5 things to check if your dishwasher is not draining.
You ask, “Why is my dishwasher not draining?” The professionals at Flow Pros can help you figure that out. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
Have you ever seen bubbles come out from the bottom of your dishwasher?
What about finding a pool of stinky sludge in the basin of the dishwasher?
If you have, chances are you have needed to call a plumber out to check the drain lines. Before you go that far, there are a few things you can check on your own.
One: Check for Leftover Debris in the Dishwasher
Everyone is guilty of late-night clean up with a bit too much food left on the plates when you place them in the dishwasher. When that happens, here is what you can do.
If you remove the lower rack of the dishwasher, you can check the drain to see if anything is blocking it. It happens all the time. A piece of plastic, silverware, paper, or food is left blocking the drain. When you remove the blockage, the drain should clear right up. Then you can run the dishwasher on an empty cycle to get it all clean for the next load.
Two: Check the Garbage Disposal
Yes, the garbage disposal and the dishwasher are connected. Often, a particle is still in the disposal or the connecting tubes that will not allow proper function.
If you think that maybe what’s causing the dishwasher’s back up, try clearing the disposal first.
Run the faucet while you turn on the disposal. Let it run till it is clear. Then check to see if your dishwasher is running better.
Three: Check the Drain Hose
There is a drain hose that connects the dishwasher and the disposal. If kinks get in the line, you may have a problem. First, straighten the line, then blow through it to see if it is clogged. Once clear, make sure the hose is resealed tight and try your dishwasher again.
Four: Check the Dishwasher Filter
If something is blocking the filter, the drain will be very slow. Often, a piece of broken glass, plastic, a label, or another particle will get caught there and prevent drainage entirely. It can also just get icky; that’s a technical term for needing a good cleaning.
If you think this may be the cause for poor drainage, grab a screwdriver and get to work. At the bottom of the dishwasher, there is a filter covered by a drainage screen. To ensure the screen is clean, you may need to remove it with the screwdriver and clear it out completely.
Five: Check to See if You Used the Right Detergent
Again, we are all guilty of a rushed clean up. One squirt of the wrong detergent and your kids are having a blast in the bubbles on your kitchen floor. If this happens, first, dry off the kids. Then remove the water and suds from the bottom of the basin and try again, this time with the correct detergent.
Still asking, “Why is my dishwasher not draining?”
There can always be a problem with drain lines that only a plumber can see. If you have tried all the above, you can call an appliance repair service or call your local plumber.
Plumbing is not always a DIY fix, and there is good reason to call an expert. You sure don’t want to make the problem any worse. So, if you have any plumbing issues, contact the friendly professionals at Flow Pros. They will assess the situation and get your drains unclogged at once.
Contact Flow Pros for all your plumbing needs today.