Common Dishwasher Drain Problems

It’s difficult to recall a time when dishwashers weren’t in the majority of homes across the United States, but if our dishwasher ever breaks down, we’ll be reminded of how indispensable they are. Not only does hand-washing dishes take longer, but it also uses more water. Adding these layers of inconvenience back into your life is a rude awakening.

So we are acutely aware when a dishwasher is not functioning properly. In some cases, the dishwasher may need to be replaced, but in the vast majority of cases, the problem is likely with the dishwasher drain.

Here are a few ways to prevent your dishwasher drain from becoming clogged:

Rinse the dishes carefully.

Most modern dishwashers can clean dishes without a pre-rinse, but it’s a good idea to scrape away any excess food or solids before loading them into the dishwasher. These solids are rinsed off the dishes during the wash cycle, but they must go somewhere. Newer dishwashers may filter these solids before they reach the drain, but the filter or drain basket can still clog and cause water to back up in the dishwasher’s bottom.

There is water in the bottom of my dishwasher.

Occasionally, water enters but does not exit. This may indicate that there is a clog in the dishwasher drain basket, the dishwasher drain, or the dishwasher drain hose. Here are a few suggestions to try if water is not draining properly.

Run your garbage disposal

The drain hose is the ribbed plastic hose that connects the dishwasher drain to the drain of the garbage disposal. If there is food in the disposal drain, the dishwasher may not drain properly. Turn on the water and run the garbage disposal for 15 to 20 seconds to help clear the drain hose of any potential blockage.

Check for kinks in the drain hose.

There may be a kink in the drain hose, preventing the dishwater from draining. Under the dishwasher, the hose may be visible, but this repair may be best left to a professional plumber.

Maintain the drain basket’s cleanliness

Inside contemporary dishwashers is a filter or drain basket that is designed to collect solids and other food particles. This basket should be regularly removed and rinsed. If you notice a buildup of food on the drain basket, you should consider rinsing your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer says it’s not necessary.

If you are experiencing issues with your dishwasher’s drain, contact Alto Sewer for a free estimate or to schedule an appointment.