We all buy dishwashers to make our lives easy, but what if you see a pool of grimy standing water the next time you open your dishwasher? This phase comes in almost every dishwasher owner’s life.
You may feel enticed to clean the dishwasher using a plunger, but you will require something better to unclog it.
You don’t have to worry anymore as there are many convenient solutions to get rid of drain clogs. Before we discuss how to unplug a dishwasher, let us look at how and why the dishwasher drain hose gets clogged.
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Identifying If Dishwasher Drain Hose Is Clogged or Not
You can see if the drain hose is clogged when/if any of these things happen:
- You see a pool of stagnant water at the bottom, near the drain.
- The dishwasher is not able to complete a wash cycle.
- Constant shutting off of the dishwasher.
- Check the garbage disposal. If it is clear, it indicates the problem is with the drain hose.
- Food residue stuck on the filter.
The bottom line is that if you see standing water and it is not draining correctly, most likely, the problem is with the drain hose.
Causes of Dishwasher Clogging
Most dishwashers have clogged drain hoses when water isn’t draining well. Although, some other reasons can also cause murky water to stand at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Pump Issues
It can arise due to a malfunctioned pump body. Food debris blocks the impeller, blocking the water drainage. You may need to entirely replace the assembly or its broken parts to fix it.
If your pump is belt-driven, there can be a chance that the belt has worn out. Water supply is hindered if there is a shabby belt. The dishwasher model also comes with a drive belt. Hence, check its condition and replace it if necessary.
Faulty Motor
The motor is an essential component for the working of your dishwasher. If it is not working correctly, it can mess with the functioning and efficiency of the dishwasher. Check if your motor is working and replace it if it fails to function. Check the dishwasher manual to know the motor type.
Drain Valve
Other reasons may include a non-functional timer and a broken drain valve. Dishwashers have a valve that opens when water is drained out. A solenoid controls it and is triggered only when the time is completed.
If there is a non-functional timer, it can lead to a delayed response, resulting in clogged drain hoses. If the timer works fine, check if the drain valve and solenoid are in good condition. In such cases, you will have to replace the hose.
Ways to Unclog a Dishwasher
Now we know the root causes of the clogged drain hose, let us look at how to unclog one. Make sure you look at the manual before you start cleaning it.
It will let you know the brand’s specific instructions for unclogging because they may differ from the methods written below.
The Filter Basket
Our first target is the filter basket. We recommend rubber gloves to protect you from dirty water and damaging reactions of dishwasher detergent. Take a cup or sponge to remove the water pooled at the bottom of the dishwasher. Fill the pooled water into a separate basket.
Now, take out the filter basket from its resting place. Remove the food debris stuck on it using a fork or your fingers.
Your next step would include filling up the sink with hot water. Carefully wash the filter basket and remove any extra food and residue left. Finally, return the filter basket to its place and check if the dishwasher drains properly.
Cleaning the Garbage Disposal
The following possible clogged location is the garbage disposal or the drain hose. Hence, we will check if there are any possible defects in them.
Start by running the garbage disposal to ascertain whether it is blocked. If it is blocked, you will have to deal with it altogether. If it works fine, lay a towel beneath the drain hose.
Remove the drain hoses by using the channel-lock pliers. If there’s any, you will most likely see a clog at the connection point.
What if there are no clogs? You will have to look much deeper in the hose. You can use a commercial clogger, dishwasher cleaner, or a straightened coat hanger to search and clear the clogs from the drain.
Dig into the Drain
You may find this method a bit gross. If this is the case, you may want someone else to do the job for you. If the filter is still not draining even after cleaning the filter basket, the root cause may be deep within the drain.
While removing the filter basket, keep a bucket handy. Using a wire coat hanger or a zip-it drain cleaning tool will help you dig around the drain opening. At last, pull the clog out of the hose and empty it into the bucket.
Can Boiling Water Unclog A Dishwasher?
Boiled water can unclog the dishwasher drain by dissolving the clogs in it. It is a less invasive way and is easily affordable. Start by boiling the water.
While waiting, remove the stagnant water from the dishwasher as much as possible. Pour the boiling water into the sink drain and if it still stands there, give it some time to cool.
You can repeat the procedure until the sink lets the excess water drain.
Cleaning the Dishwasher With Vinegar
You can use a homemade solution of white vinegar, baking soda, and hot water to open the drain.
Place one cup of vinegar and a half cup of baking soda in the basket and let them sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, pour the boiling water down the basket to see if the clog clears.
It may take several attempts to show significant results but immediately stop if you do not see any change.
Conclusion
The dishwasher is primarily blocked due to irregular maintenance. Try setting a regular schedule to clean the appliance to save you from further trouble. Do a deep clean once in a while to ensure it’s healthy working.
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