Five Signs Your Dishwasher and Kitchen Plumbing Might Be Clogged

Having a dishwasher at home is a convenient way to ensure that our dishes are properly cleaned and sanitized. However, when the dishwasher malfunctions and water starts overflowing onto the kitchen floor, it can quickly become a nightmare. Several plumbing issues may be causing the appliance to overflow.

If this happens, the first step is to stop the dishwasher cycle by opening the door. Then, it’s best to switch off the power supply in the breaker box as a safety measure. After that, you can examine the kitchen plumbing for any potential clogs.

1. Check the drain screens and filter inside the dishwasher.

When drain screens and filter baskets become clogged with food and grease, water may not drain as efficiently, resulting in water retention during the cycle. This can lead to water overflowing from the sides of the dishwasher.

To avoid this issue, it’s recommended to clean the screens and filter every few cycles. Many modern dishwashers have removable screens and filters that can be easily rinsed with hot water. In case the buildup is significant, it’s best to wash them by hand using a mild dishwashing detergent. 

Be sure to rinse thoroughly to eliminate all traces of soap before reinserting them into the dishwasher.

2. Check the kitchen sink drain.

To check for drainage issues, run water down the drain on the same side of the sink where the dishwasher discharge hose is connected. If the water backs up or drains slowly, it’s likely that the problem lies in the drain line. This issue can be easily resolved by contacting a plumber for a drain cleaning service.

3. Check the garbage disposal.

If you have a garbage disposal, the dishwasher discharge hose is most likely connected to it. If the disposal has not completely broken down some leftover food, it can cause a clog in the system. To resolve this issue, switch on the cold water and run the disposal.

If the unit does not turn on, you should reset it by pressing the red button at the bottom of the unit. Before pushing the reset button, make sure the power switch is off. After running the disposal, check if the water is draining correctly. If it’s not, it may indicate a drain clog.

If the disposal still does not turn on after pressing the red button, or if it starts and then stops, it is likely that there is a problem with the disposal. In such a scenario, contacting a plumber to investigate the problem is advisable. It’s possible that the disposal issue is what’s causing your dishwasher to fail to drain.

4. Check the dishwasher drain hose.

Clogs inside the dishwasher drain hose may develop due to food and grease accumulation. To check for this, remove the hose from under the sink and hang it into a bucket. After that, start the dishwasher and choose a quick wash cycle to confirm that water is flowing out of the dishwasher. If water is not pumping out, you should contact a plumber to clean or replace the dishwasher drain hose.

5. Make sure the dishwasher door seal and door are fully closed.

Pots, pans, or handles that extend beyond the dishwasher baskets and into the door area can prevent the door from closing and sealing correctly. Additionally, it’s advisable to inspect the door seal and clean off any food or grease buildup, as these factors can also hinder a tight seal that keeps water inside.

If you are experiencing plumbing problems in your kitchen or any other area of your home, you can seek assistance from MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning by dialing 281-603-9949 today! We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Katy and the greater Houston area.