Did you open your dishwasher only to find standing water? Not only is it inconvenient, it could also be indicative of a deeper problem. The most likely culprit is a clog in your dishwasher. This can be caused by a variety of issues. While your dishwashing problems can be solved by some DIY handiwork, you can always call a plumber if you want to do it yourself.
Kitchen sink clogged? Trust the experts at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating. Give us a call at 469-557-2703 to schedule an appointment.
Continue reading to learn what to do when your dishwasher does not drain.
Run the Garbage Disposal
The drain hose of your dishwasher runs into the garbage disposal. This allows your garbage disposal to process any big chunks of food before they go through your piping. If you don’t use your garbage disposal often, there could be a buildup of food and sludge.
All you have to do is turn your garbage disposal on until it sounds like it has ground up all the buildup. For best results, run your water while the disposal is on. The water will ensure all trapped or leftover gunk in the P-trap gets cleared out. Does it sound like your garbage disposal is broken? Call for kitchen plumbing services.
Check the Filter
Did you know that your dishwasher has a filter? Cleaning this out is the best way to keep your dishwasher draining well. Here are the steps for cleaning the filter:
- Take out the bottom rack of the dishwasher and locate the filter. It will be located on the bottom of the dishwasher. All you have to do is twist the filter to loosen and remove it. The filter may be a cylindrical or flat shape.
- Fill a sink with water and dishwashing liquid and put the filter inside. Allow it to soak for a few minutes. If you need to, scrub any debris from the filter and filter cartridge.
- Wipe down the bottom of the dishwasher and around where the cartridge goes. Be sure to wash away any debris.
- Reinstall the clean filter.
This process will keep your dishwasher draining well and your dishes clean.
Clean the Air Gap in Your Sink
If your sink does not have a garbage disposal, your dishwasher drain hose may be connected directly to the sink. You may notice a small cylinder located near your faucet, this is called an air gap. A hose connects from the air gap to the drain hose. The air gap keeps air bubbles from forming in the drain hose. However, if the air gap is clogged with debris, it can cause an air bubble that will keep your dishwasher from draining.
To clear up the air gap, twist the cap until it begins to loosen. Check for any gunk or debris and wash it out. You may have to use a small brush to remove some of the gunk. Once finished, replace it and wait a few hours to see if your dishwasher has started to drain.
Drain Standing Water
If there’s standing water in the dishwasher, you’ll have to drain it so that a plumber can take a closer look. Things are about to get messy, so be sure to have towels and mops on hand. Place the towels all around the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. Use a scoop to remove the dirty water and put it into a bucket or other container.
You may eventually have to use towels to absorb the remaining water at the bottom of the dishwasher. Now that you’ve cleared the water away, see if you notice anything that stands out – perhaps a buildup of food or some other problem. If you do notice a problem that can’t be easily removed, contact a technician for plumbing repair.
Unclog the Drain Basket
At the bottom of your dishwasher is the drain basket. This part will look like an upside down basket. You may have to remove it using a screwdriver if it does not just twist off. When you remove the cover, look for any debris. Scoop out the debris to get your dishwasher back up and running.
To avoid this issue again, pre-rinse your dishes. This will keep your dishwasher from encountering this problem again. Even if your dishwasher contains a device that helps to grind up food and waste, pre-rinsing saves you from any future issues.
Check the Drain Hose
The drain hose is one of the most common culprits of a clogged dishwasher. This part can be accessed underneath the sink.
First, check the drain hose for any kinks. The drain hose may have been pinned by an object in the cabinet under the sink. You can try straightening it out yourself, but sometimes the part needs to be replaced if it continues to develop a kink in the same spot.
The second thing to look for is clogs in the drain house. This can be a complicated process, so follow these directions closely:
- Under the sink, remove the front panel and locate where the hose attaches to the drain pump.
- Unplug the dishwasher to avoid electrical mishaps.
- Remove the screws, if necessary, and disconnect the hose from the pump.
- You can test for a clog by blowing into the hose. If the air doesn’t go through, there’s a clog.
- To remove the clog, you can use a coat hanger or a thin brush.
- Once the clog is removed, reinstall the hose.
If the clog is located too deeply within the hose, you may have to replace it. This task is usually best left to professionals. Be sure to hire a dependable plumbing installation and replacement service.
‘Best Plumbers Near Me’ in Duncanville, TX
No need to search for ‘best plumbers near me,’ instead call Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating. Our team of professional and licensed plumbing experts are ready to take on any challenge. From plumbing maintenance and repairs to installations and replacements, we have got you covered.
To schedule an appointment with the Dial One Johnson team, give us a call at 469-557-2703 or visit our website: https://dial1plumbing.com
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.