If your dishwasher has standing water remaining after you finish running your dishwasher, then it could have some serious problems. If your dishwasher is failing to properly drain, it can quickly become a plumbing emergency if it causes the water to overflow. This is a common cause of serious kitchen floods, and the issue could go deeper than the dishwasher itself. Here are a few tips for diagnosing the cause of your dishwasher’s drainage problems.
Listen for Odd Sounds
Start a cycle running on the dishwasher and listen for odd sounds. If you hear any buzzing, clicking, or other odd sounds, then the problem may come from a faulty drain pump or motor. In order to solve this problem, the broken parts will need to be replaced.
Run the Garbage Disposal
Debris in your garbage disposal can cause the drain hose that carries the water from your dishwasher to the garbage disposal drain to become blocked. This drain pipe may also pick up pieces of food debris from the garbage disposal itself. Try running the garbage disposal, and this may clear the drain allowing water to pass freely.
Clean the Air Gap
An air gap is a commonly used device located on the kitchen sink that prevents an air vacuum from causing a backup of water back into the dishwasher. Generally, this is located near the faucet and will look like a slotted metal cylinder. This is connected to the dishwasher’s drain hose, and if it becomes clogged, it may prevent water from being able to pass through. To clean your air gap, simply twist the cap off counterclockwise and use a cleaning brush and water to get the inside clean. Put the cap back on and run the dishwasher to see if your drainage problem is resolved.
Inspect the Drain Hose
The dishwasher drain hose is often the cause of drainage issues. First of all, it may become kinked somewhere along the line, restricting the flow of water. To solve this, simply identify the kink in the hose and straighten it out. It is also possible that the hose seal has become loose and in which case, tightening the seal valve may correct the issue. For clogs in the hose itself, simply blowing through it sometimes will cause the clog to break free. In many cases, though, having the hose replaced may be a good option.
Clean the Drainage System
A dishwasher’s filter, drain trap, and basket can become clogged by a buildup of food, debris, and soap buildup, causing a clog. The cleaning procedure can vary from one model to the next so check your owner’s manual for the specifics. However, after cleaning, remember to pre-rinse your dishes to prevent clogging in the future.
Final Thoughts
A dishwasher that is refusing to drain can quickly become a serious issue when water begins leaking over the ground, so it is important to handle it quickly before it gets out of hand. Consider the above steps, and if you still cannot solve the problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
Contact Us
If you need assistance with any plumbing issues, then call. For assistance with a leaking water heater, call J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our licensed team of plumbers has more than thirty years of experience helping homeowners with all of their heating and plumbing issues. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.
