Dishwashers clean plates, bowls, and other dishes easily without using your hands. When you least expect it, your dishwasher may stop running. This can be because your drains are clogged. With a pile of dishes waiting to be washed, it is better to call a professional plumber from Guru Plumbing. We assess the condition of your dishwasher and provide a lasting drain-cleaning solution if needed to make your daily life easier. 

In this blog, we will explain why the drains in your dishwasher are blocked, what you can do to fix them yourself, and when it is time to call a professional. 

Why Is Your Dishwasher Drain Blocked?

You can understand that your dishwasher is blocked when it is not cleaning your dishes properly. Signs of your blocked dishwasher include the following: 

• Your Dishwasher’s Filter is Clogged 

The filter inside the dishwasher traps food particles and debris to prevent the drains from clogging. It is usually located at the bottom of your dishwasher below the rack. When this filter accumulates food debris, it prevents the flow of water and hinder the drainage process. 

• Your Drain Hose is Obstructed 

If the filter isn’t the issue, then the drain hose can be a problem for blocked dishwashers. The function of a drain hose is to carry wastewater from the dishwasher to the water supply. However, a twisted, blocked, or improperly fitted drain hose located under the sink can prevent proper drainage in your dishwasher. 

• The Air Gap is Blocked 

Dishwashers have air gaps, which prevent the flow of wastewater on the appliance’s clean surface. If this part is blocked or malfunctioning, you might experience drainage problems in your dishwasher. 

• The Garbage Disposal is Clogged 

Your dishwasher drain hose may be blocked when the garbage disposal connected to it is blocked. Food particles stuck inside the garbage disposal prevent the water from getting out of the dishwasher, resulting in standing water inside the dishwasher after a cycle. 

• You Hear Weird Sounds 

If you hear unusual noises during the dishwasher cycle, such as shaking or thumping, it can indicate a blocked drain. Even if you hear gurgling sounds in your dishwasher, it may have underlying issues. It can be due to a clog in your appliance or main sewer line. 

• Other Dishwasher Components Are Faulty 

Sometimes, there may be problems inside the dishwasher components that turn out to be faulty. Let us have a look at three common faulty components inside your dishwasher. They are as follows: 

• The drain pump inside your dishwasher expels water from the appliance. If it stops working properly, water may accumulate. 

• The check valve under the dishwasher’s filter prevents water from re-entering the machine after drainage. Damage or blockage of this valve can also lead to standing water. 
• The dishwashers have a float switch at the bottom that monitors the water level. If this switch is faulty, it can prevent the proper drainage of wastewater from the dishwasher. 

However, the dishwasher’s faulty components are not limited to the above parts. Call our plumbers to find out the cause of your blocked drains in your dishwasher and to provide effective drain-cleaning plumbing solutions. 

Consequences of Ignoring a Blocked Dishwasher Drain

If you keep on ignoring the problems in your dishwasher for too long, it can lead to several consequences, including: 

• Water Backflow 

Water backflow occurs when wastewater mixes with freshwater and comes out of taps. When the drain in your dishwasher is clogged, it can cause water to flood your home, office, and other places. As a result, standing water may damage the walls, floors, and ceilings in your structural property. 

• Sour Smells 

The clogged drain in the dishwasher can cause portions of pipes and drains to dry out, resulting in unpleasant odors. 

• Leaky Pipes 

Clogged drains in the dishwasher can put pressure on the pipes, causing them to leak. It can lead to potential damage to the pipelines of your homes and other structural properties. 

Instead of neglecting your dishwasher for too long, contact our plumbers to prevent the above problems from escalating further. It might lead to costly repairs in the future. 

Tips to Prevent Clogged Dishwasher Drain

Regular maintenance of your dishwasher is essential to keep your appliance free from clogs and save you money at the same time. They are as follows:

1. You should remove any big pieces of food debris from your soiled dishes before placing your utensils in a dishwasher. 
2. You should check your dishwasher frequently on a weekly basis, especially your drain hose. You should clean the drain hose if you find it clogged with debris before running another cycle. 
3. You should run the hot water cycle to help loosen any debris struck inside the dishwasher and prevent it from blocking. 
4. If the garbage disposal is where your dishwasher drains, make sure to clean it regularly to prevent clogging issues in the future. 

Call Our Plumbers Now to Fix Your Blocked Dishwasher

Despite your best efforts, there are instances where home remedies fail to solve problems in your dishwasher. The stubborn blocks in your dishwasher’s drains can lead to structural damage to your property and expensive repair services. It is best to call a professional for a drain cleaning plumbing solution. Contact Guru Plumbing for our expert plumbing solutions.