Running the kitchen faucet before starting the dishwasher is typically recommended for most dishwashers to ensure proper functionality and cleaning efficiency. Failing to do so may lead to several consequences:
Cold Water Initial Cycle: Many modern dishwashers have a feature called "smart fill" or "sensors" that determine the water temperature required for the wash cycle. Running the faucet first helps ensure that the dishwasher starts with hot water, which is more effective in dissolving detergent and cleaning dishes. If the dishwasher begins with cold water, it may prolong the initial cycle as the dishwasher tries to heat the water to the necessary temperature.
Inefficient Cleaning: Dishwashers rely on hot water to effectively dissolve detergent and remove food residues and grease from dishes. Starting with cold water might result in less effective cleaning, leaving food particles or stains on the dishes.
Longer Washing Time: If the dishwasher needs to heat the water from cold, it can increase the overall washing time, leading to longer cycles and potentially wasting more energy.
Energy Consumption: Dishwashers are more energy-efficient when using hot water from the water heater, as it requires less electricity or gas to heat the water compared to the dishwasher's internal heating mechanism.
Reduced Longevity: Constantly relying on the dishwasher's internal heating element to heat water, especially in areas with hard water, may lead to mineral buildup over time, potentially affecting the dishwasher's performance and longevity.
However, it's worth noting that some newer dishwashers with advanced features might have built-in water heaters that can compensate for the initial use of cold water. In such cases, the consequences of not running the kitchen faucet may be less noticeable, but it's still generally beneficial to use hot water whenever possible for optimal results and energy efficiency.
In summary, running the kitchen faucet before starting the dishwasher with hot water is advisable for better cleaning performance, shorter cycles, and energy efficiency. It ensures that the dishwasher begins the wash cycle with the ideal water temperature, leading to cleaner dishes and potentially extending the lifespan of the dishwasher.