Opening up your dishwasher after a washing cycle to see racks filled with still-dirty dishes can be frustrating. If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly, a drain clog might be to blame. Built-up food particles, soap scum, and debris can block water flow, preventing your dishwasher from doing its job.
Thankfully, most clogs are easy to fix and just require a little troubleshooting. Keep reading to discover the top signs your dishwasher drain is clogged, common reasons for clogs, and how the skilled plumbers at High 5 can help homeowners in the Greater Denver Metro Area.
Signs Your Dishwasher is Clogged
Understanding the signs of a clogged dishwasher helps you catch the issue early so you won’t have to hand-wash your dishes for long. From strange smells to leftover grime, explore the top four warning signs of a clog to spot the problem before it progresses.
1) Slow drainage
If you notice water pooling at the bottom of your dishwasher, there’s likely a clog somewhere in the drain system. Over time, food, debris, and soap scum build up in the filter or drain hose and prevent water from getting through.
2) Dirty dishes after a cycle
A clog can prevent your dishwasher from doing its primary job — cleaning your dishes. If your dishes are still dirty after the wash cycle is complete, a clog in the main or secondary kitchen line may be preventing drainage. When dirty water can’t flow out of the dishwasher, it lingers in the tub and redistributes food particles and grease back onto your dishes.
3) Unpleasant odors
When you open your dishwasher after a cycle, you should smell freshly clean dishes. If you notice a foul or unpleasant odor, a clogged filter basket is likely to blame. These filters help catch large food particles to prevent them from clogging the drain. Without proper cleaning, the particles build up and decompose, causing bad smells to linger in your dishwasher.
4) Unusual noises during operation
If you hear gurgling, shaking, or thumping sounds from your dishwasher, water is likely trying to break through a clog in the main or secondary sewer line. These noises could also indicate a partial blockage in the drain hose, a clogged filter, or debris stuck in the spray arms.
Reasons Your Dishwasher May Be Clogged
Without proper maintenance, food and debris can build up inside essential components. While some issues, like a dirty filter basket, are easy to fix, others might require professional assistance. Discover the top reasons your dishwasher might be clogged to determine the best solution.
Clogged filter basket
Dishwashers have a filter basket at the bottom of the tub that helps catch food scraps and other items before they enter and clog your pipes. Without regular cleaning, this basket often becomes clogged with grease, food debris, and soap scum. Not only does this prevent drainage, but it also leads to dirty dishes, foul smells, and standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher.
Clogged drain hose
Your dishwasher carries wastewater to the kitchen sink or garbage disposal through a drain hose. When sludge, food particles, or soap scum build up in the hose, it can create a clog that slows or completely blocks drainage. If water drains slowly or backs up into the tub, a drain hose clog is likely the issue.
Clogged dishwasher drain
After every wash cycle, your dishwasher removes dirty water through the drain to keep your dishes fresh and clean. If food particles, soap scum, or other debris create a clog, you’ll notice slow drainage, foul odors, or even backup in your kitchen sink.
Clogged spray bars
Rotating arms with small holes spray high-pressure water on your dishes to break down food particles and wash away soap residue. Over time, mineral deposits, food debris, and grease can clog these holes, preventing water flow and leaving your dishes unwashed. If you notice spots, residue, or dirty dishes after running a cycle, clogged spray bars are likely the culprit.
Garbage disposal
Your garbage disposal and dishwasher connect through the same drainage system, meaning a clog in one often also affects the other. If your dishwasher stops draining properly, check the garbage disposal first. There may be built-up debris or a clog in the dishwasher drain line.
Broken sewer line
A broken sewer line can affect your entire plumbing system, including your dishwasher. Damage, clogs, or cracks in the line prevent wastewater from draining properly, causing slow drainage, backups, and foul odors throughout your home. If your dishwasher troubles are paired with non-draining sinks, sewage smells, or multiple slow drains throughout your home, contact a professional for a sewer line inspection.
Do Dishwasher Problems Require Professional Help?
Some dishwasher clogs are quickly fixed after a few simple steps, but more serious clogs require the attention of a professional plumber. Before contacting a pro, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Clean the filter basket: Remove the filter, rinse it with warm water, and scrub away any buildup with a soft brush and warm water.
- Check the drain hose: Locate and detach the drain hose and flush it with hot water to clear clogs or kinks.
- Run the garbage disposal: Turn on your garbage disposal and let cold water run through it for 30 seconds to clear food buildup.
- Flush the drain: Mix ½-cup of baking soda with one cup of white vinegar and pour it down your dishwasher drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then pour hot water through it.
- Inspect the spray arms: Remove the spray arms and use a toothpick, paperclip, or other small item to clear clogs in the holes.
If the above steps fail to get water moving through your dishwasher, contact the expert plumbers at High 5 for help.
Contact High 5 Today for Your Dishwasher Clogs
The team at High 5 will quickly determine what’s causing the clog and get your dishwasher back in working order. With over 10 years of experience serving the Greater Denver area with top-quality plumbing solutions, you can trust us to take on the job. Contact us today to schedule your dishwasher repair.
