How to Fix a Clogged Dishwasher and Avoid Future Issues

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Unclog Your Dishwasher

1. First Of All, Have the Right Plumbing Tools

It’s good if you have a plumbing toolkit at home. If not, you can arrange some important tools that might be required to fix your dishwasher clogs.

• Bucket
• Towels
• Screwdrivers
• Drain Snake
• Soft Brush
• Pliers
• Gloves

2. Now, Turn Off the Power

There’s no hurry; always take care of your safety first. Before you touch anything, unplug your dishwasher or flip the breaker switch. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so always prioritize safety and take precautions!

3. Check the Drain Filter

Did you know that every dishwasher has a filter, usually located at the bottom of the interior? Over time, bits of food, grease, and soap scum can clog it up. Imagine how many clogs could be there if you haven’t cleaned the drain filter for a long time. Follow these steps to clean it -

• Slide out the bottom rack.
• You’ll spot a basket-like filter near the base.
• Carefully twist or pull it out (check your manual if needed).
• Rinse it under hot water with dish soap and scrub it with a soft brush

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4. Inspect the Drain

You must also check inside the drain hole, where food scraps, glass shards, or other debris may be hiding.

• Shine a flashlight inside.
• If you see buildup, carefully remove it.
• Pour in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Follow it up with boiling water to help flush everything down.

5. Check the Drain Hose

Do you always rinse your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher? Maybe not! Then, the leftover food items can block the drain hose. But don’t worry, it can be cleaned.

• Pull your dishwasher out.
• Locate the drain hose. The ribbed tube leads from your dishwasher to the sink or garbage disposal.
• Disconnect it gently.
• Run hot water through it or use a plumber’s snake to dislodge any clogs.

6. Don’t Forget the Garbage Disposal

If your dishwasher and garbage disposal are connected to the same drain, a clog in one can easily cause problems in the other. That’s why checking and clearing your garbage disposal is important when your dishwasher isn’t draining.

• Run the disposal to clear any leftover food.
• If the disposal was recently installed, make sure the knockout plug was removed.

7. Line Clog Could Also Be the Culprit

If you’ve checked the filter and drain hose and still can’t find the issue, the clog might be deeper in the plumbing system in the drain line. The drain line pipe carries dirty water out of your home. If it’s blocked, water from your dishwasher has nowhere to go. And since this type of clog is harder to reach, you’ll need a professional plumber to clear it safely and completely.

Here’s a simple test -
Are other drains in your home also slow or gurgling? That’s a red flag for a bigger drainage problem, and it’s time to call a licensed plumber.

8. Check Sewer Lines Too

A broken or damaged sewer line can stop all drainage in your home and even cause sewage to back up into your sinks or tubs. Not only this, but it also prevents smooth drainage. This kind of damage might be due to -

• Old pipes
• Shifting soil or foundation
• Tree root invasion

If you’re seeing water backing up in multiple fixtures or smelling foul odors from your drains, don’t wait. Call a professional plumber immediately.