A clogged dishwasher is not a happy dishwasher. When food, paper, and other scraps build up, they create clogs and other plumbing issues. These problems will also prevent your dishwashing appliance from draining properly. Nobody wants the mess, smell, and inconvenience that comes with that. Over time grease, soap scum and food debris build up.. Not only does this provide a breeding ground for germs, it also reduces the efficiency of the appliance.
Understanding why dishwashers clog is the first step toward keeping them from clogging in the first place. Here are the most common reasons why your dishwasher might clog, and how you can prevent or fix them.
Plates that you didn’t rinse properly.
It’s easy to say, “Oh, it’ll wash off,” when it comes to messy plates in the dishwasher. And you’re not wrong; that mess will wash off… into your dishwasher’s filter. Food remains clog up your dishwasher’s filter over time, interfering with its proper function.
Scrap off your plates into the garbage before you throw them into your dishwasher. Dishwashers are for cleaning off germs and grease, not removing caked-on food chunks.
Mineral build-up.
Do you have some kind of whole-home water filtration system? If you don’t, it’s possible that minerals have started to build up inside your home’s water-using appliances. When mineral sediment builds up inside appliances like your dishwasher, they slow everything down. The machine itself operates less effectively, and clogs become much more prevalent.
The best way to prevent build-up like this is to invest in a filtration system. If you can’t do that, however, or you’re afraid you already have build-up, try cleaning it out. One way to clean minerals out of your dishwasher is by running vinegar through it.
Break up drain clogs with a homemade solution. If your dishwasher drain is clogged and causing water to back up, you can try using a homemade solution of vinegar, baking soda and hot water to break up the clog. First, pour a solution of baking soda and vinegar down the basket at the bottom of your dishwasher. After letting it settle for 10-15 minutes, pour a pot of boiling hot water down the basket and see if that clears the clog.
A clogged filter basket.
Your dishwasher has a drain inside of it for water to move through. A filter basket protects the drain from food chunks or over things that could clog it.
The more garbage you let into your dishwasher, the more quickly the filter basket fills up. Removing this basket and cleaning it regularly will seriously help prevent clogs.
To clear your drain: Remove the bottom dish rack. Inspect the dishwasher drain, removing any gunk or food caught there. This will improve drainage, increase cleaning efficiency and prevent damage to the dishwasher.
Clean your air gap. Many kitchens will have an air gap installed on the counter next to the faucet that prevents water from your sink backing up into your dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged with buildup, it can lead to your dishwasher not draining properly. One common sign of a clogged air gap is water flooding onto your counter. To clear the air gap, take off the cap and remove any debris that you can see.
Most professionals suggest that you clean your dishwasher once a month, and following these simple steps should help you avoid future plumbing issues. If you have tried all of these steps and are still having issues, give Super Rooter Plumbing and sewer a call at 708-690-6886, and we will be happy to come out and address your appliance issues.