Clogged Sink & Dishwasher

In the event of a clogged sink or dishwasher, homeowners should check the basics first. Start by inspecting the dishwasher, sink and all of the lines, looking for simple issues such as a kinked hose, pooled water or other clues to the cause of the clog. A buildup of food particles from the dishwasher outflow may add to the biofilm lining of pipes, causing more clogs.

Warning

Avoid using a caustic product to open a drain connected to the dishwasher. Some ingredients in drain openers and clog removers may damage rubber or other components. Try an enzyme drain cleaner on a slow drain or partial clog. Enzyme drain cleaners are not caustic and not for use on complete clogs.

Considerations

When attempting to plunge a sink drain to clear a clog while the drain is connected to a dishwasher, This Old House recommends first clamping off the hose to the dishwasher. This helps to isolate the plunger pressure within the main pipe. Homeowners should limit their attempts to dislodge a clog to two to three attempts, as they may damage pipes with repeated tries or too much force.

Prevention/Solution

For clogged drains, including dishwasher drain pipes, DIY Life suggests running a garden hose indoors and directing the water down the drain. This harnesses the additional force of the water to dislodge the clog. Insert the hose into the drain, wrap a towel around the hose, covering the drain's hole, then turn on the hose.

References

• This Old House: Clearing Kitchen Sink Clogs
• DIY Life: Cheap Trick: 2 Secret Ways to Clear Clogged Drains
• Liquid-Plumr: FAQs
• Ask the Builder: Drain Cleaners -- What Works / What Doesn't; Tim Carter
• This Old House: Clear Any Clogged Drain

Resources

• This Old House: Clear Any Clogged Drain