Dishwasher - Water Usage Difference

Some Dishwasher owners may notice that their Dishwasher seems to use more water for the Light Wash cycle than the Normal Wash cycle. This is very possible if the Dishwasher features a Sensor / Clean Sensor for use with some wash cycles.

 

Noticing a Water Usage Difference in the Light and Normal Wash Cycles

If your Dishwasher seems to use more water in the Light Wash cycle than the Normal Wash cycle on models starting the letters GDT/GDF/PDT/CDT and ZDT, this is expected.

 
  • The Normal cycle uses the dirt sensor to adjust the number of fills. The Normal cycle also utilizes a series of partial fills and pump-outs to give great results while minimizing water usage. With a maximum response, there are usually 9 complete or partial fills and pump-outs.
  • The Light cycle uses a fixed number of complete fills and pump-outs. There are usually a total of 6 complete fills and pump-outs in this cycle. Hence, water usage is actually slightly higher with the Light Wash setting.
  • For example, Light Wash might use 7.5 gallons and the Normal Wash may use 5.2 gallons.

Understanding the Operation of the Sensors In a Dishwasher

Some Dishwashers use a dirt sensor to determine water usage and run time, and a temperature sensor to adjust run time based upon the inlet water temperature. The various cycles use the sensor information in different ways. Furthermore, the use of options will change water usage and total time as well.

 

The Normal cycle uses dirt sensor information to determine the number of pre-washes and temperature sensor information to determine if the run time needs to be extended because of low water temperature. If you select Added Heat and have a heavily soiled load, approximately 1.3 gallons could be added to the total water usage.

 

Sensor information plays a much smaller role in cycles such as Light Wash, China & Crystal, or Speed Wash. In fact, these cycles could almost be considered fixed time cycles. This means there is much less adjustment in the cycle as a result of sensor readings than there is in the Normal Wash cycle.

 

Additional Appliance Questions

Whatever the need, we are here to help. Considering the repair or replacement of an appliance? Please reach out to us for expert support at any time!