What part of a dishwasher freezes first?

[Dripdrip]

Hi, we live in an old house and once every winter I forget to turn on a fan under the dishwasher and it freezes.

It's the inlet side that freezes, but I'm wondering if it's more likely to be the pump or the solenoid valve that freezes first? (It's awful tight under there, or I'd try to figure it out myself!)


BTW It always thaws out without any leaks/damage. Sometimes it can take days for an electric heater to thaw it. (And yes, I turn off the heater at night, and when we're out.)



Thanks,

D

 

[Reach4]

How about a thermostat switch to control the fan? Some have a probe that you could insert to be behind the dishwasher.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[WorthFlorida]

What freeze first is the coldest spot. I suspect its the solenoid. Does the motor run without water or an AC him from the motor? What happens?

Do you have copper or galvanized pipe? Is the dishwasher on an outside wall, first floor or second floor? Bottom line you need get warm air flowing in that area or seal up the outside wall or if the pipe freezes between floors you need to install a ceiling grate to allow warm air to rise into the floor joist cavity.

If the dishwasher is on an outside wall and it is probably not insulated in a very old home, pull the dishwasher out and disconnect everything if needed. Cut the dry wall or plaster to get into the stud wall and insulate it. Do not bother to cover the wall, just push the dishwasher back in and reconnect everything. In the mean time, remove the bottom kick plate to open the bottom up to the warm air of the room.