How can an appliance that is supposed to be so convenient be so frustrating? That’s probably what our clients in Denver are thinking when they call us because their dishwasher isn’t draining. If you’ve already taken the step of running your dishwasher a second time, just in case it got cut off during the drain cycle, and you still have the problem, then you probably need a professional’s help.
Don’t believe the internet hype about putting vinegar and baking soda into the dishwasher. For most problems, this won’t help at all, and when there is a clog there are cleaner, better ways to remove it. Here’s what could actually help your dishwasher drain properly.
Your dishwasher drains out through the same pipe that your garbage disposal is in. So, if you’ve been putting starch and fats down there, or not cleaning food out from it properly, then you may have created a complete or partial clog in the drain. Then, the water from the dishwasher can only drain out very slowly, or not at all. To fix this one, you need to empty out the clog or partial clog. This can be as simple as running the disposal. Or, you may need a plumber to come in and get rid of a clop in the trap.
Once the disposal is clear, refamiliarize yourself with what you can put down the disposal and how to clear it out afterwards. Start running it for 15 extra seconds and then flush it with some hot water.
Here are foods that you should avoid putting down the garbage disposal:
Also, if it turns out that the clog was actually in the dishwasher drain line, you may want to redouble your efforts to rinse dishes and remove food bits before you place them in the dishwasher. It cannot handle the same volume or types of food that a garbage disposal can.
If you don’t have a garbage disposal in your sink to create a clog, then you likely have an air gap. It is created by a small steel cylinder placed inside the sink right near the faucet. The whole idea is to prevent clogs by preventing airlocks. On the other hand, the airlock itself sometimes gets clogged with debris from the sink and creates a clog of its own.
Fixing this one is relatively simple. You take out the air gap. Look for debris and wash it out. You can use a brush or just a spray of water (from another sink) will work.
If you’ve exhausted the above options, then it is most likely that some part of your dishwasher is the problem. Here are some of the possibilities:
If you’re in Denver and your dishwasher isn’t draining, then you can contact us at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical. While we don’t work on the dishwasher itself, we can certainly work on any drain problems to help solve the issue.
We’re ready to answer your questions or schedule your appointment, call now or book online!