Buzz
Having a house full of guests or preparing for a holiday baking spree? A clogged dishwasher can throw a wrench into your plans. Washing dishes by hand takes up more time and water than using your dishwasher, and finding a professional to fix it during the busy season can be tough and costly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take yourself to solve a dishwasher clog.
Start by inspecting the kitchen sink drain
If your sink’s drain is also backed up, it could indicate a clog in your kitchen’s plumbing, and the dishwasher might not be the culprit. Try using a snake, or drain auger, to clear the sink drain before addressing the dishwasher. If both the sink and dishwasher start draining properly, your dishwasher likely doesn’t require any special attention. If they remain clogged, then it’s time to focus on the dishwasher.
Begin by turning off the power to both your dishwasher and garbage disposal. This is crucial for safety, as it prevents the risk of electric shock and avoids accidentally activating any settings. If your dishwasher lacks a dedicated power switch, you can turn it off from the breaker box.
How to prepare your dishwasher for drain unclogging
Next, remove all dishes from the dishwasher and take out the shelves and racks to clear up space for your work. You’ll also need to drain any water left at the bottom of the appliance. You can scoop it out with a measuring cup or use a dish towel, large sponge, or bath towel to soak it up. If you have a wet vac, that would be helpful too. This step not only gives you better access to the dishwasher but also prevents water from spilling out or causing a mess around the machine while you unclog the drain.
Inspect the drain hose
After prepping the appliance, check the drain hose first. If you have a garbage disposal, this hose will usually be connected to it under the sink. If not, it will be linked to your kitchen sink drain. The hose may also be attached behind the dishwasher. To access it, simply loosen the hose clamp holding it in place. Once detached, check for debris and use a hose clearing tool to remove any blockages. After clearing it, run warm water through the hose to ensure there are no leftover particles that could lead to a future clog.
After you’re done, reattach the hose and tighten the clamp securely. If the clamp is loose, the dishwasher could leak and flood your floor.
Inspect the drain area
If the hose isn’t the issue, the problem might lie with the dishwasher’s drain itself. This drain is located at the bottom of the appliance and is typically covered by a screen or strainer. You can remove the cover using a screwdriver, and there might be a filter beneath it. Once removed, use your hose clearing tool to clean out the drain. To ensure it’s clear, run a small amount of water through the drain. If everything drains properly, you can reassemble the cover, return the racks to the dishwasher, and turn the power back on.
When to seek professional help
If your dishwasher’s drain remains clogged despite these efforts, it’s time to call in a professional. A malfunctioning drain can cause flooding, leading to water damage and expensive repairs. Leave the dishwasher off until you can arrange for repairs to prevent further issues.
