Clogged Dishwasher

Drain a clogged Dishwasher

Clogged Dishwasher?  There are some common causes for a dishwasher not draining.  From a clogged dishwasher filter to something further down the line.

5 Reasons for a clogged Dishwasher

Here are the 5 reasons:

  1. Clogged Filter Basket

The filter basket catches scraps of food so they don't go into the drain line.  Trouble is, the filter basket can get clogged.  The filter is tricky to remove, but you can try - just pull firmly and gently.

 

  1. Clogged Drain Hose

The next thing to check after the filter basket is the drain hose.  It connects the dishwasher to your kitchen sink or garbage disposal.  It can build up sludge which causes a clog.  Definitely a messy situation.

 

  1. Garbage Disposal

If you have a brand new garbage disposal, the knockout plug may need to be removed.  Otherwise you can run the garbage disposal to check if that will clear the clog.

Listen to the sound of the disposal when it runs.  Anything different may be a sign the garbage disposal is not working.

 

  1. Clogged Drain

It's possible there is a clogged drain further down the sewer line.  Check if drains in the bathroom drain.  If they don't drain the problem may be more than just the dishwasher.

 

  1. Damaged Sewer Line

When all of your sinks, toilets, showers, and even the dishwasher won't drain it is likely a broken sewer line.  This is common for older houses that used sewer lines made of clay.

How to fix a Clogged Dishwasher

6 Steps to fix a Clogged Dishwasher:

  1. Prepare your Dishwasher

First, remove the dishes from the dishwasher.  Also remove the bottom dishwasher rack to access the bottom of the machine.

 

  1. Be sure your Dishwasher is Turned Off

You MUST turn off the electricity to the dishwasher and garbage disposal.  Water and electricity can be deadly.  Be sure you stay safe.

 

  1. Remove the water

After the dishwasher has been disconnected from electricity, remove the water.  Use a cup and bucket to get the water out.  Then use a towel to remove the last of the water from the dishwasher.

Also dry up all the water around the dishwasher.  Slip and falls can be dangerous.

 

  1. Check the Drain Hose

The drain hose connects the dishwasher with the kitchen sink or garbage disposal.  It may be under your sink or behind the dishwasher.  You may need to pull the dishwasher out to access the drain hose.

 

  1. Remove Drain Hose and Clean

Disconnect the drain hose from the dishwasher.  You'll probably need pliers and be sure to open it over a bucket - water will splash out.  Now you'll need to clear it out.

You can use a clearing tool or make your own with a straightened coat hanger.  If the hose is clear, then the clog must be in the dishwasher.

 

  1. Check Dishwasher Drain

Find the basket at the bottom of your dishwasher - this is the drain.  Use a screw driver to remove it.  Clear the drain with a de-clogging device.

Clogged Dishwasher

Clogged Dishwasher drain hose fixes

Try these drain hose fixes:

  1. Run your garbage disposal.
  2. Clean your sink's air gap. The air gap is a slotted stainless steel fixture near your kitchen faucet.  Twist the air gap counter-clockwise to remove it.  The connecting hose may be cleaned out with a stiff brush.
  3. Remove the water inside your dishwasher. Once your dishwasher is dried out check if the reason for the clog can be seen.

 

If the dishwasher is still clogged it's time to get a plumber.

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Plumber for Dishwasher Installation

There are quite a few steps to installing a dishwasher.  And disaster will strike if something is not done correctly.

Flooding is common after new installations.  It's easy to miss something if you don't do this often.

As always, be extremely careful when working with water and electricity.

It's simple to get a plumber to install your dishwasher.  Same as any project, you'll get up to four quotes.  Have your quotes within seconds and be on your way.