse aid and softening salt.
- Built-in heat exchangers that reduce temperature differences and increase the energy efficiency of PMM.
- Water purity sensor. It helps determine when rinsing is complete, saving time and energy.
- The "beam on the floor" system. It is a light indication projected onto the floor, allowing you to evaluate the current operating mode of the device.
- A system for adjusting the height of baskets with utensils.
- Drying sensor, allowing to determine its optimal mode, based on the characteristics of external air.
Professional devices include most of the listed devices, which ensures high quality dishwashing, energy efficiency and ease of use.
But it should be understood that every additional part in the dishwasher increases its cost.
The scheme of the dishwasher
Modern PMM is a complex device. To understand the functional significance of its nodes, you should step by step consider the principle of operation of the device.
So, when washing dishes in the dishwasher, the following processes occur.
- The dishes are loaded, the necessary washing mode is selected and the machine starts.
- The inlet valve opens, water begins to accumulate, the heater turns on.
- When the pressure switch is activated, the inlet valve closes.
- Detergent, salt is added to the water, although the latter may be constantly in the flow compartment.
- The circular pump is turned on, and water begins to beat under pressure from the nozzle openings, spinning them.
- Draining and filtering, water again enters the pump through a container of salt.
- After the wash cycle, dirty water is pumped into the sewer, and clean and cold are collected instead. The first rinse cycle begins.
- After the first rinse, the liquid is drained by the pump and new water is collected. It heats up, and then rinse aid is added to it. The second rinse cycle begins.
- After the second rinse, the water is drained into the sewer and the drying process begins.
Drying the dishes ends the working cycle of the dishwasher.
The circulation pump can also perform the function of a drain pump. This design reduces the number of mechanisms and improves the reliability of the dishwasher.
To ensure high-quality washing, it is advisable to wipe the dishes from large pieces of food before placement in the PMM. Then all the dirt will be washed off after the washing step and will not get on the product during the rinse.
Types of drying in the dishwasher
Sometimes PMM has to be downloaded several times in a row. Such situations require faster wash cycles. They can be reduced by stimulating the drying of dishes.
During zeolite drying, the air itself is dried and heated during passage through the zeolite, and during the subsequent washing cycle, material is regenerated
In total, 3 types of drying are used in dishwashers:
- Condensation. It is the usual drying of warm drops on the dishes and their subsidence on the cold side walls. This process is passive and lengthy.
- Turbo dryer. Fans supply warm air to the machine, passing through the heating elements. This drying method is the fastest, but requires increased energy costs.
- Intensive dryingat which the passive influx of fresh air into the inner chamber is stimulated by convection flows. For this, the PMM is equipped with air intakes.
In some models of dishwashers, it is possible to choose between several types of drying. All of them have their own characteristics, and you can turn them on, based on the need to quickly release the PMM.
Maintainability of PMM parts
Almost all parts of the dishwasher are replaceable. But part of the repair work can be performed by the user himself, and part can only be carried out by specialists of the service center.
The details are expensive, so before eliminating the breakdown, you should think about whether it will be easier to buy a new device. Next, we will consider the features of replacing some components of the PMM.
No. 1 - electric circulation pump
The main dishwashing cycle is ensured by the operation of the circulation pump, which maintains the required water pressure at the outlet of the sprayers. The cost of replacing it is 30-40% of the price of the new PMM.
Several sensors can be connected to the circulation pump, so when repairing it, you need to carefully remember the location and method of mounting the sensors
Replacing the pump is easy but expensive. It is easier to ensure the proper functioning of the device and prevent breakage. This can be ensured by regular cleaning of filters from dirt, preventing it from getting into water hoses. In the warehouses of service centers, the pump model is almost always available, so there should be no problems with the speed of its replacement.
A roller describing the process of disassembling the unit to replace a failed pump will help to understand the device and the location of the circulation pump of the dishwasher:
No. 2 - drain pump
A drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the dishwasher. It has a small capacity, but is an important node, without which the PMM is impossible.
The pump may break down for the following reasons:
- voltage drops;
- clogging;
- increased load due to excessively long drain hoses.
Signs of an impending breakdown are a buzz when the water is drained and its slow pumping. The pump is quite universal, so replacing it is not difficult. The cost of a new device is about 1000 rubles, and it is usually available at each service center.
No. 3 - control board
Electronic circuits are vulnerable to exposure to most physical factors. Damage to control boards on the PMM is usually caused either by factory defects, or by voltage drops in the mains. The cost of replacing it ranges from 15-30% of the price of a new dishwasher.
Service centers may try to repair the control board, but do not do it yourself - there is a chance of breaking it completely
For places with problematic voltage, you can advise you to buy its stabilizer, but the cost of such an apparatus will be at least 10,000 rubles.
The motherboards are specific, so it will take a long time to wait for the parcel with the product from the support service center, and it is unlikely that it can be replaced on its own. Therefore, the breakdown of this part will be a big problem, the solution of which will require time and money.
No. 4 - water inlet valve
The inlet valve can break down in two cases: burnout of the electromagnetic coil and violation of the tightness of the seal. This problem is rare, but to solve it will have to spend 1500-2500 rubles.
A sign of coil burnout will be the lack of water when starting the PMM, because in the off state the valve is closed. If there is a leak, a leak will occur, but in order to accurately determine its source, you will first need to disassemble the machine.
Valves for a water supply pipe, although structurally different, have standard nozzles, so there will be no problems finding a suitable replacement model
No. 5 - flow heaters and heating elements
Users of the PMM may not notice the inoperability of the heaters for months if the automation does not signal this. Symptoms of the failure of these devices may be deterioration in the quality of washing dishes and an increase in the drying time.
The flow-through heater for PMM seems to be a complex device, but usually consists of a plastic case and a heating element
The cost of a new heating element for a dishwasher ranges from 1000 to 3000 rubles. You can replace it yourself if you know how to get to it.
You can install a heater from another model on the dishwasher if it is structurally suitable and does not have specific connectors. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the breakdown of the heating element quickly and inexpensively, and our step-by-step instruction on replacing the heating element will help you in this.
No. 6 - elements of drainage equipment
Repairing drainage equipment can cause big problems. Sites or fans for specific PMM models are rarely found on sites. Therefore, the order of these parts will have to be done only through official service centers.
Lucky for those consumers whose dishwashers can work with failed dryers. And if the automation will give an error, then you have to wait weeks to repair the device.
But you should not worry much about problems with drying, because this equipment is reliable and rarely fails. You can replace the heating coil or fan yourself, but it is better to use the services of the SC.
Most dishwashers are equipped with a unique patented drying system, so replacement parts should be sought only at specialized service centers
No. 7 - other components of PMM
Almost all parts of the dishwasher can fail. Careless handling of cookware can result in damage to the spray guns or damage to the gaskets. And power surges can provoke burnout of sensors, actuators, starters and other electrical devices.
Excess or lack of water, the lack of water drainage may be a sign of a breakdown of the pressure switch, therefore it is difficult to diagnose the problem yourself
It may also be necessary to replace filters, dispensers, hoses, mounts, and other small parts. It should be remembered that the less often a part breaks and the smaller it is, the higher margins manufacturers will lay in its price. For example, a breakdown of the simplest plastic salt dispenser will result in 5,000-6,000 rubles.
The high cost of repairing PMM should stimulate consumers to respect it. Then both money and nerves will be saved.
The presented video materials will allow you to better understand the device of the dishwasher, see the operation of the machines from the inside and get acquainted with the process of disassembling them.
Dishwasher device:
The dishwasher in the house is gradually becoming the norm, not the exception. But almost any breakdown of this technique will be a strong blow to the wallet.
Therefore, despite the reliability, the PMM requires careful handling and compliance with operating rules.
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