DIYwithHelp’s Ultimate Guide
The dishwasher is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. But, if your dishwasher isn't draining properly, it can be a major inconvenience.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to clear the dishwasher drain and get it running again. Read on to find out how!
Understanding Your Dishwasher Drain
A dishwasher drain typically includes a sump pump and check valve, both of which are important components that allow the dishwasher to cycle correctly. If the drain develops a clog, the sump pump cannot do its job, and the dishwasher will fail to cycle properly.
Your sump pump and filter can become clogged with food particles, grease, and soap residue. Over time, this results in water being unable to drain from the dishwasher after a cycle. To properly diagnose and repair a clogged dishwasher drain, you'll need to clean out both the drain hose and pump.
Make sure to unplug the dishwasher before beginning any repairs and take a look at the owner's manual to ensure you're following the right steps. After you've cleaned out the drain hose and pump, you can run a cycle to check if the clog has been cleared. If the clog persists, you may need to contact a professional to further diagnose and repair the issue.
Identifying a Clogged Dishwasher Drain
The first sign of a clogged dishwasher drain is the continued presence of water in the bottom of the dishwasher, even after you’ve left it to drain for some time. You can check by looking at the bottom of the inside of your dishwasher where the drain is located.
The drain can become clogged with food particles, so check the filter for any debris that may be causing the blockage. If you find any debris, make sure to remove it with a brush or other cleaning tool.
After you’ve cleaned out any debris from the top of the drain, run your dishwasher again as normal. If the problem persists, it’s likely the dishwasher pump is clogged and will need to be flushed out or replaced entirely. Fortunately, clearing a dishwasher drain is one of the easiest DIY jobs.
Tools and Materials Needed for Dishwasher Drain Repair
You will need basic DIY tools, such as…
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Flashlight
- Plunger
- Drain snake or brushes
- Buckets and towels
…to make any adjustments or repairs to your dishwasher. It's also important to make sure you have the necessary screws and other fasteners to secure a replacement part into place.
Additionally, knowing exactly which parts you need for the repair can help make the job go a lot smoother. For example, if you're dealing with a broken door seal, you'll need to purchase a new door seal to complete the repair. If you're looking to replace a hose, you'll need to find the correct hose for your specific dishwasher model.
However, there’s no way to find out what specific parts you’ll need without getting your hands dirty. To do this, you may need to remove the dishwasher from the cabinet to gain access to the necessary components.
If the clog is more serious, you may need to access the motor or heating element, which will require more in-depth repairs. In any case, it's usually a good idea to consult the owner's manual or call a professional to ensure this level of repair is handled safely and correctly.
Step by Step Guide to Clearing Your Dishwasher Drain
With the following process, you can make sure that your dishwasher is up and running again in no time.
1. Start by unplugging the dishwasher and turning off its water supply. This is an important safety measure to take before beginning any repairs.
Top Tip - Depending on the type of dishwasher you use, you may need to access the water supply valve by lifting up the unit or removing the lower front panel.
2. Next, remove the screws that secure the control panel to the door. Once the control panel is removed, you should be able to access the drain and internal dishwasher components like the filter and sump pump.
3. Once the drain’s components are exposed, use a flashlight to look for any clogs that may be present. If something is clogging the drain, remove it with a plunger or drain snake.
4. Plug the dishwasher back in and turn on the water supply valve. Run the dishwasher as normal. If the problem persists, a specific part may need repair or replacement.
5. Use your dishwasher’s instruction manual to determine how to properly diagnose and fix the issue. Be sure to double-check the dishwasher parts before reinstalling the control panel.
6. After you have repaired/replaced the faulty part, use a vacuum cleaner or vinegar solution to remove any remaining residue and make sure your dishwasher will run good as new.
7. Replace the drain, plug the dishwasher back in and turn on the water supply. Run it as normal to test it one more time. If the clog persists, you may need to contact a professional repair service.
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Dishwashers
Next, let’s take a look at how you can ensure your dishwasher remains in top condition with these helpful preventative maintenance tips:
Taking the time to check the machine on a regular basis can help you identify any potential problems before they become serious. Regularly inspect and clean the filters, hoses, and other components of your dishwasher to help avoid costly repairs.
If you haven’t used your dishwasher for a lengthy period of time, water can leak from the hose or seals and cause damage to your kitchen floor. So, make sure to run your dishwasher at least once a month to ensure that the seals and hose remain in good condition.
Additionally, running the dishwasher monthly can help prevent any build-up of limescale and rust. These can reduce the efficiency of your dishwasher over time.
Next, be sure to check your dishwasher's drain for any clogs or blockages. If there is a clog, use a drain snake to get rid of the debris. Regularly cleaning the interior with a vinegar-water solution will help prevent clogging in the future, ensuring your dishwasher continues to work efficiently.
If you do spot any issues, you should try and fix them yourself if you can, as this can save you a lot of money. However, for complicated problems, you may need to call in a professional repair service. If you do decide to take this route, make sure to choose a trustworthy company that offers a warranty on any parts that may need to be replaced.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Dishwashers
Finally, if your dishwasher isn’t working as it should be, there are several common problems you should check for before you spend money on repairs.
Clogged Filters and Spray Arms
One of the most common problems with dishwashers is clogged filters and spray arms. If your plates are coming out dirty, this may be the issue. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple fix that can be done at home by most DIY-ers. Just follow these steps:
1. First, you will want to inspect the filters and spray arms for any blockages. You can take the spray arms out to do this.
2. If any blockages are present, you can use a scrub brush to clear them out.
3. Once the blockages have been removed, you will want to wipe down the filters and spray arms. Then, reattach the spray arms to the dishwasher.
4. Finally, run a cycle to ensure that the dishwasher is functioning properly.
With a little bit of elbow grease, you can have your dishwasher running like new in no time!
Float Switch Blockages
It's also important to check the float switch which can be blocked by debris or hardened food particles. If this is the case, you can try to unblock it with this DIY solution:
1. Take off or unscrew the bottom panel of the dishwasher.
2. Gently remove the debris with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. If the debris is too hard to remove, you can use a pry bar to try and dislodge it.
3. Once the float switch is free and clear, you should be able to use the dishwasher as normal.
Door Seal Issues
Again, an often overlooked aspect of a dishwasher repair is the door seal. Food particles can get stuck in the seal and cause it to be loose, leading to water leaks. Make sure the seal is clean and snugly shut before running your next load of dishes.
Conclusion
A clogged dishwasher drain can mean the entire machine stops working as it should. Fortunately, diagnosing and fixing a clogged dishwasher drain is relatively easy, even for DIY newbies.
You’ll need to get your hands dirty, but spotting a drain blockage is simple. You may need to take your dishwasher’s panel off to get a better look at the sump pump and filter. Then, flush it out with a drain snake or clean it with a brush.
Remember to check your dishwasher regularly so you can prevent costly repairs and be on top of any breakages before they happen. By following these tips, you’ll be a dishwasher DIY master in no time. Good luck!
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