A dishwasher is a vital appliance in most kitchens, but when it gets clogged up with debris, it can cause several problems. Clogs can lead to unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions, slow the washing process, and even damage parts of the machine. Dishwasher clogs can be a pain, but they inevitably occur, given everything you put in your dishwasher. Dishwasher clogs can have a wide range of causes, from something as simple as a blocked filter to a burst sewage line. Here are 5 potential causes of dishwasher clogs-
Garbage Disposal
Though it may not seem like it, the garbage disposal may be the cause of your clogged dishwasher, especially if it is a new one. When a garbage disposal is installed, it has a knock plug. This little piece sits at the port where the hose connects. If this knock plug isn’t removed after installation, your dishwasher won’t drain. No worries, though, because this is a straightforward fix! Grad some pliers, remove the hose, pull the plug, re-attach the hose, and you’re done!
Clogged Filter Basket
Though you may not know it, your dishwasher has a filter basket. It is within the drain of your dishwasher, preventing large food scraps and other items from getting into your pipes, though this filter can get clogged. It’s generally recommended to clean your filter to help prevent this routinely. Once you have removed the filter from your dishwasher, throw out any items within it and then soak it in vinegar. Then rinse it off with hot water, and your filter basket should flow like new.
Clogged Drain Hose
The hoses connected to your dishwasher are responsible for draining out water after every cycle. Over time, these hoses can become blocked with debris or mineral deposits, creating a clog. Regularly cleaning out your hose using an appropriate cleaning solution is vital to prevent any future blockages or clogs from forming.
Clogged Drain
Another potential cause of a dishwasher clog is a blockage in the drain itself. Some ways to detect this are if you have more than one clogged drain or hear water gurgling back up into the sink. Debris, such as food particles, grease, or soap scum, can accumulate over time and obstruct the pipe from your dishwasher.
Broken Sewer Line
When you have a clogged dishwasher, you may not be thinking about how your sewer line affects it, but if you have multiple clogged drains, this may be the issue. Sewer lines can fail for many reasons, such as shifting ground or tree roots breaking into them. Damaged lines can cause water to back into the dishwasher, resulting in unpleasant odors and slow draining. if you suspect a broken sewer line, its best to call an expert in residential drain services for an assessment.
Additional Causes
There are other severe causes that aid in drain clogging. Follow below-
- Food Particles: The most common cause of a dishwasher clog is food particles that have been left in dishes or stuck in the filter screen. This can slowly build up over time, eventually leading to a blockage that prevents water from flowing through the machine properly. Regularly cleaning out leftover food particles is essential to keep your dishwasher running smoothly.
- Detergent Build-Up: Dishwashing detergents contain surfactants that help break down grease and dirt on dishes during washing. Knowing what causes dishwasher clogs can help you prevent them or quickly identify and fix the issue. Over time, these surfactants can become trapped in the dishwasher and lead to a clog. Rinsing off dishes before running them through the dishwasher and using a dishwashing detergent specifically designed for your machine can help keep this from happening.
- Pipes Blocked by Debris: If the issue isn’t within the dishwasher itself, the clog could be caused by something blocking the pipes that carry water away from your dishwasher. This could be anything from a mass of grease and dirt to tree roots, which can gradually build up over time and create a blockage. If you’re having trouble with your dishwasher draining properly, you must call a professional plumber to help find and fix the issue.
- Hard Water: Hard water consists of high mineral content, which can leave behind deposits in your dishwasher over time. These minerals can build up and create clogs, preventing the dishwasher from draining properly. Installing a water softener can help reduce mineral build-up in your plumbing system to avoid this from happening.
- Old or worn-out parts: Over time, components in your dishwasher can wear out and need to be replaced. This is particularly true for parts such as the motor, water inlet valve, or drain hose, which can become weak over time and not function properly. Regular maintenance of your dishwasher is key to keeping it running smoothly and preventing clogs from forming.
Clogged Dishwasher Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble with a clogged dishwasher, you can take a few steps to identify and troubleshoot the issue yourself.
- Firstly, check the filter basket for any debris or build-up that could block water flow.
- You can also empty the dishwasher and check for any blockages or debris causing the problem. Additionally, run a cycle with a pirate cleaning solution to help clear out any build-up in the pipes.
- Then make sure the hoses connected to your machine aren’t blocked by food particles or other debris.
- Finally, if the problem persists, call an experienced plumber to help identify and fix the issue.
Conclusion
Clogged dishwashers are a common issue that many different factors can cause. Knowing what causes dishwasher clogs can help you prevent them or quickly identify and fix the issue. If you have any concerns about your dishwasher’s performance or suspect an underlying problem, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to determine the cause and address it accordingly. With regular maintenance, proper cleaning habits, and expert help, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come!
Have a clogged dishwasher or any other drain issue? Give us a call at 410-938-7642 or book an appointment here.
The price of repairs shouldn’t prevent you from getting the assistance you require. Our New Castle County drain solutions business provides reasonable sewer line repair services in the following cities: Wilmington, New Castle, Newark, Middletown, Bear, Hockessin, Claymount, Delaware City, Greenville, Pike Creek, and Glasgow.
