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Frustrated by your dishwasher’s upper spray arm? learn how to replace it yourself in minutes!

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • Use needle-nose pliers to squeeze the clamp that holds the line in place and pull it off the spray arm.
  • If the spray arm is clogged, you can clean it with a toothpick or a small brush.
  • Replacing the upper spray arm in your GE dishwasher is a straightforward task that can save you time and money.

If your GE dishwasher is leaving dishes unwashed or not cleaning them thoroughly, a faulty upper spray arm might be the culprit. Replacing this component is a relatively simple task that you can handle yourself with the right tools and a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

  • New GE dishwasher upper spray arm
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Bucket or bowl

Safety Precautions:

Before you begin, disconnect the dishwasher from the power source and water supply. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the Upper Dish Rack:

  • Slide the upper dish rack out by pulling it towards you until it stops.
  • Lift the rack out of the dishwasher.

2. Locate the Upper Spray Arm:

  • Look at the top of the dishwasher tub. You will see a round, plastic spray arm with holes in it. This is the upper spray arm.

3. Disconnect the Water Line:

  • Follow the water line that connects to the spray arm.
  • Use needle-nose pliers to squeeze the clamp that holds the line in place and pull it off the spray arm.

4. Unscrew the Spray Arm:

  • Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the spray arm in place.
  • Gently lift the spray arm up and out of the dishwasher.

5. Install the New Spray Arm:

  • Align the new spray arm with the mounting hole in the dishwasher tub.
  • Push the spray arm down until it clicks into place.
  • Screw in the screw to secure it.

6. Reconnect the Water Line:

  • Push the water line back onto the spray arm.
  • Use needle-nose pliers to squeeze the clamp back into place.

7. Reinstall the Upper Dish Rack:

  • Carefully lift the upper dish rack back into the dishwasher.
  • Slide it back into place until it locks.

Tips:

  • If the spray arm is clogged, you can clean it with a toothpick or a small brush.
  • If the water line is leaking, you can replace the clamp or the entire water line.
  • If you are not comfortable replacing the spray arm yourself, you can call a qualified appliance repair technician.

Wrapping Up: A Restored Dishwasher for Sparkling Clean Dishes

Replacing the upper spray arm in your GE dishwasher is a straightforward task that can save you time and money. By following these steps carefully, you can restore your dishwasher to its optimal cleaning performance and enjoy sparkling clean dishes once again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How often should I replace the upper spray arm in my GE dishwasher?

  • It depends on usage, but replacing the spray arm every 2-3 years is recommended.

2. Can I use a different brand of spray arm in my GE dishwasher?

  • It is not recommended as different brands may not fit properly or perform as expected.

3. What are the signs of a faulty upper spray arm?

  • Poor cleaning performance, unwashed dishes, or water leaking from the spray arm.
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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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