Clogged Dishwasher Repair

Dishwashers are amazing machines that can substantially reduce the clean up job in the kitchen after meals. Doing the dishes stopped being a dreaded chore, after the introduction of dishwashers. However, like every machine, it has its problems that may crop up over time. Troubleshooting a clogged dishwasher is the subject of this article.

Coupled with the washing machine, the dishwasher is one of the most useful of home appliances. The working mechanism of the dishwasher is quite simple. Dishes are placed inside dishwasher slots and hot water is sprayed on the dishes. This is followed by a round of cleaning with water mixed detergent. Finally, the rinse cycle finishes the job by washing the dishes with clean water. During every stage, the draining of water and debris is essential.

Clogged Dishwasher Repair Guidelines

If you understand the working of a dishwasher and especially its draining mechanism, unclogging the dishwasher is quite a simple and straightforward job. The tools that you'll need to get this job done are a wire clothing hanger, bunch of paper towels and a screwdriver.

Clean the Drain
When a dishwasher clogs, the first thing should be checked out is its drain. If food and debris have lodged up in the drain, it can clog up the dishwasher. Using paper towels, clean out all the accumulated debris from the drain. If you are unable to reach some of the clogged parts of the drain, use a wire clothing hanger and clear out all the remnant debris from inside. That should do the job and your dishwasher may be back to its working ways.

Clean the Drain Hose
If cleaning the drain does not work and the dishwasher still stays clogged, it is time you checked the drain hose. To access the hose, you will have to pull out the panel at the bottom of the dishwasher. The most likely reason for a choked dishwasher may be a kinked, folded or distorted hose. Straighten the hose out and clear entanglement if any. Pass water at high pressure through the hose, to clear out any clogged material. If it's beyond getting cleaned up, just replace it without further thought. That should solve your problem and your dishwasher should be back to working condition.

Rinse Draining Basket
Even after cleaning the hose and the drain, if the dishwasher still remains clogged, there may be a problem with the draining basket. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the draining basket and check it out. Clean it thoroughly and rinse it. Then put it back in place and see if the contraption works.

Check Your Garbage Disposal
After trying out all three of the things mentioned above, if it still remains clogged, you have a problem on your hands. The reason for the clogging might not be the dishwasher mechanism at all, but with the garbage disposal which is connected with the drain. Switch on the garbage disposal to see if it's working. If it has clogged, you need to get the connection between the dishwasher and the garbage disposal cleaned.

If none of this works, obviously you have to hand over the job to a professional. The repair job may take an hour at most and it will save you some money that you would normally pay a professional.