How do I fix a clogged dishwasher ?
One of the most-used appliances in your kitchen is the dishwasher. Because of this, a clogged dishwasher is also a common problem. However, you don’t need to hire someone to fix this problem for you; with just a few simple steps and a bit of patience, your dishwasher can work as new.
The first thing you have to do is check the dishwasher drain and ensure that it is free of debris and food. If there are large chunks of debris or food clogging up the dishwasher, remove it with a paper towel. If this won’t fix the problem, you should take a coat hanger and clear out the draining holes. While these holes may be hard to reach, it is important to keep them dirt-free to prevent future clogging.
If both of the steps above did not work, pull out the bottom panel of your dishwasher and check if the draining hose has a fold, kink or clog, which is keeping the hose from draining. If the hose is tangled up, make sure to straighten it up. If you see any items clogging the hose, you can either try to remove it or replace the hose completely.
Most clogged dishwashers are caused by a clogged drain or a clogged hose, but if your problem persists, you should check the insides of the dishwasher by using a screwdriver and unscrewing the draining basket from the drain. Clean the surface to remove stuck debris and food. After rinsing the draining basket, screw it back on and test the dishwasher.
Another factor that may cause a clogged dishwasher is the garbage disposal, so make sure to test it if it’s working properly. Since your dishwasher and the garbage disposal is connected by the same plumbing, your problem may not be the dishwasher, but by the ineffective garbage disposal.
If no steps worked, it’s time to call an expert to fix the dishwasher for you. Any plumber would know exactly how to fix this problem. When performing any of these steps, make sure to check if your dishwasher is unplugged to avoid any accidents.
