What are the Early Warning Signs of a Clogged Dishwasher?

Washing utensils can be a time-consuming and arduous pain for many people. Thankfully, dishwashers were invented to easily and quickly wash dishes and other utensils with the click of a button. Dishwashers are great additions to the home. They clean dishes, pots, and pans quickly and efficiently. If you do not clean your dishwasher on a regular basis, you may end up with a clogged dishwasher.

However, a clogged dishwasher is no laughing matter. It can be very problematic for working parents and other very busy people. A clogged dishwasher left untreated for a few days will also lead to a water leak.

A water leak can flood your entire kitchen in due time, leading to extensive water damage that may cost hundreds to fix. As can be seen, clogged dishwashers should not be taken lightly. 

Most clogged dishwashers are caused by debris and food particles that have become lodged into the apparatus. Some people are aware that their dishwasher may be clogged, but what should they do? Should you try to unclog it yourself? Will this cause damage to your dishwasher? If you decide to get a technician to look at it, how do you go about choosing the right one? 

Here, our focus will be on early warning signs of a clogged dishwasher so that you can quickly nip the problem in the bud before it becomes very serious.

Warning Signs of a Clogged Dishwasher

It is imperative that you quickly detect the telltale signs that suggest that something is amiss with your dishwasher. Most dishwasher-related issues will begin small but will slowly grow into serious problems if they are not rectified in due time.

Gurgling is not normal. If your dishwasher is making gurgling noises, it may be due to a clog in the unit. If the unit is draining slower than usual, the culprit may also be a drain. A clogged unit may also cause leftover or runoff water.

Water backup and dirty dishes — even after running several cycles — are also red flags that should be investigated further. If you hear any strange sounds emanating from your dishwasher, then you should call a plumber as soon as possible to identify the cause accurately.

What to Do if Your Dishwasher is Clogged?

A clog of any type or form should not be taken lightly. Clogs are fairly commonplace, even with the most advanced dishwashers on the market. Nasty odors, water overflow, and other related issues may result from even a minor clog in some cases.

Such issues should be rectified as soon as possible to return your dishwasher to its optimal condition. Below are some suggestions that may help you deal with dishwasher drainage issues.

First, you need to turn off the electrical supply of the device. Doing so will reduce the risk of electrocution or getting injured by an operational component of the machine. Any stagnant water found can also be removed by using a clean towel.

Moreover, you need to carefully inspect the drain hose pipe for any clogs, tears, or other aberrations. You should extract the drain hose from the apparatus and use a copious amount of fresh water to clean it from top to bottom.

The dishwasher drain will also need to be assessed prudently to look for clogs or defects. 

If you cannot find or solve the issue after following all of the tips above, we recommend that you call a licensed and bonded plumber in your area, as the problem may be much deeper. Commercial plumbing may be the only solution in some cases.

How Can I Fix a Clogged Dishwasher?

If you do not want to take the commercial plumbing route, then you can take matters into your own hands. Just remember that doing so may void your warranty in some cases. Addressing a clogged dishwasher sooner rather than later is the recommended course of action.

A minor issue may be easy to solve. The drain-hose clamp, power supply, and drain-hose connection need to be in good working order. All three must be free of any blockages and then be fastened or connected as designed.

We would also recommend that you check the model number of the unit. It may still be under warranty, which may allow for a free repair or replacement without the need for your intervention.

The manufacturer’s website is also a great place to start. On it, you should find a troubleshooting guide that will provide step-by-step instructions to solve the problem quickly.

It may also provide a phone number to their customer service department if you would rather have someone guide you through the repair work over the phone.

In addition, we would suggest that you check to see if the water is not draining from the device itself. In some cases, the water may be draining from the drainpipe of your garbage disposal unit instead.

How to Maintain Your Dishwasher to Last

Maintenance techniques and tips may vary depending on your dishwasher’s make, year, and model. However, the general rule of thumb is to regularly maintain and clean your dishwasher.

By doing so, you will help ensure that the unit functions smoothly for years to come. Clean dishes are all but assured when you take the time to tend to your dishwasher on a routine basis.

Areas to check regularly include the spray arm, filter, seals, and doors. The drain should also be unclogged and cleaned now and then to prevent clogs.

Final Thoughts

The dishwasher is one of the most useful appliances in the home. Most of us use it every day. That said, it’s still an appliance and can break down if you don’t keep an eye on it. Dishwashers can be finicky, which means that you can’t just sweep them under the rug and assume they’re working fine. You need to keep an eye on them to ensure they’re working correctly. If you use your dishwasher every day, it’s a good idea to check it every week to make sure that it’s working correctly.

A well-maintained dishwasher may last for several years or even decades in some cases. A fully operational dishwasher will optimally clean your dishes and other utensils, saving you time and money in the process.

Commercial plumbing can also prevent kitchen mishaps from occurring. A licensed and bonded plumber with a proven track record of success will quickly and accurately diagnose and treat the problem, ensuring that the job is done right the first time.

A dishwasher clog may seem innocuous at first, but it can quickly grow into a serious problem. A serious clog will render the device inoperational and may cause leaks that result in extensive water damage to your kitchen.

Dishwashers are an amazing invention that saves us time and money. Although they are incredibly convenient, they will break down from time to time and need to be fixed. 

It can be hard to know when your dishwasher needs cleaning. After all, how much time do you really spend staring at your dishwasher? We hope this blog post has helped you recognize the early warning signs of a clogged dishwasher so that you can be proactive about catching a potential problem before it becomes a big problem.