Your dishwasher takes a lot of abuse and handles many different types of debris put into it. From sticky sauces to crumbs, from grease to salads, there is no end to the number of ways a dishwasher becomes clogged. Keep reading to find out of if there is a simple way you can handle this on your own. If not, contact American Appliance Repair for experienced appliance repair.
Before You Get Started: Safety and Preparedness
First and foremost, remember that your dishwasher is an electronic appliance. It also moves water. What do you think happens when those two come into contact with each other in the wrong way? It isn’t good. That’s why we recommend turning off the power to your unit before getting started. You can also grab up the tools you’ll need: Towels, screwdriver, plumbing wrench, bucket, wire coat hanger, and vinegar.
- Make Sure the Dishwasher Filter Basket is Clear
- Run Your Garbage Disposal
- Run a Mixture of Water and Vinegar Down the Garbage Disposal
- Run Your Dishwasher with the Same Mixture of Water and Vinegar
- Clear Out the Drain Hose
Check the drain at the bottom of your dishwasher. If it is clogged or blocked off by flat items such as pieces of lettuce or plastic, then it can backup the entire dishwasher. Pull out the catch basket, clear out the de bris, and see if this is enough to fix the issue.
It may be that the issue is with your garbage disposal. Start running cold water down it and then turn it on. Let it run until you do not hear any other obstructions being chewed up. If there is something stuck, unplug the power of the garbage disposal and inspect it to see if there is something stuck in there, such as a cone or a bone.
It may be that pouring a solvent down your garbage disposal is all that’s needed. Use a mixture of very hot water – even boiling water – and mix it with white vinegar. This combination can melt many drain obstructions.
If the slow drain is actually in your dishwasher, then the same mix of water and vinegar can help. Instead of putting in detergent, run the dishwasher with a cup of this detergent. Just be sure that the dishwasher is otherwise empty.
There is a drain hose that comes out the back of your dishwasher and fits into a T-connector under your garbage disposal. If you can find this easily, pull the drain hose and look at it. do you see anything clogging it? If so, clear it out. If not, put it back and call American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934 for further help.
