Dishwashers

Water Conditions

This is the most variable condition that impacts a dishwasher. Special steps may be needed to compensate for water temperature and hardness.

Temperature

For good cleaning and drying results, hot water is necessary. The incoming water temperature should be between 120-140 degrees F. to properly activate the detergent, melt greasy food soils and warm the interior for good drying results.

If for any reason the water temperature is 120 degrees F. or below, select a water heating option on your dishwasher which thermostatically heats the water to the proper temperature.

To check the incoming hot water temperature, place a thermometer in a glass and set it in the sink below the faucet. Allow the water to run into the glass until the temperature stabilizes and take a reading.

To ensure the dishwasher is filling with the hottest water possible, do the following:

Hardness

Water hardness must be considered when determining the proper amount of detergent to use. This level may be stated in terms of parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg). If water hardness is stated in ppm, divide the number by 17.1 to determine the gpg. The City Of Lauderhill uses ppm and averages between 64 to 68 ppm or 4 gpg

The most commonly used table to describe water conditions is:

• 0-3 gpg - Soft water
• 4-9 gpg - Average water
• Over 10 gpg - Hard water

Contact the City of Lauderhill's Water Division for Water Hardness . If water is extremely hard , it is difficult to get good results in any dishwasher without mechanically softening the water. White spots or film may appear on glasses and dishes. This white deposit is due to hard water minerals remaining on items after water has evaporated. If conditions are not adjusted, the cloudy film or spots will get progressively worse and cleaning will be unsatisfactory.

Likewise, hard water minerals may build up on the dishwasher tub and wash arm(s). It can generally be removed in one of the following ways:

• Set the dishwasher for a short wash cycle. After it has filled with water, add one-half cup of white vinegar and let it complete the cycle. Run the dishwasher through another cycle with detergent.
• There are also commercial cleaners available. Check with your dishwasher manufacturer for recommendations.

The combination of soft water, too much detergent and excess heat can cause erosion on the surface of glassware. It is a permanent condition called etching.

Water Heaters

Info coming soon...

Please Note: The water Division is not permitted to do any work on private property; therefore, the homeowner or a plumber must resolve any problem between the meter and the house.