Imagine this: You’ve just finished a delicious meal, and all you want to do is load your dirty plates and silverware into the dishwasher, press a button, and then find somewhere to take a long nap. But you open the dishwasher door to load the dishes, and you’re greeted with a puddle of soapy water left behind after the last batch of dishes. Uh-oh! Your dishwasher has malfunctioned, leaving you with a load of dirty plates that you really don’t want to have to clean by hand. The entire reason you have a dishwasher is to separate yourself from people living in the dark ages who had to hand wash their plates in the nearest river. This isn’t 1300 A.D. You’re entitled to modern conveniences!
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. At Heiland Home Services, we’ve seen our fair share of clogged dishwasher drains. But before you grab a sponge and head down to the nearest river, let’s see if we can get you back on track with these 4 tips on how to unclog a dishwasher.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Sink or Garbage Disposal Is Not Clogged
Although you may have noticed the issue because of standing water in your dishwasher, the problem may not be with the dishwasher itself. Most dishwashers are connected to your sink or garbage disposal by a flexible hose. If your garbage disposal or sink drains are clogged, of course, your dishwasher will have nowhere to pump out its waste water! Save yourself hours troubleshooting the dishwasher itself only to find that it was never the problem in the first place: check your garbage disposal and sink first! Turn on the water and run the garbage disposal to make sure everything is flowing properly.
Step 2: Check the Dishwasher Drain Hose
Speaking of the hose that connects your dishwasher to the drain, this hose is the second place to check in your diagnosis. Is anything pinching the hose? How about clogs or blockages? Food particles may have built up over time in the drain hose. You may need to move your dishwasher away from the wall and/or remove the hose and try flushing it out with hot water. Remember to ALWAYS turn off the water and power to the dishwasher before performing any diagnostics or completing repairs! If you locate a pinch or clog, you’ve located the problem. Correct the blockage or kink, and you’re most likely good to go. If the hose is damaged or severely clogged, replace it. It’s a small price to pay to have your dishwasher back in business!
Step 3: Clean the Dishwasher Filter
If you’ve determined that the drain hose is not clogged and your sink and garbage disposal are functioning properly, the problem may be within the dishwasher unit. But where do you start? Here’s a question: Where do you think all those soggy pieces of food go when they are washed off of your dishes? “Down the drain,” right? Yes, but you may be forgetting about the filter below your bottom rack!
A dishwasher filter serves a dual purpose: preventing food particles from redepositing on clean dishes and also helping prevent a clogged drain. A visual inspection may find that debris at the filter may be stopping the water flow. After consulting your appliance’s owner’s manual and locating the filter, remove it and scrub it with a soft toothbrush and water. (Note: You may want to discard that toothbrush after you’re done!) Make a habit of routinely cleaning the filter so the problem doesn’t happen again. How often should you clean your filter? You almost can’t check it too much, but make sure to do so at least every three to six months.
Step 4: Try a Dishwasher Cleaner
If you are still able to safely use the dishwasher, it may be a good idea to try a specially formulated dishwasher cleaner, such as Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner (formerly known as “Dishwasher Magic”). Dishwasher cleaners, “remove limescale, rust, grease and other buildup caused by hard water, detergent and food residues.” It is a worthwhile investment to begin using dishwasher cleaners on a regular basis. We recommend monthly. Not only will this improve your dishwasher’s performance, but it will also help prevent the festering of harmful bacteria.
Tip: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar, and Then Run a Rinse Cycle
Using vinegar and baking soda followed by a hot water cycle can be an effective way to unclog a slow dishwasher drain. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can help break down the gunk and food particles that may be causing the blockage. After allowing the mixture to fizz and work through the debris, running a hot water cycle helps flush everything through the system, clearing the drain more thoroughly. This method is gentle, environmentally friendly, and generally safe for most plumbing systems.
When It’s Time to Call in the Pros
You may be surprised to find that a problem such as a clogged dishwasher drain can be solved by a committed and minimally skilled homeowner. But, sometimes, it’s time to call in the big guns to get your unit draining properly. If these steps haven’t solved the miniature swimming pool inside your home’s dishwasher, it’s time to call the pros!
Contact Us for Help With a Dishwasher That Isn’t Draining in Hatfield, PA, and Nearby Areas
With over a decade of experience and a trail of satisfied customers, Heiland Home Services excels at keeping your plumbing — including your dishwasher — operating smoothly all year round. If you’re experiencing issues like a clogged dishwasher drain or standing water in your appliance, our skilled technicians are ready to assist with reliable plumbing services. We use the latest techniques and tools to diagnose and resolve any dishwasher problems swiftly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routine. Don’t let dishwasher woes dampen your day — or force you to drag all your dirty dishes down to the nearest river to get them clean. Give us a call today and let Heiland Home Services restore efficiency and peace of mind.mmitted to finding the best way to keep your plumbing running efficiently and effectively year-round. Give us a call today!