The modern dishwasher is a true marvel of convenience, saving us countless hours of scrubbing and soaking dishes by hand. However, when your dishwasher decides not to cooperate and leaves a pool of murky water at the bottom of your machine, it can be both frustrating and baffling. What could be causing this issue?
In this blog, we will explore four common causes of a dishwasher not draining and provide solutions for each.
Dishwasher Not Draining? 4 Common Causes
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The Drain Hose Is Kinked
One of the most common culprits behind a dishwasher not draining is a kinked or crimped drain hose. This scenario can occur when a hefty object is inadvertently shoved under the sink, unknowingly putting pressure on the drain hose. The kink in the hose can wholly or partially obstruct the flow of water, leading to poor drainage. The good news is that this issue is relatively easy to fix.
To address this problem, you’ll need to straighten the kinked hose manually. It’s essential to note that once a drain hose has kinked, it is more likely to kink again in the same spot. If you find yourself repeatedly dealing with kinks, it might be wise to consider replacing the drain hose.
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The Drain Hose Is Blocked
Similar to a kinked drain hose, a blocked or clogged drain hose can wreak havoc on your dishwasher’s draining capability. Start by disconnecting the hose inside the cabinet where it attaches to the garbage disposal or drain line. Examine the hose for any accumulation of food particles, grease, or debris. If you cannot spot a clog at this end, don’t fret; more detective work must be done.
Place an old towel under your dishwasher, then remove the lower front panel of the machine to access the other end of the hose, where it connects to the dishwasher. Consult your appliance manual for guidance on hose connections if needed. Once you’ve disconnected the hose, use a flashlight to peer inside and identify any obstructions. If the blockage is near one end, gently remove it with a thin screwdriver or a piece of metal wire.
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Food and Debris Buildup
If the drain hose, air gap, and disposal seem free from obstructions, the problem might be attributed to a buildup of food remnants, fat, and other debris in the drain basket at your dishwasher’s base. This component typically resembles an inverted basket attached with one or two screws or held in place with snap fasteners.
To rectify this issue, remove the cover on the drain basket and release any fasteners holding it in place. Once you’ve done this, take out the drain basket and empty its contents into the garbage. Rinse out any remaining debris and lightly clean the basket before reinstalling it at the base of the dishwasher. Add the appropriate detergent and start a regular wash cycle to determine if the problem has been resolved.
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Clogged Garbage Disposal
Not all kitchens have a garbage disposal, but if yours does, it could be the root cause of your dishwasher’s drainage woes. When food and debris block garbage disposal, there’s less space for the wastewater from your dishwasher to escape. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate this issue.
Start by turning on the disposal and running cold water to help clear the blockage. If the disposal remains clogged, you may need to dislodge the obstruction physically. Turn off the disposal, unplug it, or turn off the breaker to the appliance. Use a flashlight and a pair of long-handled tongs or pliers to identify and remove the clog. Alternatively, you can try clearing the clog by pouring 1/4 cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by about 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for five to ten minutes, then rinse the disposal with cold water.
Dishwasher Not Draining? Call the Plumbing Experts
If you’ve explored these common causes of a dishwasher not draining and your problem persists, it may be time to call in the experts. At Custom Plumbing, we understand the urgency of plumbing emergencies, including dishwasher drainage issues, and our dedicated team is available 24/7 to assist you with your plumbing needs.
No matter if you reside in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Chandler, Avondale, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage, Apache Junction, Mesa, Tempe, or Goodyear, our experienced plumbers are committed to delivering top-notch services tailored to your specific requirements. When it comes to emergency plumbing troubles, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 602-866-2665 for expert assistance.