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One thing you must know about plumbing is that even significant problems start small. Your pipes won’t burst or develop a tough clog suddenly, as the problem usually surfaces through sure signs. A dishwasher is one of the first components to build a plumbing issue that can snowball into larger problems.
Dishwasher clogs are accompanied by slow-flowing drains and dirty water pooling in the sink, but they can sometimes also result from burst pipes. To be sure where the problem lies and to take effective action, read our guide before calling a plumber.
The problem with a blocked dishwasher drain is that it’s challenging to spot whether the pipeline drains adequately compared to other plumbing systems. Only when a daily wash cycle floods the kitchen sink and floor do you realise there’s a clog in the system?
Before you rush to fix your plumbing, it’s essential to determine the source of the clog. Sometimes, food particles from unclean dishes result in dishwasher clogs or standing water.
Although they are difficult to spot, we have quickly narrowed down five early warning signs to fix a blocked drain quickly.
A common culprit in slow water draining is a clogged drain hose, which connects the dishwasher with the drainpipe and garbage disposal below the kitchen sink. The hose ensures the plumbing system drains appropriately, so you must contact an experienced plumber to remove clogs from the kitchen plumbing system.
The primary reason for this is dirty dishes in the drain basket, so make sure to rinse them before putting them into the machine.
Luckily, the hose is easily accessible, and you can check whether it’s clogging the dishwasher. Then, a professional plumber removes the hose before using a drain snake/auger or commercial drain cleaner to clear the blockage.
If washing dishes is one half of the problem, the other half is related to leftover food in the garbage disposal. The garbage disposal installed incorrectly usually leads to a clogged dishwasher. The disposal has a knockout plug, a minor component connected to the hose and housed within a port.
After installation, removing the plug so the dishwasher drains correctly is crucial. As a result, a plug still connected to the dishwasher drain can result in a full or partial clog and expensive dishwasher repair.
A licensed plumber will remove the plug by disconnecting the hose with pliers for plumbing repair before reattaching it.
You will find a drain filter within each dishwasher at the bottom of the plumbing system. When the drain filter gets contaminated by tiny food particles, it will lead to dishwasher problems and leave the dishes unclean.
You can tell there’s an issue when residue is stuck on the dishes despite running them through the machine. And even if there are no issues with the water flow, you should still check the dishwasher and its cleaning cycle.
Remove the bottom dish racks to expose the drain basket underneath, making cleaning the drain filter easier. If you are confused, you can review the owner’s manual again to check the correct procedures for removal.
Also, removing them by hand to clean the filters with warm, soapy water is possible.
Of all the problems with clogged dishwashers, fixing the clogged line is one of the most challenging repairs. You will find the line deep within the dishwasher, but don’t try to free the clog yourself.
Instead, it’s best to use a drain cleaner to dissolve the blockage. Be sure to drain the dishwasher properly by opening the sink’s air gap, which allows air to flow in and prevents backflow. You can also try pouring baking soda down the drain to help break down the clog.
Hiring a professional plumber equipped with the latest tools would be best to solve the issue quickly. However, if you can’t locate the clog in the hose or filter and the dishwasher is still draining slowly, check the main sewer line or secondary kitchen line.
Also, inspect the different appliances for tell-tale signs of a blockage. When more than one unit experiences water backup or a gurgling sound, the problem is in the main drain.
If you are unlucky, the reason for a slow-draining dishwasher could be broken or damaged sewer lines. This means the entire drainage system fails to perform optimally, resulting in sewage entering your home by backing up through your yard and pipes.
Old age is the most common cause of damaged sewer lines, leading to worn-out pipes. But sometimes, invading tree roots or shifting soil structures can damage relatively new pipes. So, whenever you pick up on a foul smell, get professional help ASAP!
The trick to spotting the signs of a clogged dishwasher is to be vigilant and conduct regular maintenance.
Maintenance doesn’t mean you must clean the pipes and kitchen sink daily, but rinse the dishes before throwing them into the washer. This will help rid the plates of tough food stains, reducing the chances of clogging the drain pipe beneath the sink. And, if you are ready to install a new dishwasher or replace your current one, ensure it is installed correctly by a licensed plumber.
Contact a professional plumber immediately to avoid complications if you notice dirty water, debris, or a gurgling sound in a kitchen appliance. You can rely on our local blocked drain plumbers on the Gold Coast for assistance. Call us today to see how our experts can assist you.
