Troubleshooting A Dishwasher that Won’t Drain

A slow-draining dishwasher can go unnoticed for months or years even. Finally, when the water pools or backs up into the sink, a homeowner will contact a plumber. There are many signs a dishwasher cannot function at total capacity, from weird gurgling and shaking sounds to garbage disposal issues. A malfunctioning appliance also disturbs other plumbing fixtures throughout the home. This article will cover diagnosing dishwasher issues and how to troubleshoot dishwashers that will not drain. 

The filter basket is clogged

Dishwashers have a basket under the racks that catch food scraps and other debris during washing cycles. The dishwasher design helps unwanted objects from entering the plumbing lines of the home. One of the most common reasons for a dishwasher to pool with water is that the drain basket needs emptying. If the basket has too much gunk in it, it is nearly impossible for the dishwasher to drain. Regularly cleaning the filter basket alleviates drainage problems. To remove hard water buildup, soak the basket in a small amount of vinegar. 

The garbage disposal is stuck

If a cause for the clog is still not identified, try testing the garbage disposal to see if it runs properly. Remnants stuck in the garbage disposal or piping below the sink lead to dishwasher issues. Never stick your hands or fragile items down the garbage disposal.

First, to remove a clog from the disposal, turn off the circuit breaker power source and the wall switch. There should be no power to the mechanism when you are working on it. Use a long wooden spoon to turn the garbage disposal blades counterclockwise gently. Use a flashlight to get a good view of the obstruction, and use pliers to remove it. Run warm water down the drain before restarting the disposal and see if the draining issue resolves. 

There is a drain hose issue

The drain hose connects the sink or garbage disposal to the dishwasher and vice versa. When this tube gets clogged, water collects in the bottom of the dishwasher or drains poorly from the sink. Place a bucket below the drain tube to empty its contents. Inspect the hose and clean any remaining sludge or debris before reconnecting. 

A pipe in the sewer line is broken or blocked

If inspecting the hose, disposal, and the inside of the dishwasher leaves you still scratching your head, the root cause is likely a broken or blocked pipe farther down the sewer line. In this case, it is time to call in an expert plumbing service professional. Blocked, old, and broken pipes are menacing on drainage and plumbing systems. Professional plumbers have the proper tools and experience to fix a pesky clog and prevent the issue from recurring. Plumbers often use hydro-jetting and high-tech cameras during inspections to diagnose and cure clogs. 

A dishwasher that won’t drain is more than an annoyance. It could be a deeper issue within the plumbing throughout the home. When spotting a clog in the dishwasher filter, garbage disposal, or the drainage hose underneath, there are simple ways to alleviate the issue, as described above. When the stoppage stems from broken pipes or a mystery source, a plumber can use special tools during an at-home inspection to uncover what is causing the dishwasher not to drain correctly. 

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.