How To Prevent Future Clogs In Your Drains
Whether youve experienced a clogged drain before or not, it goes without saying that youd want to prevent one from occurring in the near future. An obstructed dishwasher is a nightmare to deal with, not just because washing dishes the traditional way is a drag, but also because of the mess and unpleasant odors that come with it. Thankfully, there are many ways you can prevent your dishwasher from getting clogged up.
When To Call A Professional Plumber
Simple preventive measures can avoid many problems with the dishwasher. To keep your appliances working well, inspect and clean them regularly. However, if the problem persists after simple fixes, call a plumber immediately. The issue may be more serious, and a plumber should check it right away to prevent further damage.
Clear The Drain Daily
You must clear your dishwashers drainage system of food scraps after each use to prevent gunk buildup. Just take out the bottom dish rack to get access to the dishwasher drain and then remove any food that might be stuck there. A clean drain not only helps your dishwasher clean your dishes more efficiently, but it also prevents damage.
Recommended Reading: Sink Tailpiece With Dishwasher Connection
How To Unclog Garbage Disposal Drain: Diy Methods And When To Call In The Pros
Its not a good feeling when you hit the switch to run your garbage disposal and the food in the drain doesnt go down as expected or, even worse, if your garbage disposal water comes back up. If you hear the disposals motor running but its making gurgling sounds due to water and food scraps failing to flush away, this is a good sign that your garbage disposal drain is clogged. Many homeowners wonder how to unclog garbage disposal drain: Is it a job that can be tackled by savvy homeowners, or is it one thats better handled by a professional? And, who fixes garbage disposals? Lets take a closer look at what it takes to unclog your garbage disposal drain.
If you have the type of system in which the dishwasher drains into the garbage disposal, as is the case with many older kitchens, food waste from the dishwasher could become clogged in the disposal and cause a backup. As with all types of kitchen sink-related clogs, prevention is easier than fixing problems after they develop. To that end, make sure to scrape as much food waste off your dishes into the trash as possible before putting them into the dishwasher, or rinse it into the disposal, as long as its not starchy, greasy, fibrous or otherwise unsuitable for going down the drain. Stocking the dishwasher with well-rinsed dishes makes it less likely for clogs of this type to occur.
Can You Put Drain Cleaner In A Garbage Disposal
Its understandable why so many homeowners have this question. After all, when your disposal is clogged, its tempting to want to purchase liquid drain cleaner at the grocery store, dump it into the disposal and wait for the clog to disappear. It seems like a quick, cheap solution, right? Well, not so much when you consider the fact that using liquid drain cleaner can cause even more problems over time.
These products are made of caustic chemicals that eat away not just at the grease and other food waste that make up most clogs, but also at the pipes themselves. Their harsh chemicals can also eat away at enamel and other finishes that many people have in their kitchen sinks and pipes.
It should also come as no surprise that the chemicals in liquid drain cleaners are harsh in other ways. If you inhale fumes from these products, for example, they can irritate or even burn your eyes, lungs and nasal passages. They can do the same thing to the skin, if touched , and they are extremely toxic if ingested. Many parents of young children dont want to keep these products in the home at all, and for good reason.
Recommended Reading: Whirlpool Dishwashers At Home Depot
Why Is My Dishwasher Backing Up Into The Sink
The kitchen is the center of activity in most homes, and the sink is the heart of the kitchen. If youre busy doing dishes, you expect everythingincluding the faucet, disposal, dishwasher and pipesto work. The last thing you want is to run into any kind of problem that would result in a backed-up sink or dishwasher full of dirty, smelly water and bits of decomposing food that wont go down. If you find your dishwasher backing up into your sink, thats just the type of plumbing problem youll have on your hands, and it will need to be resolved quickly, so you can get back to your normal routine without much disruption.
There are several common causes of a dishwasher backing up into a sink, including a block in the air gap, an obstruction in your dishwasher or a clogged garbage disposal. One of the most likely culprits is a simple sink clog. Lets take a look at each of these possibilities.
How To Prevent Dishwasher Water From Backing Up Into Your Sink
While its a good thing that there are a few simple fixes for a dishwasher thats backing up into your sink, its better to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:
- Never overload your dishwasher. This can cause water to back up and overflow into the sink.
- Use the right amount of dishwashing detergent. Too much detergent can cause clogs and drainage problems.
- Ensure the dishwasher is installed properly and that all of the connections are tight.
- Regularly clean your dishwashers filters to ensure proper drainage.
- Never pour grease or fat down the drain.
- Make sure the dishwasher door is closed correctly and sealed tightly.
- Make sure the air gap is clear and unobstructed.
- Regularly clean your dishwashers filters. This will help keep the drainage system clear and prevent backups.
- Keep food particles out of your dishwasher by using a garbage disposal or an inline drain filter. If you dont have a garbage disposal, its important to scrape all food off of dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
Don’t Miss: My Dishwasher Smells Like Fish
Why Does My Sink Back Up Whenever The Dishwasher Is Running
Coming home and finding your sink filled with the water from the dishwasher is very unpleasant and inconvenient. The water from your dishwasher drain and your sink flow through the same drainage line. So, any clogs or blockages within that main drain line can cause water to back up and overflow. If this is a reoccurring problem, occasional maintenance and simple cleaning may be your answer.
The four common reasons your sink is clogging up when the dishwasher is running:
If standing water is covering the bottom of the dishwasher, it is not draining correctly. Check to see if anything is covering the drain in the rear of the dishwasher. You may also check to see if there is a kink in the drain hose.
Does your sink have an air gap to prevent dishwasher backflow? If it does, that may be the cause of the problem. If the air gap is blocked, water flows from it when the dishwasher is running.
While you worry that your dishwasher may be the source of the problem, it may turn out to be your kitchen sink after all. If food scraps and debris are blocking your sink, it causes a water backup that is worsened when your dishwasher is running.
Another unlikely culprit is your garbage disposal. If during installation, the garbage disposals drain plug cover is left on, it will restrict the outflow of water from your kitchen sink or dishwasher.
Common Mistake #: Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Granted, using chemical drain cleaners can prove effective at removing clogs in drains. However, theres one major drawback: it weakens and damages your pipes as well. In fact, the chemicals contained in the drain cleaner can further damage the pipes until they burst, possibly causing physical harm and respiratory issues to those who are nearby.
Most chemical drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, which have a corrosive effect on organic materials and metals. If you want to use a drain cleaner, use biological or non-corrosive drain cleaners recommended in an earlier section discussed in this article.
You May Like: What Does Ih Mean On Ge Dishwasher
Check The Drain Hose That Is Connected To The Sink Or Garbage Disposal
Locate the drain hose that is connected from your dishwasher to your sink. Look at the clamp that has your drain hose securely fastened to the plumbing and remove it. You will likely need a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the clamp. You will also need a bucket to catch the excess water and debris that might be stuck in the hose. Once you have successfully flushed any debris and excess water from the drain hose, you will reattach the hose and then tighten the clamp back up. Then, check to ensure it is securely attached to the plumbing.
Common Mistake #: Using Foreign Objects
One of the worse things you can do is grab a foreign object like a coat hanger or kitchen knife to try to fish out a clog from a drain.
There are numerous reasons why doing this is a bad idea. First off, most blockages are too far below the drain for any foreign object to reach. Most importantly, theres always the chance that the object will fall down the drain, making matters worse.
Wed also like to take this chance to let you know about our articles on why theres a sewage backup in your basement, and our article on toilets backing up.
You May Like: Maytag Jetclean Dishwasher Eq Plus
Why Does My Sink Back Up When I Run The Dishwasher
Here are the most common reasons for your dishwasher backing up your sink and how to fix them.
Blocked/obstructed dishwasher
The most common cause of your dishwasher backing up into your sink is because your dishwasher is not draining properly. If the drain or filter of your dishwasher is clogged, then it can cause water to back up into the pipes and into your sink.
Check the drain to make sure that it is not obstructed and also check the drainpipe to make sure that it is secured correctly and that there is nothing clogged in it. If there is a clog, you can remove it manually with a drain snake or with chemicals. Vinegar and baking soda can be poured down the drain and left overnight to loosen any clogs.
Jammed/slow garbage disposal
The problem could also be due to your garbage disposal. If the drain plug in the garbage disposal is clogged, then water may not run properly from your dishwasher. This can occur if you have an old garbage disposal that has not been cleaned in a long time or you have a new one that has not been installed correctly.
In either case, clearing the blockage from the drain plug in the garbage disposal should fix the problem. If the problem persists, then your garbage disposal might be broken and needs to be replaced. You will know the problem is fixed if running your garbage disposal causes the sink level to lower.
Clogged kitchen sink
Blocked kitchen sink air gap
Blocked drain plug
Maintenance Of The Dishwasher
A good homeowner will always be cognizant about saving money. One of the best ways to save money in a home is to maintain your appliances. This requires a time commitment to ensure that your appliances stay in top working conditions. Your dishwasher is no different and cleaning should be done on a regular basis.
The easiest ways to ensure that your dishwasher maintains a strong working condition are to not put hard foods into the garbage disposal, rinse your dishes before placing them into the dishwasher and clean the filter of your dishwasher basin regularly. Following these three steps will give your dishwasher a greater longevity.
Here is a great video to check out about why your dishwasher might not be draining.
You May Like: Best Buy Open Box Dishwasher
Blockage In The Air Gap
The air gap is a cylindrical chamber that is installed next to the kitchen sink. It helps prevent wastewater coming from the sink or the garbage disposal from backing up into the dishwasher. Over time, the air gap may become clogged, causing the water to back up.
What To Do: Most air gaps are easy to remove. Simply clean the clogged air gap to allow the smooth flow of water. Remove the cover of the air gap and the protective cap. Clean as much of the gunk as possible. If the debris is more difficult to remove, consider using a tool such as a bottle brush to reach into the tight space. Usually, this task is best left for the professionals. Call a licensed plumber.
Your Dishwasher Is Too Powerful
Have you recently replaced your dishwasher with a new machine? This could be the reason why water is backing up in the kitchen sink. This phenomenon happens because your dishwasher and your kitchen sink both drain through the same pipe. When your dishwasher is discharging water, it is possible for the water to come back up from the kitchen sink.
To clean dishes effectively, the dishwasher tends to push out a lot of water at once. Since your pipes may not be able to handle this high volume of water, some of it goes back up the sink. This is particularly common when homeowners replace their dishwasher with one that has a stronger pump.
Recommended Reading: Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher In Stock
Reasons Your Sink Backs Up When The Dishwasher Runs
When you run your dishwasher, you may notice that the water level drops quickly. However, this isnt necessarily a sign that something is wrong with your sink.
Instead, it could mean that theres not enough room inside the dishwasher to hold all of the dirty dishes. So, make sure that youve got plenty of storage space.
Can A Clogged Garbage Disposal Cause A Dishwasher To Fill Up
A clogged garbage disposal can be a pain in the you-know-where. Its annoying, smelly, and compromises your familys health. And yes, it can also cause your kitchen sink to fill up with water when you run the dishwasher. The last part is hardly surprising. After all, the garbage disposal and the dishwasher are connected to the same drainage pipe.
Where does the water go after it comes out of the dishwasher?
Water exiting the dishwasher is driven by a pump, so it can be sent uphill through the dishwasher drain hose loop and into the sink or garbage disposal waste line.
Don’t Miss: Ge Dishwasher Heated Dry Not Working
The Guidance: How To Unclog Your Sink
Our very first helper is a simple plunger. If the reason for backing up is innocent, it will help us with a significant probability. If it is not, products of the chemical and household industries come to our aid. For instance, baking soda and vinegar. Their mixture actively copes with impurities as fast as possible. All you need is to pour baking soda into the drain hole and add a great deal of vinegar after a couple of minutes. Then, leave it for about 40 minutes. You can also use this solution to clean up the garbage disposal. Thats it! You can also try salt and boiling water. This is not as effective as the previous one, but it can help.
What about garbage disposal?
It is such an easy task to clean it up! First of all, do not forget to disconnect the unit from the power. This step is the most important, so we recommend that you make sure you follow it strictly. Then, all you have to do is clean the gasket with any cleaning material. If these methods have not helped you, there is an advanced one that will be useful for you.
Dishwasher Air Gap Overflow Causes
When your dishwasher is backing up into the sink, another possible cause is dishwasher air gap overflow. While not all sinks are equipped with dishwasher air gaps, those that are can become blocked after theyve been used for a long period of time. When grease and other waste accumulates over time at some point in the line, such as at some point along the hose that runs between the drain or garbage disposal and the air gap, the dishwasher will start to back up. Rather than dirty water running out of the dishwasher, it will flow back over the dishes, making it so they arent perfectly cleaned or sanitized.
The air gap itself can also become blocked, as can other, connected components including the disposal. Its also worth making sure that the air gaps hoses arent kinked, preventing the free flow of water from the dishwasher. As with any DIY project, be sure to turn off the power to all components before you try investigating your sinks air gap or working on it in any way. It might also be simpler and more time- and cost-effective simply to consult with a licensed and trained plumber who can address the issue.
Also Check: How To Clean Oven Racks In Dishwasher
Dishwasher Fills Up With Water Even When Its Off
Eugene SmithDISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission at no additional cost to you
I have a dishwasher that seems like fills up with water by itself. Every night when we use a dishwasher, on the next day we have some amount of clear standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. Sometimes it began to leak on the floor if left unattended for couple days.I was needed to press cancel/reset button on the dishwasher in order to drain water out . I have been dealing with this issue for a while and i am not sure what exactly caused this issue and how to fix it, but any help would be really appreciated. Joseph