As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
Three Reasons For A Poorly Draining Dishwasher
Jorge Alexander
It can be disheartening to open the dishwasher, expecting to see clean dishes, and instead find a murky pool of water still sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher. The good news is that this issue doesn't mean you need to replace your dishwasher. Generally, the cause for the problem is one of the three issues listed here, all of which can be repaired quite easily by a skilled plumber.
1. Blocked Drain Line
The most common reason for poor dishwasher drainage is that the drain line is blocked. If you have recently moved the dishwasher, the flexible hose may simply have a kink in it, which is easy enough to fix yourself. Another common drain line issue occurs in sinks equipped with a garbage disposal. The dishwasher drain typically hooks into the disposal drain line. If there is debris in the disposal or if an air bubble has formed in the line leading into the disposal, then the dishwasher may not drain properly.
Simply turn on the tap and run your garbage disposal for a few minutes to clear any debris and to clear the air. If the dishwasher still won't drain, then the culprit could be a blockage in the line. A plumber can clear the blockage or replace the line, as necessary.
2. Dirty Pump Screen
There is a screen in the bottom of the dishwasher that keeps debris out of the pump. The pump is what moves the water out of your dishwasher and into the drain line. This screen typically looks like a basket that sets over the top of the pump housing, so it is easy to spot if you remove the bottom rack from your dishwasher. Sometimes, food and debris gets caught in the mesh of the pump screen, so the pump is unable to pull the water through and move it into the drain line. Simply clean the screen and your dishwasher should drain again.
3. Failed Pump
The pump itself can also be the culprit. The pump is one of the hardest working components of the dishwasher, but it isn't immune to mechanical failure. If the pump isn't running or is unable to move the water to the drain line, then you must call in a plumber. They can inspect the pump to determine whether or it can be repaired. If not, then you will need to have a new pump installed.
Contact a plumbing contractor in your area if you need help with your dishwasher.
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