How To Diagnose Plumbing
Surprisingly often, drain problems with a dishwasher originate in drain parts outside the appliance itself. Not all the following steps will need to be completed. Continue until you determine the cause of the dishwasher’s drainage problems. If none of these plumbing-related issues seem to be at fault, then proceed to the diagnosing issues with the dishwasher itself.
Check And Clean The Dishwasher Filter
If dishwasher drain cleaning didnt do the trick, check the appliance’s filter. If you cant locate it, check your owners manual or look up your make and model online .
- Once youve located the dishwasher filter, remove it by turning it clockwise until it releases.
- Remove this upper filter to gain access to the larger filter beneath it.
- Clear any debris you find in the filter.
- Replace the top filter and then turn it counterclockwise to secure it.
- Give the sprayer arm a gentle spin to be sure youve replaced the filter correctly .
- Run a rinse cycle on the hottest setting to see if the problem has been resolved.
Check The Sink For A Clog
The dishwasher drains into the same line that drains the sink, so if the sink is clogged, this can also prevent the dishwasher from draining. Run the water through your sink and watch to see that it runs quickly. If the water drains slowly or not at all, theres a clog in the pipes thats probably causing the backup. Youll need to clear that clog and try the dishwasher again.
To clear a clog from your kitchen sink, start by straightening a clothes hanger into a hook shape and use the hook to scoop food out of the drain. If this doesnt work, clip the tip off of your plumbers auger, then unwind the end of the coil so it will fit through the drain basket. Push the auger down into the pipe until it reaches the clog, then crank the auger to pierce the clog. Remove the auger once the clog is cleared. You can read more about this procedure in our old post on the subject.
If your sink drain isnt clogged, the problem is probably in the dishwasher. Read on to find out more.
You May Like: Pots And Pans Dishwasher Safe
Check The Dishwasher Filter
- After youve checked the plumbing, check inside the dishwasher along the bottom of the tub for food and waste buildup. Clean the area with a rag or abrasive sponge.
- Check the filter. It will be located at the back or along the bottom of the tub near the spray arm. New units have smaller grids that are built into the base. These are designed to protect the filter from buildup, but sometimes debris can still accumulate.
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the casing. Remove the filter and clean it as needed.
Problem In The Connection
Another handy device to have in your kitchen is a garbage disposal. While some people think of their garbage disposal as an extra trash can, the fact is that a garbage disposal discharges into the same drain as your dishwasher. Therefore, if your garbage disposal doesnt properly chop up the food that you dispose of, then it could clog the connection where the garbage disposal and dishwasher drains come together.
In some cases, you may be able to solve this problem simply by running your garbage disposal without sending extra food down it. If that doesnt work, though, you may need the experts from Beyer Plumbing to stop by and clean out the point where these drains meet. The best way to prevent this problem is to be choosy about what you send down your garbage disposal, making sure to avoid items like eggshells, coffee grounds and other items that can stick around in your drain.
You May Like: Kitchenaid Replacement Parts For Dishwasher
What Can I Use To Unclog My Dishwasher
If you notice your dishwasher isnt draining properly, there are a few things you can check before calling a professional. First, check the dishwashers filters and clean them if theyre dirty. If that doesnt fix the problem, the next step is to clean the dishwashers drain.To clean the dishwashers drain, start by pouring a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Then, run the dishwasher on the hot water cycle to flush out the vinegar. If the dishwasher still isnt draining properly, you can try using a plunger to unclog the drain. Put the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down a few times. If that doesnt work, you may need to call a professional to help you unclog the dishwasher.
Check And Clean Your Sinks Air Gap
Dont have a garbage disposal? Check your sinks air gap, which prevents drain water from the sink from backing up into the dishwasher. The air gap is a small, slotted cylinder that typically juts up near the faucet, though some may be below the sink near the dishwasher outlet hose. Take the following steps:
- Remove the sink gap by turning it counterclockwise.
- Clean out any debris with a stiff brush.
- Replace the cleaned-out sink gap and try running the dishwasher again.
Also Check: Ge Dishwasher Drain Pump Replacement
Understanding The Parts Of Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers have a significant influence on daily living. Its a truth that theyre more sanitary and efficient than manual washing. They help you save money, water, and time! However, clogged dishwashers are very stressful to deal with.
Do you know what dishwashers are composed of? They have a large number of components. To understand its drainage system better, heres a list of all those parts of a dishwasher that participate in drainage.
1- Drain Impeller
Drain Impeller is the part that pushes out water from the dishwasher during draining. It is a small fan. This part also contains a seal that prevents the dishwasher from leaking. The drain impeller can be accessed from the bottom of the dishwasher.
2- Drain Pump
The drain pump is supposed to remove water from the dishwasher tub. There are three different kinds of pumps used in dishwashers. The most common one consists of an impeller and runs by a motor, the other is a single unit and runs through a solenoid.
3- Drain Valve
It is an outlet valve that is connected to the drain hose, its function is to help the water out of the tub of the dishwasher.
4- Drain Hose
The function of the drain hose is to drive dirty water out of the dishwasher and into the kitchen sink. This drain hose is slightly higher, and this loop serves a purpose. An air gap device is utilized to allow filthy water to exit the dishwasher while preventing it from returning inside the dishwasher.
5- Drain Basket
6- Drain Pipe
READ ALSO
How Does Garbage Disposal Prevent Draining
Garbage disposal clogs the drain tube and blocks the pathway of water. If damaged trash disposal prevents the dishwasher from emptying correctly, it impacts the dishwashers operation. Because the trash disposal is linked to the dishwashers outlet, any obstructions in the disposal will cause water to back up into the dishwasher and sink.
You May Like: Who Makes The Best Dishwasher 2021
Make Sure Youre Using The Right Detergent
In college, I definitely made the mistake of using liquid soap instead of specifically made dishwasher detergent several times, and the results were not good. Its common sense but also a common mistakemake sure youre using the right type of cleaning solution in your dishwasher. The appliances are made to run without soapy suds, and proper dishwasher detergent is suds-less. Liquid sink soaps, on the other hand, will create enough bubbles to prevent proper drainage. If this sounds familiar, invest in quality dishwasher detergent and run the dishwasher again to make sure the problem is solved.
The Drain Hose Or Sink Is Blocked
If cleaning your filters hasnt resolved the issue, then the next thing that could be preventing your dishwasher from draining is a blocked drain hose. The drain hose is an essential component of any dishwasher as it carries dirty water away from the appliance. It is usually connected to the same drain line as the kitchen sink.
While unlikely, the drain hose could be clogged with built-up grime and food debris or may be kinked. To clean out the drain hose, youll need to remove it from the dishwasher and sink drain.
The problem could also lie in your kitchen sink. A blocked sink drain is a simple fix if you have a plunger or drain snake. If you require additional support, our is only a call away.
You May Like: Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher In Stock
Dishwasher Still Not Working
If your dishwasher still wont drain after troubleshooting these areas, hire a professional to assess the system. Newer dishwashers may still be covered by their limited manufacturers warranty. If thats expired but your dishwasher is instead covered by a home warranty, your provider will send a trained service technician to access the problem. Along with a low monthly premium, youll only pay a service fee for the visit. To learn more about home warranties, read our reviews on the top home warranty providers or .
$36$42 per month
Check The Dishwasher Drain Hose
This is usually a corrugated plastic tube that runs from the bottom of the dishwasher to the air gap, garbage disposal, or sink drain, depending on the setup.
Turn off the power to the dishwasherby pulling out its plug or switching off the breaker to the dishwasher circuit. Remove the toe-kick panel, then loosen the hose clamp securing the drain hose to the dishwasher pump .
Clean the end of the hose, then blow into it. If the hose is plugged and you can’t blow through it, remove the clamp on the other end of the hose, then clean the hose out in a sink. If you can’t unclog the hose, or if it is old and cracked, replace it.
Also Check: How To Install Ge Dishwasher
Check The Sink’s Air Gap Cylinder
An air gap cylinder keeps water flowing in the right direction during the dishwashers cycles. It also prevents wastewater from backing up into the dishwasher. It should be located behind the sink and near the dishwasher outlet hose.
Check the air gap cylinder to make the inside is clear. If you notice any buildup, clean it out and make sure its tightly secured.
Solution : Unclog Or Straighten The Drain Hose
The drain hose, as its name suggests, is the tube that drains the dirty water out of your dishwasher.
At times, the drain hose can get clogged with food debris, or folds or kinks in the hose can suppress water flow.
When this happens, water cant drain properly, causing a backup in your dishwasher.
Heres how to fix this issue.
Instructions
Note: This solution will require a comfort level with getting on the floor and looking under your dishwasher and the adjacent sink.
Recommended Reading: Ge Dishwasher Orange Light Flashing
Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Doesnt Drain
Now that you have a better understanding of how different parts of your dishwasher work, lets find out the reasons why your dishwasher is not draining. Here are some possible reasons why your dishwasher doesnt drain:
1- Clogged Filter
The drain pump runs through a motor that is present inside of it with the drain impeller. If the motor isnt working, the drain pump will also stop working resulting in the dishwasher not draining itself.
Solution
Remove the drain pump from the dishwasher and check if its motor is working. If the motor isnt working, replace it with a new one.
2- Defective Drain Hose
Another common reason why your dishwasher might not drain is its defective drain hose. Loosen the clamps of the dishwasher drain hose and blow into it, if bubbles appear towards the dishwasher, the drain hose is working just fine. Check the dishwasher drain hose for any obstructions.
Solution
To avoid drained water from entering into the dishwasher again, there is a loop present in the drain hose. Make sure that the loop is present in the drain hose, if not, then the cause of standing water in your dishwasher is explanatory.
3- Clogged Garbage Disposal
If your dishwasher isnt draining itself when a cycle ends and water is standing in the tub, then maybe it is due to the garbage disposal.
Garbage disposal will impair your dishwasher from draining dirty water by blocking its drain tube. Or because your disposer is clogged.
Solution
4- Defective Drain Valves
Solution
Solution
Dirty Filter And Trap
Ensure if your dishwasher has a filter. Look for the model name of your dishwasher on the inside of the machine. Google what you find, and locate the owner’s manual or how-to videos to determine the specific location.
It’s often just below the revolving piece under the lower tray. Once you’ve found it, lift it out of its holding spot and check the sump underneath for any additional food particles.
Your last move in this sequence if the dishwasher isn’t draining water is to wash the filter thoroughly and replace it. Then, do another run and see if there are any improvements.
Read Also: Where To Put Detergent In Dishwasher
Air Gap And High Loop
If your dishwasher drain hose does not connect to a garbage disposal, it may connect to an air gap. If you do not have an air gap, the drain hose may be positioned in a high loop underneath the sink. Both the air gap and high loop are designed to stop wastewater from flowing back into the dishwasher during the draining cycle. If the air gap is clogged or the drain hose is not in a high loop position, then water backing up and not draining may be causing the drainage issue.
The air gap is usually a fitting mounted to the sink or kitchen cabinet. The air gap works by sending air into the hose, which eliminates the negative pressure that can cause the discharged wastewater to return to the dishwasher. The air gap can be inspected and cleaned of debris by removing the cover and cap.
The high loop method works by looping the drain hose up so that it is secured just under the sink. Check the dishwashers manual for the correct specifications for your dishwashers drain hose.
Check The Drain Hose Is Clear
A reason for the dishwasher not draining completely could simply be a kinked or twisted drain hose. Kinks and twists can prevent water flow and trap food and other debris.
Disconnect the machine from the power supply. Check the drain hose has no kinks or twists. If it does, try to straighten them out. There will likely be very hot water in the hose so carefully straighten it out and place one end in a bucket to drain.
Once the water has drained, feel along the hose with your hands for blockages, and check again for kinks. Clean the drain hose using the dishwasher drain programme, letting water run through the hose into a bucket. Use the opportunity to check the hose for leaks. You can also remove the hose from the dishwasher completely and clean it with hot water, although, if it is particularly dirty, it is a good idea to replace it.
Reconnect the drain hose and plug in the dishwasher. Set the dishwasher on its quickest cycle to test whether the dishwasher now drains properly.
Have you checked the tips and the issue isnt gone?
If you have followed the information above but you’re still having problems with your Bosch dishwasher then you might want to have it checked out by a Bosch service expert.
- More info about troubleshooting for dishwashers:
You May Like: Sink Tailpiece With Dishwasher Connection
If Your Dishwasher Isnt Draining Try The Following:
Check the pump seal.
If theres just a teensy bit of water in the bottom of your dishwasher, you dont need to worry. You need a little bit of water to remain in the bottom to make sure the pump seal remains moist.
Check the dishwasher door.
If its not closed all the way and latched, the dishwasher wont finish draining. Try closing the door, latching it, and running the dishwasher again.
Check the cycle.
If the cycle was interrupted, the dishwasher might not have drained. Look for a cancel/drain button or a way to reset the dishwasher. If you don’t see a button clearly labeled on the dishwasher dash, go online and google your dishwasher’s make and model to see if you need to press a combination of buttons to make it drain.
Check the electrical source.
Many dishwashers are plugged into an outlet that is controlled by an electrical switch. Make sure you didnt accidentally turn off the electrical source mid-cycle. The switch is often next to your garbage disposal switch and can be easily switched off without you realizing you’ve cut the power to your dishwasher.
Check your dishwasher drain hose.
Your drain hose is probably connected to your garbage disposal, which means you could be experiencing issues with the disposal or the drain hose. Check to see if:
- The drain hose is kinked, preventing drainage
- The drain hose is clogged
- The knockout plug is still in place and needs to be removed
- The drain hose is hanging down or is too long
You may need a new drain hose.