Is your dishwasher drain clogged? It’s easy to take this kitchen appliance for granted, so when yours stops working because of a clog, it can leave you elbows-deep in dirty dishes.
If you are dealing with a clogged dishwasher drain, here are some of the most common reasons that the water won’t drain properly.
Clogged Drain Basket
Most dishwashers have a filter basket that prevents large scraps of food and other debris from going down the drain and mucking up your plumbing. If you do not clean out this filter basket regularly, it could cause a clog.
Does your filter basket look like a clogged street drain? You should remove it and clean it by hand. If you have hard water and you notice buildup on the filter, soak it in vinegar to loosen it up.
Clogged Drain Hose
If your filter basket does not appear to be the problem, you should check whether the drain hose is clear of blockages. This hose is what connects your dishwasher to your home’s plumbing.
Broken Sewer Line
If your dishwasher drain clogged and neither of the above reasons is the cause, you could be looking at a more serious plumbing problem. One of the worst possible scenarios is a broken sewer line.
Take a look at the other drains in your house. Do they allow water to flow freely? If not, you might have a broken sewer line, in which case, you will need to call a professional plumber.
DIY Tips to Help Clear Your Clogged Dishwasher Drain
In some instances, you may not need to call a plumber. Here are some DIY tips to help you solve the problem on your own.
Diagnose the Root of the Problem or It Could Happen Again
First things first—you need to correctly diagnose the root of the problem causing your blockage. For instance, many people don’t realize that they need to thoroughly rinse their dishes before putting them into the dishwasher.
If you are able to clear the blockage but continue with this bad habit, you could be looking at a more costly repair in the future.
Use the Right Tools
Before you start trying to fix your clogged dishwasher, you need to gather the right tools for the job. Some of the tools you may need include:
• Drain snake
• Bucket to catch blocked water and debris
• Baking soda and vinegar to loosen the clog
• Gloves to protect your hands
Unplug the Dishwasher
You should always put your safety first when doing repairs yourself. Before you do any work, make sure that the dishwasher is unplugged to prevent the risk of electrical shock.
Is Your Dishwasher Drain Clogged? Custom Plumbing to the Rescue!
If you can’t fix your clogged dishwasher on your own, the professional at Custom Plumbing of Arizona are here to help!
Get in touch with us today and we will send someone to diagnose and fix your problem as soon as possible.