When you open your dishwasher and find that your spray arm is melted, the first thing you should do is stop panicking. Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm melted is a common issue faced by most users.
The spray arm is one of the essential parts of the dishwasher located at its bottom. When you start the wash cycle, these spray arms spray the water onto your dishes to make them sparkling clean. If the spray arm gets melted, your dishware will remain uncleaned.
The main reason behind the melting of the spray arm is the contact of the dishwasher’s inner hot elements with the spray arms. It can be caused by the overloading of dishes, incorrect Installation, lack of water, regular wear and tear, and low water pressure in the dishwasher.
However, all these causes are minor and can be solved without calling a professional. All you need to do is follow the step-by-step procedure provided in this article and check which step works perfectly for you.
So, let’s get started.
Why does my Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm get melted?
There are many reasons that can cause the issue. However, I have listed some of the most common reasons and their solutions below.
Inappropriate loading of dishes
Overloading or incorrect loading of dishes is one of the why your spray arm is melting.
Incorrect loading of dishes will prevent the spray arm from running freely. As a result, it will come in contact with the dishwasher’s inner hot surfaces, like the heating element, and start to melt.
You might also think about how hot do dishwashers get to melt the spray arm. The dishwasher’s temperature can go up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit during the cycle.
How to Fix it?
You must place your dishes in your dishwasher to avoid this issue. Also, don’t overload the racks with dishware.
You can consult the owner’s manual to learn how many dishes you should put in each rack.
Place your dishes’ dirty faces toward the center of the dishwasher so that spray arms will easily clean them.
Incorrect Installation of the spray arm.
It is the prime reason for a melting spray arm.
If the lower spray arm is not installed correctly, it can detach and come in contact with the hot surfaces of the dishwasher.
Also, if the spray arm is loose and not secured to the pump, it may melt by the heat of the dishwasher’s heating element.
How to Fix it?
To prevent the lower spray arm from getting in contact with heat, ensure that the heating element is positioned correctly.
If the spray arm is loose or detached, I will recommend you call a professional and ask him to reinstall it correctly.
Lack of water in the dishwasher
Another reason for a melted spray arm is the shortage of water in the dishwasher.
When the dishwasher provides the same high temperature to less water, the water temperature rises to an extreme level. This hot water gets in contact with the spray arm, causing it to melt.
The lack of water in the dishwasher can be caused by many reasons, including blocked water supply lines, broken Inlet valves, faulty float switches, etc.
How to Fix it?
First, ensure that the dishwasher is filled with water. Check the water supply valve and turn it on.
Also, check for damage or blockage in the water Inlet valve and fix it with the help of a professional.
An obstructed float switch can cause the dishwasher to overfill. So, check and ensure that the float switch is not blocked.
Low water pressure
The water pressure plays a significant role in assisting the movement of the spray arms.
If the water pressure is low, the spray arms will not rotate properly and get stuck. As a result, the spray arm will start to melt due to the contact of hot surfaces inside the appliance.
How to fix it?
- Inspect for the blockage or damage in the water supply line. If you find any blockage or damage, fix them immediately.
- Adjust and increase your home water pressure regulator.
- If none of these methods are working, call a technician for assistance.
Normal wear and tear
There may be a chance that your dishwasher is getting old, and that is why your spray arm is melting.
Each component has its expiration date. Defect in them after a long usage is expected.
To fix the issue, you will need to replace your lower spray arm with a new one.
How can I replace the lower spray arm of my Frigidaire dishwasher?
I have done the replacement multiple times, and I believe if you follow my step-by-step guide, you too will do it without the help of a technician.
Now, you must be searching for complicated tools and equipment for replacement. But what if I tell you that you will only need a screwdriver and bare hands to replace the spray arm?
Yes! I am not lying.
Grab your screwdriver and follow the steps given below to replace your dishwasher’s lower spray arm.
- First, disconnect your dishwasher from the power source or flip the circuit breaker to avoid the electric shock.
- Open the doors and remove the lower rack from the dishwasher with the help of a screwdriver.
- Now, you will need to remove the spray arm. So, hold the spray arm in the center of your hand and detach it from the dishwasher.
- Some dishwasher models might have different mechanisms for detaching the lower spray arm. So, refer to your user manual for it.
- Next, remove the wash arm support from the trap assembly and check for any damage in its parts.
- Check if the damage is fixable with the glue or something. If it is not, you will have to replace your spray arm with another compatible one.
- Buy a new lower spray arm according to the model of your appliance. It can cost you around $40-50. You can buy it from the local Frigidaire store or online store.
- After purchasing, place the spray arm correctly into the trap assembly and secure it by rotating anticlockwise until it locks.
- Spin the spray arm to ensure it is working perfectly.
- Lastly, put the lower rack back into the dishwasher and close the doors.
Your dishwasher will start functioning normally if you have followed the steps in the right way.
Some preventive measures to avoid the Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm melted issue.
You have just replaced your spray arm due to a melting issue, and I know that you don’t want it to happen again.
So, I am going to provide you with some tips to avoid the Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm from melting again.
Regular check-up
Keep checking the spray arm on a regular basis. This will help you to identify and fix the fault in the spray arm at the primary stage.
Ensure proper water supply.
Another thing that you should keep in mind is to provide the required amount of water in the dishwasher.
This includes checking the water inlet valve, supply hose, and float switch for any blockage or damage at regular intervals of time.
Install the spray arm properly.
If you have bought a new Frigidaire dishwasher, ensure that its spray arm is not loose and installed correctly.
If you find that your spray arm is loose or not spinning, seek professional assistance.
FAQs
Will the dishwasher work without a lower spray arm?
A dishwasher can run without a lower spray arm and will be unable to spray the water onto the dishes to make it sparkling clean. You might end up getting half-cleaned or uncleaned dishes after the wash cycle.
Do both dishwasher arms spin at the same time?
The dishwasher arms do not spin at the same time. First, the dishwasher sends water to the lower spray arm. After a while, the dishwasher starts to transfer the water to the upper and mid arms until the dishes are cleaned properly.
Why is my lower spray arm not spinning?
The most common reason for a non-spinning lower arm is the build-up of dirt and debris. Remove the lower rack and detach your spray arm from the dishwasher. Soak it in vinegar and warm water for a couple of hours to remove the dirt and debris.
Should dishwasher spray arm be loose?
The dishwasher’s spray arm should not be loose, as it can increase the risk of damage to it. But at the same time, it should spin freely to distribute the water all over the dishwasher and clean dishes.
Conclusion
The spray arm melting problem in the Frigidaire dishwasher is common. The main reason behind this issue is the contact of hot surfaces like the heating element to the lower spray arm of the dishwasher.
When the spray arm is malfunctioning or loose, it detaches to the pump and reaches the hot components of the dishwasher.
However, some more reasons can also cause the lower spray arm to melt, like lack of water in the appliance, dish overloading, incorrect Installation, low water pressure, etc.
If you want the troubleshooting steps for these causes, you can go to the fixing guide mentioned above in this article.
Fixing a melted spray arm is not hard, but you should try to follow the preventive measures taught in this guide to avoid this issue in the first place.
This was a guide on Frigidaire dishwasher troubleshooting melted spray arm. I believe you found it helpful and knowledgeable. If you want to ask a query, comment below. I will be happy to help you.
