Should I Be Able To Blow Through A Dishwasher Drain Hose?

Are you having problems with your dishwasher drain and want to see if you can blow through its hose? We researched this question, and here is what we found.

You should be able to blow through your dishwasher drain hose if there is no clog. However, if air doesn't go through the other end of the hose, then your dishwasher drain could be clogged.

Let's now discuss how to diagnose your dishwasher as clogged and if it is plumbing-related or appliance-related. Also, we'll talk about ways to troubleshoot it. Additionally, we'll tackle how to replace a damaged dishwasher drain hose.

How To Know If Plumbing-Related Issues Caused Your Dishwasher To Clog?

Hand tightens a bolt while repairing the drain under the sink

Unexpectedly frequent drain issues with a dishwasher start with drain components outside of the device. You can follow these steps to diagnose if the cause of your clogged dishwasher drain is plumbing-related:

Inspect The Garbage Disposal

The disposal is often connected to the dishwasher drain hose. There is less room for the dishwashing water to circulate when food debris has accumulated inside the disposal or when it is clogged.

To properly clean out the disposal, run it while lots of water is flowing. The dishwasher's drainage issue might be resolved by doing this.

Clean The Air Gap

At the back of the kitchen sink, there is a little cylinder that serves as this. It avoids the formation of air vacuums, which prevents drain water from siphoning back into the dishwasher.

The clog is situated between the garbage disposal and the air gap if water leaks from the gap when you use the dishwasher. To clean it, you must:

  • Pull out the air gap cap and clean its interior to clear it.
  • Next, check to see if there is a blockage in the hose that links the garbage disposal or sink drain to the nipple at the bottom of the air gap.

Inspect The High-Loop

If the unit lacks an air gap, you can tie your unit's drain hose to the underside of the countertop next to the sink by looping it up.

While not always in compliance with local codes, this accomplishes stopping water discharge from diverting back into the machine accomplishes the same effect as the air gap. The drain may not function properly if this hose has come loose and is no longer wound up above the level of the dishwasher.

You can either build an appropriate air gap or put the hose back in its normal high-loop position to fix the issue.

Remember, not all of the ensuing stages must be carried out. Continue doing this until you discover what is causing the dishwasher's drainage issues.

Continue to the diagnosis of problems with the dishwasher itself if none of these plumbing-related concerns appear to be the cause.

What To Do If An Appliance-Related Issue Causes The Drain To Clog?

Open dishwasher with clean dishes in the white kitchen

If there are no apparent plumbing-related causes, one of several potential components in the appliance itself may be the source of the drainage issue. Here's how you can fix them:

Remove And Clean The Drain Basket

Plumber repairing the dishwasher in a household

Your dishwasher's drain basket is located at the bottom and serves as a barrier to keep food particles and other objects from getting into your pipes and causing damage. If you don't clean your drain basket frequently, it may fill up with debris and clog the pipes that empty your dishwasher.

  • If you do not notice an upside-down bucket-like object in your dishwasher but believe there should be one, consult your owner's manual to find out where it is.
  • You must hold the drain basket firmly and pull until you remove it before you may use your hand or a spoon to remove any debris.
  • Replace the basket and start the dishwasher after you're done.

Remove And Clean The Filter

Man unscrews the filter for cleaning in the dishwasher

Dishwashers use a variety of filter types. Complete cleaning of certain models necessitates removing the bottom spray arm, while others have simple screens, detachable filters beneath the screens, or both.

Here is how you can clean your dishwasher filter:

  • Find the filter location. You can find and remove the filter more easily if you remove the dishwasher's bottom rack because it is situated on the internal floor of the appliance. The majority of manual filters are spherical, twist-lock into place, and frequently feature arrows directing the direction of the cylinder's rotation when being removed.
  • Pull out the filter. To unlock the cylindrical filter, turn it counterclockwise while following the instructions in the guide. Once unlocked, carefully raise it off the dishwasher's floor by pulling it up. Remove the additional flat filter if there is one.
  • Prepare and mix a cleaning solution. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a sink or big basin of hot water. To make cleaning simpler, use a degreaser-containing excellent detergent.

How you can clean your dishwasher filter, Should I Be Able To Blow Through A Dishwasher Drain Hose?

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  • Drench and brush the filter. To dislodge the debris, submerge the filter in the solution and let it sit there for a little while. To remove any accumulated dirt in the filter, use an old toothbrush, a sponge, or a soft-bristled nylon brush.

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  • After rinsing the filter in hot water, clean the housing. If there are any food crumbs or grease deposits, remove them by wiping the aperture where you removed the filter with a dishcloth or sponge immersed in warm, soapy water.
  • Reinstall the filter. Retrace your actions from the filter removal. Replace the flat filter first, if there is one. Then, insert and carefully lock the cylindrical filter into position.

Inspect The Drain Hose

Depending on the arrangement, usually, a corrugated plastic tube runs from the dishwasher's base to the sink drain, garbage disposal, or air gap.

You can follow this guide to check on your dishwasher's drain hose:

  • To turn off the power, pull out the plug or close the breaker for the appliance's circuit.
  • Disconnect the hose clip attaching the drain line to the unit's pump after removing the toe kick panel.
  • Blow into the hose end after cleaning it.
  • Release the clamp on the other end of the hose if it is plugged in and you are unable to blow through it.
  • Next, wash the hose in a basin to remove any debris.
  • Lastly, replace the hose if it is cracked or clogged and you are unable to clear it.

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To unclog a drain hose, you can read more here: How To Unclog A Dishwasher Drain Hose

How To Install A New Dishwasher Drain Hose Replacement?

Workman attaches a drain hose to a sewage pipe

The time will come when your dishwasher drain hose will no longer be useful, and you will need to replace it. So, to prepare for that, here are some steps you can follow so you can do this task yourself.

Tools & Materials Needed

You'll want to gather:

  • rubber gloves
  • protective goggles
  • bucket
  • rag or old dishtowel
  • pliers
  • screwdriver
  • new hose compatible with your appliance

Cut Off Power & Drain Hose

Remove the dishwasher's power plug. By doing this, you'll avoid any electric shocks or power problems during repairs.

Put a container underneath the connectors for the dishwasher and sink drain pipes. Pull off the drain hose; pliers work well for this. Be cautious to not apply pressure to the sink connection with the pliers to prevent leaks and damage. To remove any extra water, feed the hose into the bucket.

Remove Hardware & Open Bottom Front Panel

Open the dishwasher door and check for any screw connections to the front panel on the bottom. Take out hardware and set it safely aside. You might want to label these screws' location for ease of reinstallation.

Next, with the dishwasher door closed, you can remove the front panel. You might need to jar it loose a bit with one of your tools if it is clipped in place; but take care to not damage any fasteners.

Remove The Damaged/Old Hose

Place a rag underneath the dishwasher's front. Pull the hose connection free by applying pressure with the pliers. Allow any extra water to drip onto the rag.

Remove the dishwater's drain hose. Inspect the opening that connects it to the sink to make sure it feeds through. Get rid of the old hose.

Attach The New Hose & Lock Into Place

Connect the dishwasher's new hose. To keep the hose in place, squeeze it with the pliers.

Put the hose through the wall or cupboards, behind the dishwasher, and into the sink area. To access the space, you might need to move the dishwasher farther away. Avoid wrapping the hose over any other connectors or pipes.

Connect the hose to the sink's drain port. With the pliers, tighten it up and give it a little twist to make sure it is fixed.

Plug Your Dishwasher Back In And Check For Any Leaking

Plug the dishwasher in, reposition it, and run a brief rinse cycle to inspect the hose. Keep an eye out for any leaks and check under the sink to hear if the water is running continuously.

As soon as you are certain that the installation is leak-free, replace the bottom front panel.

Final Words

Blowing your drain hose is one way to check if your drain hose is clogged or not. Fortunately, you can recheck the discussion above to look for the cause of the clog.

Additionally, a broken drain hose can also cause a clog. Check the drain hose and replace it in case it is broken.

Lastly, you can check out these related articles to learn more:

How To Attach Drain Hose To Dishwasher

How To Clean Garbage Disposal Trap And Drain

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