Owning a dishwasher is excellent for keeping your kitchen running smoothly. But, when the dishwasher isn't draining, it is essential to know why and how to fix the issue.
Are you wondering if your dishwasher's hose is clogged? Or how to unclog it correctly? We've researched these questions and have discovered well-researched information to share with you!
Check the dishwasher hose for any kinks or visible clogs, and check the valves for issues or leaks. Mix a solution of baking soda and white vinegar, pour into the dishwasher's bottom, and leave it for twenty minutes.
Run the rinse cycle with hot water to remove clogs.
Perhaps your dishwasher is clogged, and you opened the door to find a pool of dirty dishwater at the bottom of your dishwasher. Maybe your dishwasher is failing to drain correctly, and you wonder if it's because of a faulty hose? Please continue reading; we have well-researched answers to share with you!
How Do You Unclog A Dishwasher Drain Hose?
According to American Home Shield, there are circumstances where contacting a professional plumber for dishwasher or kitchen plumbing issues is necessary to replace motor components or wiring issues.
Before you call your plumber, give these suggestions a try.
Here are a few simple ways to unclog your dishwasher's drain hose that doesn't require professional training or tools.
7 Ways To Unclog A Dishwasher Drain Hose
- Run the garbage disposal for 30 seconds to clear minor clogs in the disposal unit or release an air gap to the connecting hose.
- Inspect the bottom of your dishwasher for any clogs or pieces of debris that could block the filter.
- Change or clean the filter if your filter is filled with food debris. This will cause a failure to drain because the food is blocking the water from flushing out of the appliance. Empty or replace the filter. If you are unsure how to accomplish this task, refer to your owner's manual.
- Inspect the drain hose that connects the sink to the garbage disposal. Check for bends or kinks in the hose, and straighten the hose to facilitate draining correctly.
- Inspect the drain valve located at the valve bracket; these brackets are often found at the bottom of the dishwasher. Gently push the valve to ensure that it is flexible. If the valve is unmoveable, it is clogged.
- Mix one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar and pour the solution into the bottom of the dishwasher. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Once the water in the dishwasher starts to drain, run the rinse cycle with hot water to flush the drain hose. The combined ingredients should dissolve slight clogs and dissipate any grease plugging the draining hose.
- Listen to your dishwasher while it is washing, and note any strange sounds. If it is making a clicking or humming sound, the drain pump inside the dishwasher may need to be replaced.
How Do I Know If My Dishwasher Drain Hose Is Clogged?
The first sign that the drain hose is clogged is when you open your dishwasher to empty your clean load of dishes and discover a small pool of dirty water standing in the bottom of the dishwasher.
Another sign is when you hear the dishwasher struggling to drain during the final rinse cycle. Generally, the last rinse water is the cleanest; if your appliance struggles to flush out the purest water, you can be sure that something is clogging the drain hose.
Also, if you notice a foul odor wafting from the kitchen sink, this could be a sign that the drain hose is clogged. Because after the water flows through the drain hose, it goes through the kitchen garbage disposal and drains through the kitchen sink.
If the drain hose is clogged, debris will get caught inside the garbage disposal, which will cause the dirty dishwasher water to pool in the sink.
Will Using Drano Unclog A Dishwasher?
No. Never use Drano in a dishwasher because it's caustic and corrosive.
The chemicals in Drano are specifically for unclogging pipes and will damage the dishwasher motor and erode rubber seals causing them to break down prematurely.
For the best results, use dishwasher-approved cleaning and unclogging products.
See this dishwasher cleaner on Amazon.
What Causes A Dishwasher Hose To Clog?
Generally, the dishwasher hose will clog due to the buildup of food particles, hard water deposits, or a clog lodged in the garbage disposal components.
Also, a broken or damaged drain motor will cause the dishwasher hose to clog. Be sure to troubleshoot a few different options to determine what is causing the issues.
How Often Do Dishwashers Drain?
All dishwashers fully drain after the wash and rinse cycle has been completed. However, the number of times a dishwasher will drain during wash cycles can vary from brand to model.
Moreover, the number of times the dishwasher will drain depends on how many wash cycles the selected setting provides for each load. Also, if your dishwasher has sensor technology, it can sense how many cycles it will require to wash and rinse the dishes.
How Do You Manually Drain A Dishwasher?
According to American House Shield, before you attempt to drain your dishwasher. Ensure you take all the dishes out and remove the bottom dish rack from the dishwasher.
Safety Precautions
Then, turn the dishwasher off and shut the electricity to your dishwasher and garbage disposal off.
Never attempt to perform checkups or routine maintenance with the electricity flowing through these appliances. Now that the dishwasher is not connected to any electrical power sources.
Open the door and soak the standing water with an old towel or two; it is essential to clean up the dirty water to prevent accidental falls and slips.
Check the condition of the drain hose that connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal.
Generally, this hose is located under the kitchen sink or behind the dishwasher, and if this is the case, you will have to pull the dishwasher out to access the draining hose.
Once you locate the draining hose, it is time to clear it via draining and unclogging the hose. Firstly, detach the hose from the clamp with small pliers.
Set a small pan or a few old towels under the drain hose to catch water droplets.
Once you have removed the draining hose, you can clear it with a commercial-grade de-clogger or bend an old wire clothing hanger to loosen and remove any debris blocking the hose.
Will Bleach Unclog A Dishwasher?
No. Bleach will not unclog the dishwasher drain or hose. Also, it is advised not to use Bleach to clean dishwashers. Especially models with stainless steel interiors, which Bleach can damage.
Safety tip: do not use Bleach and vinegar together. The combination will cause chlorine gas in your kitchen, which is considered lethal.
Are you concerned about mold growing in your dishwasher?
Click here to read:Â How To Get Rid Of Mold In A Dishwasher
Why Is There Water In The Bottom Of My Dishwasher?
Suppose there is a small amount of water standing beneath the spray arms.
That is okay, only if the water is one cup or less in volume. If water is covering the bottom of the dishwasher or leaking from the door, it is presenting a nasty odor.
There is an issue with the draining hose that connects the appliance to the garbage disposal and the kitchen sink. It is likely the drain hose is clogged.
Standing water should not be occurring in fully functional dishwashers. If this is happening regularly, something is blocking your draining hose. To address this issue, you could check the dishwasher draining hose or your kitchen plumbing.
Please remember you could contact a professional to evaluate the appliance and what could be causing it to malfunction.
In Closing
Today we learned how to identify a clogged dishwasher hose and remedy that issue. Also, avoiding Bleach and Drano is vital to keep your dishwasher functioning and your kitchen healthy and safe.
We hope this article has helped you understand the Whirlpool dishwasher washing cycles and how to operate your appliance better.
Please check out some of our other posts before you go to help further your dishwasher knowledge base.
Can You Run A Dishwasher Without Hot Water?
Can You Put Refrigerator Drawers And Shelves In The Dishwasher?
How Much Electricity And Water Does A Countertop Dishwasher Use?
