Dishwashers are a great appliance to have – they save us valuable time and give us peace of mind that the utensils and dishes we wash are properly sanitized. While they provide many modern conveniences, dishwashers can also be a source of frustration if they are not working properly.
One issue, in particular, that is annoying and a potential disaster is water backing up into the dishwasher. If you have noticed this issue, there are a few common problems to look for.
Check for food blocking the drain plugs
Did you know you should clean the filters and check for blockages in your dishwasher regularly? Just like the normal drain in your sink, dishwasher drains are susceptible to clogs from food and debris. This is especially likely if you do not rinse your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.
Check the drain plugs in the bottom of your dishwasher and remove any noticeable buildup. If the water doesn’t start to drain after removal, move on to the next possible problem.
Do you have a garbage disposal?
If you recently had a garbage disposal installed, it is possible that the area connecting the disposal and the dishwasher is still plugged. To fix this, you will need to remove the plastic plug that is located within the connecting port.
Be sure to unplug the power cord to your garbage disposal before attempting any fixes, and refer to the owner’s manual for your specific garbage disposal to locate and remove the plastic plug.
Dishwasher still not draining?
It’s probably time to call in the professionals. The blockage might be caused from something deeper in your plumbing lines, which will require troubleshooting by a professional plumber.
To get your dishwasher back up and running (and draining!) smoothly again, call Rooter-Man Plumbers. We provide exceptional plumbing service to the Northwest Houston area. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (281) 351-4422.
