What to Do When Your Dishwasher Does Not Drain

What to Do When Your Dishwasher Does Not Drain

Your dishwasher is an appliance that's supposed to make your family's life easier. Unfortunately, when draining improperly, dishwashers can cause a lot of stress and frustration. There's no need to worry. In many cases, there's no need to replace your dishwasher. At Mr. Rooter, we enjoy providing helpful advice that can help our local Atlanta, Georgia area customers care for their pipes. Here are a few tips that can help you fix your dishwasher drainage troubles. If you still need drain cleaning after you read this article, please feel free to contact us to request drain service in your area.

Check Your Owner's Manual

Some dishwasher models may be designed to hold a pool of water at the bottom between cycles. If it's only a small amount of water, then you may want to read the manual that came with your unit to determine if this is the case.

Check the Filter

Every dishwasher contains a filter in the bottom or back side of the dishwasher. If it has become clogged with pieces of paper, plastic or hard pieces of food then it can create a backup of water. Remove the contents that are clogging the filter, and check to see if the condition improves.

Turn on Your Garbage Disposal

If you've decided there is a drainage problem, then it's time to move onto the first step. If you have a garbage disposal, turn the switch on for a minute before running your dishwasher. In most cases, the dishwasher and garbage disposal are connected to the same pipe. This means that any debris clogging the disposal could cause a backup in your dishwasher. Clear away as much sediment as you can from your sink drain each time you use the dishwasher and observe to see if the drainage issue disappears.

Inspect the Drain Hose for Clogs

There's also a good chance that you're dealing with a blockage in your drain hose. Turn off the power running to your dishwasher at the breaker box to avoid electrocution and short circuits. Tae off the toe kick that's underneath your dishwasher and you should see your drain hose. Disconnect the hose by removing the attached clamp and check for clogs. If you find a blockage, take off the clamp on the opposite end and clean it out. In some cases, you may need to replace the hose. After removing the clog, or replacing the hose, test your dishwasher to find out if your drainage problem is solved.

Look at Your Valve Bracket

Many types of dishwashers are designed with a drain valve that's supposed to prevent backflow issues. Once again, remove the toe kick from the bottom of your dishwasher and check for a small plastic or metal valve bracket. Push on it with a pencil or small hand tool and see if it can move around freely. If it feels stuck in place, then the solenoid may need to be replaced.

Consider Other Sources

If you're still having problems with your dishwasher backing up, there could be many other factors at play. It could be an electrical issue with your dishwasher, a drain sump or door switch issue or a larger clog deep inside your sewer line. A certified plumber can provide a professional inspection, so you can get to the source of your drainage problem and find an effective solution quickly.

Need a Certified Plumber in the Atlanta, Georgia Area? Call Mr. Rooter Today

If you've determined it's time to seek professional help with your dishwasher, contact the experts at Mr. Rooter. We proudly provide quality residential and commercial plumbing services for property owners in Atlanta, Georgia and other surrounding communities. Call our office today to find out how we can help you.

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