When you hear that rumbling sound, it’s not always your stomach. You should take a look at your dishwasher too. Is it a case of the dishwasher clogged? Whether you have a brand new dishwasher or an old one, clogging can happen in any model just because of the mechanism of your device. You will not always hear a sound to know if there are signs of clogging. You can see a puddle of suds at the bottom of your dishwasher. The obvious thing to do is to unclog the dishwasher. But depending on the kind of clogging, there are various ways to fix this problem. But since you are researching various ways to fix this problem, you have already taken the first step to fixing it.
Here Are the 8 Fixes to Unclog a Dishwasher:
1.Run your garbage disposal.
The garbage disposal drain carries all the food remains and sludge that accumulates in the drainpipe below the disposal. This can cause your dishwasher from draining properly. You can try and run the disposal to check if the draining starts automatically. To avoid this issue completely, always leave the water on for 15-20 seconds to ensure the residue is gone. This may otherwise lead to food getting stuck in the P-trap drain beneath the garbage disposal.
2.Clean your sink’s air gap.
If the hose of your dishwasher is connected to your sink without a garbage disposable, locate a tiny steel cylinder on top of the sink right next to your faucet. You will see a small air gap hose connected to the drain hose of your dishwasher. This works as a vent to prevent vacuum formation. However, if there is debris in this air gap, it will cause some dishwasher drain problem leading to clogging. Ensure you clean this area using a stiff brush and run the cycle again.
3.Remove standing water.
If there is standing water due to clogging, remove the water first using absorbent sponges on the base. Slide-out the bottom dish tray and scoop out the dirty water. Use a sponge again to remove the remaining water. This will help you inspect any gunked ends or other parts of your dishwasher apart from the dishwasher drain hose.
4.Clear up detergent mishaps.
Ensure that you use the right detergent for your dishwasher that does not produce sud. Do not use regular dishwashing liquid for your dishwasher as it will create suds and your dishwasher won’t drain. If this is what you have done to lead to sud formation, clean the sud formation and run the cycle again.
5.De-gunk the drain basket.
You can find the drain basket is found at the inside bottom of your dishwasher. It looks like an upside-down basket which is actually a cover that can be snapped off or simply slid out. Ensure you have the user manual handy while locating and accessing this part of your dishwasher Remove the cover, and check for food buildup in the basket beneath. Ensure that you remove any residues. Replace the cover once done and start your dishwasher to a new cycle.
If you often find food residue in this area, pre-rinse your dishes before putting them to clean. However if you have a newer variety of dishwasher, they are capable of breaking down bits of soft food. But it is always advised to pre-rinse your dishes even if your machine does not require it and claims that it will not lead to the dishwasher clogged.
6.Check the drain hose for kinks.
The drain hose actually connects your drain pump to the garbage disposal. It is usually a rubber plastic hose. If there is even a small kink on the drain hose, it will lead to the dishwasher not draining properly. In case you store a lot of heavy or sharp utensils under your sink, it is common for the drain hose to get kinked. Straighten it out manually and if that doesn’t help, replace the drain hose and run the cycle again.
7.Examine the drain hose for clogs.
If you see no damages on the drain hose and still the dishwasher doesn’t drain, you must check if there is any food sludge or debris. To or any other clog. To this, remove the lower front panel and find a connection point between the ribbed and the drain pump.Ensure that you have the manual handy as you may have to disconnect the hose and the pump. Check if there are clogs by simply blowing air into it. If air passes, reconnect the hose and check the side which connects to the garbage disposal. You can also use an air cap to check the clog. If you find a clog, do not use tools to clean it. Call a technician to assist you with this issue as any wrong step can cause damage to the drain hose.
8.Replace the drain hose.
If your drain hose keeps developing kinks, you may have to replace the part. Ensure that a plumber or a repair technician is carrying out the replacement process. Before purchasing a new dishwasher drain hose to replace the old one, ensure that you consult your owner’s manual and take note of special instructions based on the model of your dishwasher. If you lost your owners manual, do not worry. You can find it online or simply let a professional technician know the model number.
(Hidden Trick) Call the Plumber
While it is good that you know how to drain a dishwasher, there may be some complex draining issues that may cause your dishwasher to clog. This includes faulty pumps or even a faulty motherboard. This is why you should seek professional help and ensure you call a professional team of technicians who understand the problem. If any of the above steps don’t work, always call a professional and prioritize your safety. It is important to note that if any part on the inside of your machine needs to be replaced, it should be done by a technician only.
