Red Deer Plumber: Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Draining

The dishwasher is one of the greatest modern inventions — who needs those clumsy rubber gloves? Unfortunately, as wonderful as dishwashers are, they can run into problems. According to plumbing services in Red Deer, a typical customer issue occurs when the dishwasher suddenly stops draining. A client opens the unit, gets a face full of steam and sees a puddle of water just sitting in the base. Yikes!

3 Reasons Your Dishwasher Isn’t Draining

The good news first, if your dishwasher isn’t draining, it does not automatically mean you need a new one. In fact, there are several possible reasons for the lack of draining that don’t cost much at all to resolve. However, if you are not savvy with plumbing, it is best to let professionals deal with the most common problems.

1. Full and Dirty Drain Basket

The most common issue is a full or dirty drain basket. Some people do not realize that the dishwasher has a basket at the bottom that requires routine cleaning — nothing to be ashamed of. If you do not keep the drain clean and clear, you can wind up with some peculiar odours and standing water after a cycle.

You can usually find the drain basket underneath the bottom rack. The top typically pops off or has a couple of screws securing it to the base. If you cannot find the basket, look in the owner’s manual for instructions. If you don’t feel comfortable with the process, contact a plumber.

2. Kinked Drain Hose

From the dishwasher, there is a hose connecting the unit to the sink drainage system. The hose is somewhat long and flexible and made of plastic or flexible material. Unfortunately, it is also fragile and kinks easily.

Many homeowners store things under their sinks. While no one can fault you for looking for extra storage space, be careful when putting items under the sink. If something is too heavy, it can kink the drainage hose, trapping the dirty water in the unit.

If you free the hose to resolve the problem, ensure it isn’t damaged. A hose can split relatively easily, meaning the next time your dishwasher drains, you will have a wet mess under your sink.

3. Clogged Drain Hose

Another common dishwasher issue is a clogged drain hose. Clogs usually occur when people do not pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, or they remove the built-in filter at the base.

While pre-rinsing your plates and pans seem counterintuitive when using a device designed for the task, you need to remember that a dishwasher is not a garbage disposal. When large food particles or debris remain on plates, those items end up in the drain hose and can create a blockage.

Because the drain hose is usually accessible, it is easy enough for a homeowner to disconnect it and clear the clog or replace the line. However, a licensed plumber is always happy to help.

When To Contact a Plumber

You can contact a plumber for routine dishwasher maintenance or fix any of the common issues above. However, you need to call a plumber if you inspect the common drainage-blocking culprits and find nothing. If your drainage issue is not the result of a clog or kinked hose, that can indicate a problem further in the waste line.

Is your dishwasher not draining all the way? Is the problem getting worse? Contact Handyman Connection and schedule an assessment by a licensed plumber. The service will send a professional to inspect your system and determine the underlying cause. In most situations, a slow-draining dishwasher has a quick solution that doesn’t require the replacement of the unit.