How to Fix a Clogged Dishwasher Drain

Clogged dishwasher drains result from leftover food stuck on dirty dishes. Several places may clog with food, or grease, preventing the dishwasher from flushing out the dirty water. Just like your sink drain, you need to unclog the drain to make it run right. Before starting to unclog the machine, make sure it is unplugged or the electricity to the dishwasher is off. By checking several places on the dishwasher, you can save some money before hiring a plumber.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Shallow pan
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Garden hose
• Wire

Instructions

1. Remove as much water as possible from the dishwasher then check the drain cover. Be careful because the water may be very hot. Clear away any food or debris that is on the drain cover with your fingers, or with a paper towel. The drain cover is usually located at the base of the dishwasher toward the back, and has a series of small drainage holes. Unscrew the drain cover and clean out any food or debris that may be clogging the dishwasher beneath it.

2. Unscrew the drain cover. Check for any food or debris clogging the dishwasher.

3. Replace the drain cover once you have it cleaned out.

4. Run the dishwasher to see if it will drain. If it is still plugged, remove as much water as you can and proceed to the next step.

5. Open the bottom panel of the dishwasher by removing the screws that hold it in place. Disconnect the drain hose from the pump assembly.

6. Check the drain hose to see if it is tangled, bent or kinked. If the hose looks normal, the blockage may be inside the hose.

7. Place a pan or small container below the hose. This will catch any excess water that is left in the hose.

8. Pinch the wire clamp with pliers or use a screwdriver to unscrew the bolts. Once the clamp is loosened, slide the clamp up the hose.

9. Take the hose outdoors and, using the garden hose with full water pressure, try forcing the water through. This should remove any clog in the hose. You can snake a long piece of wire into the hose and try to pull the clog free.

10. Reconnect this hose to the dishwasher and fasten the clamp to hold it tightly in place. Also, remove and empty the small pan or container.

11. Place the pan or small container below the circulation hose. This will catch any excess water that is left in the hose.

12. Remove the circulation hose from the dishwasher. Remove the clamp with pliers or you may need a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the clamp in place.

13. Take this hose outside. Flush the debris out by turning the garden hose on full blast, forcing water through one end of the hose. You can also use a long piece of wire to dislodge the clog.

14. Reconnect this hose to the dishwasher and fasten the clamp to hold it tightly in place. Remove the small pan or bowl.

15. Replace the bottom panel of the dishwasher and screw it in place.

16. Run the dishwasher to see if the water drains out. If it does not, you may need to call in a professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Disconnect the dishwasher from the electric outlet before working on it.

References

• Appliance Aid.com: Appliance Aid
• Part Select: Checking a Dishwasher's Drain Hose for Blockage