When you consider how much food and scraps we put into our dishwashers and down our drains, it’s not unexpected that things can back up every now and then. Your dishwasher not emptying is a common sign of clogged drains in your kitchen.
If you see a lot of standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher, there are some tips you can try before hiring a plumber.
Reasons Your Dishwasher May Be Clogged
Here are five possible explanations for a dishwasher clog.
1. Clogged Drains
A clogged drain in your home is an indication that something is clogged deeper down the sewage line. In many circumstances, it is unrelated to your dishwasher.
If there is a clogged drain deeper down the sewage system, your dishwasher may not drain properly. If you have more than one clogged drain in your home, or if water gurgles back up into the sink while your dishwasher drains, you may have a more serious clog that is unrelated to your dishwasher.
2. Clogged Drain Hose
Your dishwasher drains via a hose that may be attached to the drain in your kitchen sink or waste disposal. The interior of the drain hose might accumulate muck, causing backups and obstructions.
If the dishwasher drain pipe and other drain pipes under your sink are the source of your drainage problems, cleaning them will remove the obstruction.
3. Clogged Filter Basket
A filter basket installed in the drain of your dishwasher prevents food scraps and other objects from entering the pipes. The filter basket must be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that your dishes are sparkling clean.
If you have hard water, you may need to soak the drain basket in vinegar for a few minutes to remove the deposits. This keeps your dishwasher filter basket’s holes from becoming clogged.
4. Garbage Disposal
If the knockout plug was not removed when the disposal was installed, new trash disposal installations can cause your dishwasher to become blocked. Removing this plug will almost certainly solve your dishwasher clogged problem.
If your garbage disposal is older, the items you’ve been disposing of may be the source of your problem.
5. Broken Sewer Line
Most people do not believe that a broken sewer line can produce a blocked dishwasher. A broken sewer line, on the other hand, might clog all of your home’s drains.
If your dishwasher, guest toilet, or shower will not drain, it’s time to get your house or business’s sewer pipes inspected by an expert.
Tips on How to Unclog Your Dishwasher?
If your dishwasher is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try and unclog it. First, check to see if there is anything blocking the drainage pipe. If there is, you can try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. If that doesn’t work, you can try pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before running hot water down the drain.
Another option is to pour ½ cup of salt down the drain, followed by boiling water. Let the saltwater sit for a few minutes before running hot water down the drain. If none of these methods work, you may need to call a plumber.
When Should You Call a Plumbing Professional?
While do-it-yourself plumbing chores are a terrific way to save money, some dishwashing clogs necessitate the services of a professional. If you don’t have the necessary equipment to remedy the problem, or if you suspect that the performance issues with your dishwashing unit are caused by something other than clogging, contact a professional.
Plumbing specialists can find the specific cause of drain damage in your property using high-quality video inspection technologies. Then, they can determine the most feasible and cost-effective repair choice for your plumbing problems.