Dishwashers help make the chore of washing dishes much less labor-intensive. However, many people find themselves dealing with a clogged dishwasher on more than one occasion. Causes for this problem vary and may include grease and grime buildup in the drain or debris that has been left inside the machine over time. Luckily, there are several different ways to fix a clogged dishwasher quickly and easily without having to call an expensive plumber out to your home for repairs. This article will walk you through some of the main reasons for your dishwasher clog and easy methods for fixing and preventing this problem so that your dishwasher continues to run smoothly!

Reasons for Your Dishwasher Clog

Dishwashers are susceptible to clogs because they deal with cleaning dishes that still have food debris and using water from your sink’s faucet. Causes for this problem include:

Clogged Dishwasher Filter

One of the most critical parts of your dishwasher is a filter. This little part can make all of those wash cycles more efficient by catching food particles, foreign objects, and other dirt that would otherwise get stuck on dishes when you’re trying to clean them yourself! If you notice it’s not as efficient, this could be because of dirt and debris that have built up over time. So to keep things running smoothly at their peak performance level (and avoid expensive repairs), it’s recommended that this maintenance task, a clogged drain home remedy, be done once per month.

Damaged Hose Clamps

Hoses and clamps are found at the bottom of the dishwasher after removing the kick plate. If you notice cracks in the hoses or loose clamps, it’s best to get them fixed as soon as possible. You can tighten up these parts with a screwdriver before they cause too much damage and lead to leaks which could cost more than just replacing both pieces of equipment! If this doesn’t work, call an experienced plumber because fixing these problems requires professional expertise, so don’t try doing anything yourself unless you know what you are doing.

Leaking Door Seal

Another cause of a clogged dishwasher is a leaking door seal. The dishwasher door may be leaking if it has a worn or damaged seal. To find out the problem, open up your appliance and inspect both upper and lower seals for any signs of wear and tear on them. Suppose you cannot find the leak source, call in professionals. They will have special tools to assess this issue better than you might at home and fix it immediately.

Leaking Water Valve

Sometimes dishwashers overflow, and when this happens, the water inlet might be the cause that is worthy of inspection. The water inlet valve is responsible for feeding the supply line from your home’s primary source to bring clean water into dishwashers. If this part of the machine becomes damaged or defective, it can cause leaks which means you’ll have dirty dishes without even knowing. To check your dishwasher’s water inlet valve, remove the bottom plate on the front of your dishwasher. Check if there is a leak or drip at the top of the valve or any corrosion. If there is, you should turn off the water supply and change the valve.

Unlevel Dishwasher

It is essential that the dishwasher close properly and not leak. If it is not closing properly, the dishwasher won’t drain appropriately between cycles, and leftover water can leak. This can damage any cabinet or counter the dishwasher is installed. To fix an unlevel dishwasher, check the horizontal and vertical levels. Adjust the front or back legs if needed and adjust the dishwasher from side to side.

How to Fix Dishwasher Clog

So you have a clogged dishwasher, the next thing you want to do is fix it. But how?

Diagnose the cause of the clog

Improper use of dishwashers can cause clogs. For example, if you do not dispose of leftover food properly, it might get stuck in the filter and lead to clogs. The same is true with excess oils, which can cause deposits in the pipes, leading to blockages. Diagnose the cause and make sure that it is clogging that’s causing the problem.

Get the appropriate plumbing tools

After diagnosing a dishwasher clog, you should get the appropriate plumbing tools to fix the job. The tools that you need are: 1.) Gloves 2.) Towel 3.) Bucket 4.) Screwdriver (Phillips head) 5.) Pliers 6.) Drain Snake or auger 7.) Baking soda 8.) Vinegar

Prepare the dishwasher

If you have any dishes or silverware in the machine, remove them. Make sure to separate the dirty ones from the clean ones so you can continue cleaning them after fixing them.

Unplug the dishwasher

Make sure you unplug the dishwasher before gaining access to the inside.

Gain access to the dishwasher

To do this: 1.) Remove all dish racks from the unit. 2.) Use a towel to remove any stagnant water.

Check the drain grate

1.) Find the drain grate at the bottom of the unit and remove it with a screwdriver. 2.) Clear any debris within the pipe using the drain snake. 3.) Use vinegar and baking soda to clean. Opt for natural cleaning solutions because chemicals may harm the drains. 4.) Reattach the grates and put back the dish racks. 5.) Power the dishwasher back and run a cycle to see if the issue is resolved. The Bottom Line: If you are experiencing a clogged dishwasher, there can be many reasons for it. However, identifying the possible cause and choosing an effective method to fix your problem is crucial if you want to do so without professional help. When your dishwasher is still clogged after following the above steps, then it’s time to call in professional service! Reliable Residential Plumbing Services in Dundalk, Maryland If you need reliable plumbing services, then choose Reliability Home Services. We’ve been around since 2000 and offer personalized solutions that will suit your needs perfectly every time – no matter how big or small they may be. Our expert team always goes above & beyond to provide friendly yet professional service at affordable prices. So don’t hesitate to call us now because Reliability Home Services is here for YOU! (443) 399-8663