Your dishwasher is one of the most reliable workhorses at home, making your dishwashing routine a breeze. But, like all hard working appliances in your house, your dishwasher only gets attention and care once it starts malfunctioning.
Among the most predictable setbacks you may encounter is your dishwasher’s failure to drain. It’s really frustrating to open your dishwasher and find that dirty water is still sitting at the bottom.
Most of the time, the problem here could be something minor that you can tackle yourself, saving you time, money, and frustration. Here’s a what-to-do checklist to get your dishwasher back to draining.
1. Check the Drain Hose
First things first—take a look at the drain hose. This is usually the culprit when your dishwasher won’t drain properly. If the hose is kinked, clogged, or bent out of shape, it can prevent water from draining. Unclog the hose if it’s blocked, or straighten it out if it’s bent. Make sure the hose isn’t cracked or leaking, either. If you notice any damage, you must replace it with a new one, something you can purchase online or in-store and install without a plumber by your side.
2. Clean the Filter
Your dishwasher’s filter is not totally safe against clogs from food particles, grease, and debris. This can block the drain and stop water from leaving the machine. To clean the filter, simply remove it (usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher) and rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn gunk. Once it’s nice and clean, put it back in place and run a quick cycle to see if that solves the problem.
3. Run a Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleaning Solution
If your dishwasher is still having trouble draining, it could be a sign that there’s some buildup inside the drain lines. Try running the classic, natural cleaning solution of vinegar and baking soda to help clear things out. Pour one cup of baking soda into the bottom of the dishwasher, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Run a hot water cycle, and let the fizzing action work its magic on any organic buildup. This simple trick can often do wonders for clearing minor clogs in the drainage system.
4. Check the Drain Valve
The drain valve is responsible for letting the water out of the dishwasher. If it’s stuck or malfunctioning, it could be stopping the water from draining. Check the valve to see if it’s clogged with food or debris. If it’s stuck, try gently freeing it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the valve to restore proper drainage.
5. Inspect the Garbage Disposal
If your dishwasher shares a drain line with your garbage disposal, a clog in the disposal can also prevent the dishwasher from draining. Check to make sure the garbage disposal is clear.
If the disposal is clogged, try running it for a few seconds to break up any debris. If that doesn’t work, use a plunger or a drain snake to clear it out. Once the disposal is clear, check your dishwasher again to see if it drains properly.
6. Load Your Dishwasher Properly
This might sound odd, but sometimes the way you load your dishwasher can cause drainage issues. Make sure you’re not overloading the machine, as this can prevent water from flowing freely during the rinse and drain cycles. Also, check that nothing is blocking the spray arm, and make sure all items are positioned correctly to allow for proper water flow. A simple adjustment to your loading technique can sometimes resolve drainage issues.
Dishwasher Problems? Call Mr. Drippy Plumbing for Quick Repairs
If you’ve tried all of these DIY fixes and your dishwasher is still not draining, it might be time to call in the pros for a more thorough dishwasher drain repair.
At Mr. Drippy Plumbing, we specialize in quick, efficient dishwasher repairs and drain clearing. Our team will help you get your dishwasher running like new again so you can get back to doing what you do best—enjoying clean dishes with minimal effort.
Don’t let a clogged dishwasher slow you down; call Mr. Drippy Plumbing today for fast services that never fail!
