How to Unclog a Dishwasher: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Unclog a Dishwasher – A working dishwasher is a convenient appliance for any busy household.

However, it can occasionally cause more trouble than convenience when it becomes clogged.

Dealing with a clogged dishwasher can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can easily resolve the issue.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different ways to unclog a dishwasher, from simple DIY solutions to more complex problems that may require professional assistance.

How to Unclog a Dishwasher

1. Recognizing the Signs

Before diving into the unclogging process, it’s essential to recognize the early signs of a clogged dishwasher.

Identifying these signs early on can help you avoid costly repairs and prevent further damage. Here are a few common signs to watch out for:

1. Unusual sounds while your dishwasher is running, such as gurgling or thumping.
2. Pooling of water in your sink or at the bottom of your dishwasher.
3. Water coming up your drain into your kitchen sink.
4. Leftover water after a wash cycle.
5. Dishes and glasses remaining dirty after a wash cycle.

2. Identifying the Cause

Once you have determined that your dishwasher is clogged, it’s time to identify the cause of the problem.

Understanding the underlying issue will help you choose the most appropriate solution. Here are five common causes of dishwasher clogs:

Clogged Drain Hose

The drain hose is responsible for carrying water from your dishwasher to either the garbage disposal or kitchen sink drain.

Over time, food gunk, soap residue, and other debris can accumulate in the hose, causing a clog.

To determine if the drain hose is the problem, you can inspect it under your kitchen sink.

A clogged drain hose often results in water leaking onto the floor when you open the dishwasher door.

To unclog a dishwasher drain hose, you can try a simple solution using baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.

First, pour a solution consisting of baking soda and vinegar into the bottom of your dishwasher.

Let it sit for a few minutes before running it through the drain cycle.

This method can effectively dissolve the clog without the need for removing the drain hose or using harsh chemicals like Drano.

Dirty Filter Basket

The filter basket is located in the drain to prevent food particles and other debris from clogging the pipes.

However, if the filter basket becomes too clogged with food particles, water cannot pass through it properly.

This can lead to dirty dishes and glasses after a wash cycle, as well as pooling of dirty water at the bottom of the dishwasher.

To clean a clogged filter basket, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of filter your dishwasher has. Older dishwashers typically have self-cleaning filters with grinders, while newer models have grinder-free filters that require manual cleaning.
2. Locate the filter under your dishwasher’s spray arms. Self-cleaning filters have multiple holes, while manual cleaning filters are round and resemble water pitcher filters.
3. Remove the upper filter according to the directional arrows or by turning and pulling it out.
4. Clean the filter using warm soapy water, a sponge, or a soft-bristle brush. Alternatively, you can create a homemade cleaning solution with baking soda, hot water, and vinegar.
5. Rinse the filter thoroughly and reinstall it in your dishwasher.

Regularly cleaning your dishwasher’s filter basket, at least once or twice a month, will help prevent clogs and ensure optimal performance.

New Garbage Disposal Installation

If you have recently installed a new garbage disposal unit, it’s possible that the knockout plug was not removed.

The knockout plug is a cover over a hole in the garbage disposal, specifically inside the dishwasher connector pipe near the top of the unit.

Failure to remove the knockout plug can lead to clogs in your dishwasher.

To check if the knockout plug is the issue, insert a screwdriver into the connector pipe on the garbage disposal unit.

If the screwdriver does not hit anything solid, the knockout plug has already been removed. If the screwdriver does not insert freely, the knockout plug is still present.

To remove the knockout plug, gently tap on top of the screwdriver handle with a hammer while moving it around the edges of the plug.

Once the plug falls back into the garbage disposal unit, retrieve it using your hand or needle-nose pliers.

If the edges around the hole are rough, you can use a small file for a smooth finish.

Clogged Drainage Line

Improperly disposed of food particles and cooking oils can cause clogs further down the drainage line of your dishwasher.

Signs of a clogged main drainage line include multiple clogged drains in your home and water backing up into your kitchen sink while your dishwasher drains.

Running your dishwasher with a clogged drainage line is not recommended, as it will not drain properly.

Unclogging a dishwasher drainage line is a more complex task that may require professional assistance.

The clog is often deep beneath your dishwasher and may extend further down the sewer line. In such cases, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to resolve the issue.

Damaged or Broken Sewer Line

A damaged or broken sewer line is an unlikely cause of a clogged dishwasher, but it can occur in older lines or due to external factors such as tree roots or ground shifting.

When this happens, you may experience stinky sewage backup and drainage issues in other parts of your home.

Repairing a damaged or broken sewer line requires the expertise of a professional plumber.

The cost of unclogging the main sewer line can range from $350 to $650, depending on the extent of the damage.

Hydro jetting, which involves using high-pressure water to clear the pipe, is a common method for unclogging sewer lines.

Gathering the Plumbing Tools and Other Materials

Before you begin the unclogging process, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and materials.

While you may not need all of them depending on the specific cause of the clog, having them on hand will ensure you are prepared for any situation.

Here are some tools and materials you might need:

• Baking soda
• Disposable gloves
• Drain snake or drain auger
• Hammer (for removing the knockout plug)
• Plumber’s wrench or pipe wrench
• Screwdriver
• Towels
• Vinegar
• Wire coat hanger (straightened out with needle-nose pliers)

Creating a Safe Working Area

When working on your dishwasher, it’s crucial to create a safe working area.

Remember, a dishwasher is an electric appliance that deals with water, so taking the necessary precautions is essential to avoid accidents or injuries.

Here are some safety measures to keep in mind:

1. Unplug both your dishwasher and garbage disposal unit. Alternatively, you can shut off the circuit breaker that serves these appliances.
2. Remove any standing water inside your dishwasher and on the floor.
3. Lay dry towels on the floor where you will be kneeling to keep your knees comfortable and dry.

By adhering to these safety measures, you can minimize the risk of injury while working on your dishwasher.

Unclogging the Dishwasher

Now that you have gathered the necessary tools and created a safe working area, it’s time to unclog your dishwasher.

The following sections will guide you through the process based on the specific cause of the clog.

Removing the Knockout Plug

If the cause of the clog is a knockout plug in your garbage disposal unit, follow these steps to remove it:

1. Position a screwdriver against the knockout plug.
2. Gently tap on the screwdriver handle with a hammer. Repeat this process as you move the screwdriver around the edges of the plug.
3. Once the knockout plug falls back into the garbage disposal unit, reach down through the sink to retrieve it using your hand or needle-nose pliers.
4. If the edges around the hole are rough, use a small file to smooth them out.

Removing the knockout plug will allow proper drainage from your dishwasher into the garbage disposal.

Unclogging the Dishwasher Filter Basket

To unclog a dirty filter basket, follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of filter your dishwasher has by looking under the spray arms. Older dishwashers typically have self-cleaning filters with grinders, while newer models have grinder-free filters that require manual cleaning.
2. Clean the area near the filter using a soft, damp cloth.
3. Remove the upper filter according to the directional arrows or by following the instructions on top.
4. Clean the filter using warm soapy water, a sponge, or a soft-bristle brush. Alternatively, you can use a homemade cleaning solution of baking soda, hot water, and vinegar.
5. Rinse the filter thoroughly under cool or warm tap water before reinstalling it in your dishwasher.

Regularly cleaning your dishwasher’s filter basket will help prevent future clogs and maintain optimal performance.

Zip-It the Clogged Drain

If you suspect a clog in the dishwasher’s drainage line, you can use a Zip-It or a similar tool to remove the obstruction.

Follow these steps:

1. Switch off and unplug your dishwasher.
2. Remove the dish racks to access the drain grate.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the drain grate and expose the drainage line.
4. Insert the Zip-It into the clogged drain as far as possible.
5. Slowly pull out the Zip-It, dislodging any debris that may be causing the clog.

Alternatively, you can use a natural solution, such as the baking soda and vinegar solution mentioned earlier, to flush out the debris in the drainage line.

Once the clog is cleared, reattach the drain grate and put back the dish racks. Run a fresh cycle to ensure proper drainage and performance.

Unclogging the Drain Hose

To unclog a drain hose, follow these steps:

1. Take out the drain hose from your dishwasher. If there is still water in the line, let it drain into a container.
2. Hold a flashlight to the drain hose and check for shadows, which indicate a blockage.
3. Use a flexible and thin object, such as a wire coat hanger straightened out with needle-nose pliers, to dislodge the blockage.
4. Clean the inside of the drain hose with a double-ended tube brush, being careful not to puncture the hose.
5. Refit the drain hose correctly to ensure proper drainage.

By following these steps, you can effectively unclog the drain hose and restore proper water flow in your dishwasher.

Also read: 

• Kitchen Sink Clogged – Tried Everything: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention
• Can Coffee Grounds Go Down the Sink?

Proper Maintenance to Prevent Future Clogging

Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining the performance of your dishwasher and avoiding clogs.

Here are some maintenance tips to help prevent future clogging problems:

1. Clean your filter basket regularly, ideally once or twice a month. Check it after each cycle and remove any trapped food particles or debris.
2. Thoroughly clean your dishwasher at least once or twice a month. Use warm soapy water or a cleaning solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to eliminate any buildup.
3. Before loading plates into your dishwasher, scrape away all food particles to prevent them from clogging the drain.
4. Be mindful of what you put in your dishwasher. Avoid washing large food scraps, bones, or other items that can contribute to clogs.

By following these maintenance practices, you can extend the lifespan of your dishwasher and prevent future clogging issues.

Conclusion

A clogged dishwasher can be a frustrating problem, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can easily resolve it.

In this comprehensive guide, we explored the different causes of dishwasher clogs and provided step-by-step instructions for unclogging the dishwasher based on the specific issue.

Remember to always prioritize safety when working on your dishwasher and consider seeking professional assistance for complex clogs or issues with the sewer line.

By following proper maintenance practices, you can prevent future clogging problems and ensure your dishwasher continues to run smoothly.