Why Is Your Dishwasher Not Draining?
There are multiple reasons your dishwasher may not drain, but most are due to clogging or mechanical failure. The good news? Most of these problems are endemic and solvable with the proper measures.
The most common cause is a blockage in the dishwasher filter. This filter, which sits at the bottom of the tub, catches food bits and other debris but can eventually get so clogged with gunk that water can’t pass through. Regular cleaning can help you avoid drainage issues.
Other common causes include:
- Drain hose blockage: Kinks or clogs in the hose can prevent water from draining.
- Obstruction of air gap: If you have an air gap in your kitchen, food particles or other debris can block it and prevent proper drainage.
- Garbage disposal: A clog here can keep the dishwasher from draining properly If the systems are tied together.
- Bad drain pump: Older dishwashers may have worn-out parts that aren’t able to push water out of the tub.
Before you tackle the source, step one is removing the pooling water—safely and by hand.
What You’ll Need to Drain a Dishwasher Manually
Before you start, it’s good to gather a few basic items. These items will help make your manual drain prep easier, safer and a little less gross. The good news is: most fall right inside your house.
Here’s what you are going to need to manually drain a dishwasher:
- Torn up old towels (or maybe just rags) – You’ll want these to be able to catch any spills or drips that sneak out the bottom of the unit. They’ll also protect the surrounding area from being dirtied or wet while you work.
- A wide shallow bowl or small pan – Use this to scoop out the standing water. It’s great for scrubbing into the bits of small spaces where water has pooled.
- Big sponge or turkey baster – Handy for sponging up or suctioning out small amounts of water in hard-to-reach areas. A turkey baster is useful for precision, as a big sponge works fast to cover maximum surface area.
- Rubber gloves – These will safeguard your hands against: dirty water, bacteria and any hidden sharp objects you may find along the way. They are necessary for hygiene and safety anyway.
- Bucket – Dump the water from the bucket without any hassle and with zero spills. This will keep the process clean and you won’t have to worry about messes after you dump the water.
Armed with these tools, you’re ready to start draining. Proceed slowly and follow the steps to come to prevent against damage and restore your dishwasher to working condition.
Step-by-Step: How to Drain Your Dishwasher Manually
If your dishwasher is not draining, no need to panic. Here is a quick and easy DIY dishwasher draining solution to try to get your appliance back on its feet. This approach is generally effective for most dishwashers that you find in Hollywood homes and needs only a few basic tool.
Here’s how to manually drain a dishwasher in Hollywood:
Turn Off the Power
For safety, disconnect the dishwasher from the wall outlet or switch off the breaker. This step will make sure there’s no chance of an accidental start or electric shock while you’re working. Do make sure there is absolutely no power flowing before you proceed!
Remove the Lower Dish Rack
Gently pull out the bottom rack and put it aside in a safe location. This allows you to easily reach the bottom of the dishwasher where stagnant water often accumulates. Oh, and make sure to take any dish or utensil off of the rack.
Scoop Out Standing Water
Using a small bowl, plastic tub or strong cup, gently scoop the majority of standing water out of the bottom of the dishwasher. It’s a slow process to avoid splashing, but you can pour the water into a bucket or sink to get rid of it easily. You may need to walk a couple times, depending how much water you’ve got.
Soak Up Remaining Water
When most of the water is removed, tap a sponge, an absorbent rag, or even a turkey baster to absorb any small remaining puddles or wetness. Spend as much time as you need to make sure the floor is as dry as it can be; your remaining work will be easier (yes, fabulous) and less risky if the floor is dry.
Remove and Clean the Filter
Find the dishwasher filter, usually at the bottom center of your unit, around the drain. This may need to be twisted off or carefully pulled out, depending on your model. Wash the filter under warm running water and scrub to clean off any grease, food residue and/or dirt using a soft brush or an old toothbrush. It’s important to keep a filter clean so it can bring fresh water into the dishwasher and collect the grease and dirt.
Check and Clean the Drain Opening
With the filter out, you might as well take a gander at what’s under and around the whole drain system. See if there is anything stuck in the drain such as debris, gunk or anything blocking the drain. Rubbing build-up away with a soft rag or gloves should work. You can even use a flashlight if you need to see better, so that you don’t miss anything. When it’s clean, water can flow freely during cycles.
Run a Short Test Cycle
After getting it clean, reattach the filter firmly and replace the lower rack. Reconnect the dishwasher or switch on the circuit breaker to restore power.
Run a short rinse cycle with no dishes to see if the problem goes away. Watch the cycle and make sure the water drains fine and that the dishwasher is working all right. If they do not, and the issue persists you may need to continue troubleshooting.
If the dishwasher still does not drain, it is probably time to seek the help of a technician.
When to Call a Professional Technician
Need to know how to unclog a dishwasher? An expert might be required at this point. Excessive drainage troubles are a sign of internal problems DIY fixes can’t tackle. An experienced appliance repair expert for your dishwasher can determine the source and have it working quickly!
Here are some signs you should call for dishwasher repair in Hollywood:
- You’ve cleaned the filter and drain outlet, but still there’s no draining happening
- You hear loud buzzing or grinding during the drain cycle
- The dishwasher is leaking water as it drains
- Drain is not going to work at all
- All visible parts are perfectly clean, but after every cycle, there is still a pool of water at the bottom.
These signs may point to a bad drain pump, control board or an obstruction inside that need special tools and training to repair.
If you are in Hollywood, Universal Appliance Repair is the provider of quick, professional dishwasher service – a lot of times we can schedule your dishwasher repairs for the same day that you call. Don’t take any chances with long-term damage or a water leak. Universal Appliance Repair will have a solution that will get it running better than ever.
Preventing Future Drainage Problems
Once your dishwasher is draining normally again, a few good habits can help prevent another backup. How to avoid dishwasher clogs with care and attention, you can avoid damaging your dishwasher, and keep it running for years to come.
Here are some of the most useful tips to keep your dishwasher in top-notch shape:
Scrape Away Food Particles Push away any large chunks of food.
Scrape off large food pieces before loading the dishes. Although today’s dishwashers can deal with light residue, big chunks can get stuck in the filter or drain and lead to problems. Good operations and less potential for clogs. More efficient dishwasher use, and cleaner dishes!
Clean the Filter
Clean the filter in your dishwasher every month at a minimum. Take it out, rinse it in warm water, and remove any trapped dirt to keep the machine functioning at its best. A clean filter will also help with clogs, drain better, and help you make sure your dishes are spotless every time. Regular maintenance is your friend, people, and saves you from bigger problems down the road.
Run Hot Water at the Sink
Before turning on your dishwasher, let hot water run at your sink for a few seconds. This ensures the machine fills with hot water instantly for optimal cleaning performance and drainage. Kicking things off with hot water makes for less work for your dishwasher, and better results for your dishes.
Check the Air Gap
If your sink has an air gap, clean and inspect it often. This little device stops water from flowing back into your dishwasher, but over time it may become clogged. A good quick clean guarantees everything drains effectively and spares you the headache of water sitting your machine.
Don’t Pack the Dishwasher Too Tight
Fill your dishwasher too full. Overloading can block spray arms and impede water movement, resulting in poor cleaning and drainage. Provide your dishes with enough room for water and detergent to permeate every surface, and you’ll see better results and keep your machine from becoming overworked.
In busy Hollywood kitchens that see heavy use, these small routines can add up to get more from your oven in the long run, and even help prevent costly repairs down the line.
The Takeaway
A dishwasher filled with standing water is bad news, but you can probably fix the problem on your own. With the right equipment and a little time, you can safely remove the water, clean the filter and address minor clogs. But, if the problem continues even after doing this, then you might want to do a technician.
When you need a reliable Hollywood dishwasher repair, you can count on, call Universal Appliance Repair, and let us add you to our list of satisfied clients. Our expert fitters will get to the root of the problem – be it a problem with your pump, an issue with the electrics, or a concealed blockage – so that you can start using your dishwasher again right away.
Don’t let an ongoing drainage problem wreak havoc on your life. Call our trained team today to set up a repair today and see for yourself what professional service looks like.
