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(long? post); New dishwasher, questioning external water filter

08:17PM | 03/11/03

Member Since: 06/10/01
10 lifetime posts

(long? post); New dishwasher, questioning external water filter

I recently installed a new Frigidaire DW. We like it a lot more over the old Kenmore, as it has some better features, and is EXTREMELY quiet.

However, my wife is complaining that there is a gritty / sandy residue left behind on the dishes, as did the old Kenmore unit.

Now, with this happening with two different units, I can't blame one or the other. I'm leaning on the culprit being the water line, or sediment in the hot water heater.

I have a single stage GE filter on the cold line entering the entire house, filters water to the water heater too, and it gets changed about every 3 months.

Now, I'm considering installing an additional single stage under the sink on the hot side between the tap and the DW, to possibly rule out sediment in the water heater.

As far as the unit goes, the water temp is about 125 degrees, the arms spin freely, and are not cracked or broken (due to being a brand new unit). The detergent door is opening, etc.

What is anyone's opinion or experience on sandy / gritty residue, even with a new DW?

What do you think of my installing a filter between the hot water and DW.

Are these water filters designed to handle hot water?

Would it be best to install under the sink, or near the water heater?

Thank you for your experience, suggestions and answers.

Robert

ACD

08:34AM | 03/12/03

Member Since: 10/15/02
359 lifetime posts

As far as I know the filters are for cold water only. Have you drained the water heater? Try flushing the line to the dishwasher as well and see if you are getting the grit. My only other thought would be the grit actually being the detergent, have you tried a liquid detergent instead? One thing you can try to determine what this stuff is, get some CLR, and get together as much of this grit as you can and pour it into some CLR. If it foams up and disappears then its calcium, which usually comes from heating water. One other thought, if you have a water softner, you might want to see if it is doing the whole house instead of just the cold water.

DanO

09:13AM | 03/12/03

Member Since: 11/11/02
2293 lifetime posts

quote:
My only other thought would be the grit actually being the detergent

I agree. If the detergent is not dissolving properly, it will leave a gritty residue on dishes.

How hot is your water? Do you run the tap before starting the dishwasher?

Most dishwasher detergent manufacturers recommend between 120°F and 140°F for water temperature. If lower, it may not dissolve properly. Old and stale detergent can also not dissolve properly. Have you tried a new box? Jumbo economy size containers can become stale before it can be used up.

BTW. There's usually a filter screen in the water supply line at the unit's fill valve. If the grit was coming from elsewhere, it would usually clog that screen first before showing up in your dishwasher.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

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