Here is the complete step-by-step guide on how to unclog a dishwasher.
Introduction
A dishwasher is the most helpful appliance for your busy routine. If you have a busy schedule then the dishwasher helps to save your precious time. However, like any machine, dishwashers can encounter issues like clogging, foul odors, and water leaks. When this happens, you have two options: call a technician or tackle the problem yourself.
This guide will help you unclog your dishwasher in under 30 minutes, without professional assistance. But first, let’s understand the common reasons behind dishwasher clogs.
Dishwasher clogs can occur due to various factors, such as food debris buildup, a clogged drain hose, or a blocked filter. Sometimes, the issue may be as simple as an overloaded dishwasher or improper loading techniques.
Let’s now explore whether your dishwasher’s drain hose is clogged or if another issue is present.
How To Know if Your Dishwasher is Clogged?
Like other things, a dishwasher drain line clog also has some visible symptoms. So let’s check out how you can identify those signs before getting into the cleaning process!
1 – Do you hear abnormal sounds?
If you notice any strange vibrations, banging, or bubbling sounds, it’s a big red flag! Be sure to pay attention while your dishwasher is running. It seems like water is attempting to escape due to a blockage in your main or secondary plumbing system.
2 – Did you notice slow draining?
If you notice water pooling at the bottom of your sink or dishwasher, it suggests there is a partial or significant blockage in your kitchen drainage system. It is crucial to address this blockage promptly to prevent more serious problems in the future.
3 – Is your dishwasher stinking?
A strong smell is an important indicator that should not be overlooked. If you have already cleaned your filter basket but still detect a bad odor coming from the dishwasher, there may be a blockage causing it.
This also implies that your cleaning may not have been thorough. Therefore, it is essential to clean it effectively. Failure to clean regularly can lead to the accumulation of particles and blockages. Make sure to establish a consistent routine of decluttering or organizing your kitchen every 4-5 times a month
4 – Check if any type of food choke up your drain line
If there is standing water in your dishwasher after the wash cycle, it indicates that the machine is not draining properly. This issue is typically caused by food particles blocking the system.
To address this problem, you should examine the situation and thoroughly clean the drain basket. If cleaning the drain basket does not resolve the problem, there may be a significant blockage in the drain line.
5 – Do you add dirty dishes?
Is your dishwasher properly installed and functioning as intended? Are your dishes being thoroughly cleaned? If your dishes are not coming out clean and you notice a potential clog in the drain hose, it could be a sign that there is an issue with your dishwasher.clog.
6 – Installing a new garbage disposal
If the garbage disposal isn’t done right, it may cause a clog of the entire system. So, you need to get your installations done with technical expertise, not to get such kinds of return gifts.
The clog may generally happen when the knockout plugs aren’t removed during installation. So pull that plug now and eliminate your clogging issue if this is the case. Also, think of replacing your old garbage disposal with the new one,e as the older one has more clogging issues to keep you busy often!
How to Unclog a Dishwasher: The Best Way
1 – Run your garbage disposer
Turn on your kitchen sink tap, and flip its garbage disposal. The purpose here is to let the water pass thoroughly through this disposal. Since the dishwashing machine garbage disposal and kitchen sink share the identical drain line, this running water would help clear out the clogged path.
2 – Run a complete dishwashing cycle
If the problem persists, turn on the power, and rerun the complete dishwashing cycle. Also, check if you’ve used the suitable detergent and loaded the dishwasher correctly.
Open the door once the cycle stops, and check if any water is still standing at the bottom of the dishwashing machine. You need to call the expert technician if you see an abnormal amount of water standing.
3 – How to unclog a dishwasher with Baking Soda
You can use a DIY mixture of equal vinegar and baking soda. Mix them with water, and pour them into the dishwasher drain basket at the bottom. Let it sit there for 15 minutes, and wait for the cleaning magic to happen!
Pour hot water from the top after those 15 minutes of a miracle. It will probably flush out all the unclog and baking soda solution. And it’s one of the most effective ways to unclog a dishwashing machine!
4 – Check dishwasher filter
You also need to check the filter, which is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub near the spray arm. You can change the filter if it’s too old and doesn’t work correctly, even after regular cleaning.
Many homemakers don’t even realize that the filter needs to be changed after a specific period. The filters of high-quality dishwashing machine can last up to 5 years but not more. And they are generally located at the bottom of the dishwashing machine if you’re facing any difficulty finding them!
5 – Try Dishwasher Cleaner
If you’re thinking of how to unclog a dishwasher, just stop right there! Although we know it’s an effective chemical ingredient to solve issues for unclogging pipes, it’s never ideal for things like dishwashing machines. It will instead harm its garbage disposal and prevent it from functioning correctly.
Instead, you can use products like Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner, a dedicated product designed to remove rust, grease, limescale, and buildup from the affected parts.
6 – Check all the plumbing connection points
You must check the connected drain hose when your dishwasher stops draining. First, check if it’s securely connected to the garbage disposal or kitchen sink! It should also clear of unwanted garbage or food remnants clogs. If any components show damage signs or wear, it’s an indication to replace them immediately.
Common Causes Of Dishwasher Drain Line Clogs
Despite replacing your old garbage disposal with the new one, plenty of other causes could clog your dishwasher drain hose, and you may identify them generally. So, let’s learn about those causes below!
1 – Blockage in a sewer line
There could be a high chance of significant issues around the sewer line. The main sewer line can be clogged for various reasons despite just getting stuck with household stuff.
It’s a more complicated issue, especially when you won’t find any clogs in the filter or drain hose. It simply means that the main line is badly affected, and you won’t have to think twice about taking action. Cleaning the main sewer line may need professional help, so don’t hesitate to ask out expert technicians!
2 – Malfunctioned in the pump
If you observe that the water is still standing at the bottom of the dishwasher even after all the wash cycles, there could be a high chance of pump malfunction. These kinds of water pump failures are caused by the broken motor while leaving the water behind that is supposed to drain into the hose!
3 – Detergent powder
Some specific dishwashers require a particular type of detergent powder, while others don’t. Always use a suitable detergent powder for your dishwasher.
4 – Clogged air gaps
Air gap in the sink is a major issue of a clogged dishwasher. To take care of this air gap, you must thoroughly check for the cylindrical covering surrounding its area and look for any debris or dirt particles stuck there!
5 – Old plumbing
Another common cause of clogged drain lines in dishwashers is worn-out plumbing. And this could be a full possibility if you’re using the same plumbing line years and years over.
Dishwashers can’t tolerate old plumbings, and thus they often stop working. Also, you need to frequently check for your kitchen plumbing overhaul over time while also considering the costs depending upon the pipelines.
How to Unclog a Dishwasher Drain Hose?
Before you know how to unclog the dishwasher with standing water, you may know the reasons. However, if water is in the dishwasher filter area, there could be issues, mainly in the air gap and garbage disposer.
So, it would be an intelligent choice if you first look at solving these specific areas!
Final Words
We hope this guide clarifies your answer on how to unclog a dishwasher. Most of the time this issue is fixed manually. Otherwise, you need to contact a dishwashing machine technician or plumbing expert to fix it.
Also, cleaning your dishwashing machine periodically will help to prevent all unwanted issues!
FAQs
Q. How do you unclog garbage disposal?
Primarily, you should use a DIY mixture of equal parts vinegar and baking soda to clean the grime or any residual dirt within the garbage disposal. You can try using a plunger, too, to dissolve and push the clogs.
Other than these, there’s an option to restart your garbage disposal, remove the p-strap, and use the plunger snake to drill through the clog.
For more information read this guide – How To Unclog Garbage Disposal
Q. How to unclog a dishwasher drain line with household products?
The same items that you can use to unclog a dishwasher drain line are a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. We’ve already mentioned the steps to open a dishwashing machine with baking soda. It’s the best homemade dishwasher cleaner too!
Try to clean your dishwashing machine drain with equal parts vinegar and baking soda. You can make their mixture with water and put it in the drain for 5-7 minutes.
After approx. 7-8 minutes, you need to pour hot boiling water so that every dirt or grime leaves the drain and wash off with hot water.
You can clean the drain just with hot water too! And while doing all of this, ensure it’s not super-boi or led, as that can damage the drain.
Q. How to unclog a dishwasher without vinegar?
There’s another option to clean your dishwasher drain without vinegar or baking soda. However, the solution of baking soda and vinegar is the most effective, but still, you can put a sachet of lemonade mix into the soap cup. And you need to run a complete cycle of hot water after that to wash off the clogs!
Q. What should you not mix with vinegar?
You should never have three combinations with vinegar: hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and baking soda. Yet, here’s a twist: you can use the solution but with certain precautions in mind.
First, note that the acidic vinegar and baking soda mixture can leave behind an explosive if kept in a closed container. So, don’t keep it in a container, and keep the mixture out of reach of pets and children.
Q. Where is the food trap in a dishwasher?
To access food trap or filter in the dishwashing machine, go to the bottom of dishwashing machine and remove the lower disk rack.
