Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Clogged

Dishwashers are perhaps the ultimate kitchen convenience. In fact, many people consider this appliance as essential as a refrigerator or an oven. This is why, when your dishwasher isn’t working right, it can be a real drag on your time and your mood. It can also be a drag on your bank account, because there will be more temptation to order pricy takeout instead of cooking a meal at home that will result in a bunch of dishes you have to wash by hand.

When it’s not working right, you may find yourself wondering, “Why is my dishwasher clogging up?” If you’re looking to diagnose what causes dishwasher backup, here are some possible causes and potential solutions to fix your dishwasher.

Filter is clogged

One of the most common issues when a dishwasher is clogged up is that the filter basket is full. This little basket is designed to catch bits of food that come off the dishes. This basket can become clogged over time, which means that water can’t pass through it easily. This may be a cause of dishwasher backup, but there is a solution. You can empty the filter basket, and, if it’s particularly greasy, soak it in vinegar overnight to get it extra clean.

Check the garbage disposal

If you notice the dishwasher isn’t draining properly, ask yourself, “Did I recently have a garbage disposal installed?” If the answer is yes, then your dishwasher’s draining problem may be an easy fix. Check the garbage disposal to see if there is a plastic plug that still needs to be removed. This is a more common problem than you might think after a garbage disposal installation.

Drain hose clogged

If you’re still wondering what is causing your dishwasher backup, you might want to check the drain hose that’s connected to the dishwasher. Sometimes this hose can get clogged with food or soap residue. If that happens, the water will have nowhere to properly drain and will probably end up back in the dishwasher.

Blocked sewer line

If you’re tried everything else and still can’t diagnose the problem, it might be a deeper issue. If your dishwasher keeps clogging up, the problem may be within your sewer line. This is the pipe that carries wastewater away from your home to the sewer, and it can become clogged by household waste as well as external factors like tree roots. If you’re experiencing a backed up dishwasher and other water drainage issues, it’s a good idea to call a plumber right away to come check it out.

When you need to know, “Why is my dishwasher clogging up?” it might be time to call a professional to diagnose the problem. After all, life without a functioning dishwasher is hard and can be tough to reconcile once you’ve gotten used to having one. When you need professionals to get your dishwasher working again, get in touch with the team at Rooter Express right away. We’ll come out as soon as we can to take a look!

Categorised in: Dishwashers