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What To Do When Your Dishwasher Won't Drain

Modern conveniences like dishwashers can quickly turn into an inconvenience when they do not work properly. A common issue that dishwashers can present is when they fail to drain properly. If you are experiencing this problem now, do not worry! Here’s what you can do.

Turn Your Garbage Disposal On

Because the drain hose from your dishwashing machine connects to your garbage disposal, the reason that your dishwasher is not properly draining could be traced back to your disposal. If there is food or sludge lodged inside your garbage disposal, this will prevent water from draining like it should. So the first thing you should do is run your garbage disposal to clear away all food debris. Sometimes this solves the problem!

Drain the Water From Your Dishwasher

If the problem wasn’t your garbage disposal, now you have to remove all the standing water from the dishwasher. Use a cup to remove the bulk of the water. Then when the water level is too low to scoop out, place some absorbent towels inside the machine. Once all the water is removed, you are ready to troubleshoot the issue.

Clear the Drain Basket

One of the most common reasons for a poorly performing dishwasher is a clogged drain basket. You can locate this basket usually at the bottom of your machine, under the bottom rack. The cover looks like an upside down basket and will have snaps or screws holding it in place. Remove the basket and remove any food buildup and then run your dishwasher again once the basket is put back in place.

Check the Drain Hose for Blockages

If that did not solve the problem, there may be food blockages in your drain hose. Sensing a pattern here? To investigate your drain hose for food debris, you will need to remove the front panel of your machine. As a general rule of thumb, it is always wise to unplug an appliance when working on it. Once you have removed the front panel, either by snapping it off or by unscrewing it, you will see the drain hose. Detach the drain hose from the drain pump. Then, blow air through the hose. If air does not move freely through the hose, you’ve got a clog. Use a straightened out wire hanger to carefully dislodge the clog.

If you try all these suggestions and your dishwasher is still not draining, it might be time to call in a plumber.

At KCI, we strive to build homes that make your life easier and make spending time in them enjoyable. If you are in the market for a new home, start your search here!

By KCI Homes 10-24-2022