There is nothing worse than loading the dishwasher and pushing start only to realize that the kitchen sink is backing up. Your first thought is that there is a clog in the sink, but chances are there is a problem with the dishwasher water draining. When you think about the amount of food scraps and grease that goes through the dishwasher drains, it isn’t surprising that things can back up in the dishwasher drains. Here are a few tips to try if your dishwasher isn’t draining like it’s supposed to.
Common Causes for Clogged Dishwasher Drains
Just like the other drains in your home, before you attempt a DIY clog removal for the dishwasher drains, you need to understand why they are clogged in the first place. Knowing this information will help guide you through clearing out the affected pipe areas and help you to make better decisions about what the dishwasher is being put through. For problems with dishwasher water draining incorrectly, it probably isn’t a surprise that food, grease, oil and fatty food fragments are the main culprits for clogs. The best way to solve this is by removing the grease and cooking oils from your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Always dispose of grease, oils and foods properly; not down the sink drains.
Difference Between Dishwasher Drain Cleaning and Other Drain Cleaning
In many situations, if a sink drain is clogged you simply have to flush the affected pipes with hot water and drain cleaning solutions to clear the drain. Unfortunately, dishwasher drains and pipes aren’t that simple; to reach the materials clogging a dishwasher drain or pipe, there is generally some disassembly required. If you have the proper tools and know-how, you can disconnect the dishwasher pipes on your own to clear the clog, but it is typically much easier and safer to contact a plumber to do the work for you.
Things to Try Before Contacting a Plumber
If you are having problems with the dishwasher water draining, there are a few things you can try before calling a plumber:
- Clear the garbage disposal-Sometimes the water from the dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal, so if this is the case, you will want to keep the disposal clear in order for the water to flow freely.
- Clear the air gap-Some kitchen sinks have an air gap installed on the counter next to the faucet, which prevents the sink water from backing up into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged, it may cause the dishwasher to not drain properly. Simply remove the cap and remove any debris, then replace the cap.
- Clean the dishwasher-Occasionally cleaning the dishwasher by running a solution of vinegar and baking soda through a wash cycle will help to keep the lines clear. To clean the dishwasher, pour a solution of vinegar and baking soda into the basket in the bottom of the dishwasher, let the solution set for ten minutes and then poor a pot of hot water down the basket.
To ensure your dishwasher has a long lifespan, it is important to be mindful of what you put in it. Always scrape food and grease from the dishes and pots before placing them in the dishwasher and routinely clean the inside of the dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda. If there is a problem with the drains, contact a plumber as soon as possible to prevent the risk of further damage.