How To Unclog A Dishwasher (Step By Step Guide) - Oh So Spotless

Opening your dishwasher to find a murky pool of gray water is the worst. Your dishes are dirty, the smell is funky, and that water just won’t go down. Unfortunately, you are dealing with a clogged dishwasher.

While this looks gross, it is usually an easy fix. We have the best tips, hacks, and methods to get that water draining again.

If these DIY fixes don’t work, we recommend calling a professional plumber. There could be a deeper issue within your plumbing system.

Key Takeaways

• Start simple: Clean the filter basket and check the drain hose connection first.
• Check the disposal: A clogged garbage disposal is the most common reason a dishwasher won’t drain.
• Inspect the air gap: If you have a cylinder next to your faucet, it might be blocked with debris.
• Try DIY solutions: Use vinegar and baking soda to break up minor clogs before calling a pro.

In This Article

• Is My Dishwasher Clogged?
• Dishwasher Not Draining?
• Unclogging a Dishwasher
• Dishwasher Use with Clogged Sink?
• Boiling Water to Unclog Drains?
• Unclog Dishwasher with Vinegar
• Coke to Unclog Drains?
• FAQs
• Fix the Clogs

How Do I Know If My Dishwasher Is Clogged?

You will know you have a drainage issue if you spot these signs:

• Incomplete cycles: The dishwasher shuts off before finishing the wash.
• Standing water: There is a pool of water sitting at the bottom of the tub.
• Gurgling sounds: You hear strange noises coming from the drain during the cycle.
• Slow draining: Water drains eventually, but it takes much longer than usual.

Bottom Line

If water sits in your appliance after the cycle ends, you likely have a clog in the drain path.

Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

There are a few reasons why your dishwasher is holding water. Food scraps usually cause the blockage, but mechanical issues can also be the culprit.

• Clogged Filter: Food debris often gets stuck in the filter basket, preventing water from passing through.
• Blocked Air Gap: If you have an air gap installed on your sink, residue buildup here will stop drainage.
• Garbage Disposal Plug: If you recently installed a new disposal, you might have forgotten to remove the “knockout plug.”
• Drain Hose Kinks: A bent or kinked hose behind the machine restricts water flow.
• Faulty Pump: The pump assembly might have broken parts or debris blocking the impeller.
• Bad Timer or Solenoid: If the timer doesn’t tell the drain valve to open, the water stays put.

How to Unclog a Dishwasher

We have broken this down into the most effective methods. Start with the filter and work your way down the list.

Pro Tip

Always check your owner’s manual first. Your specific brand might have unique maintenance instructions.

Clean the Filter Basket

This is the most common cause of standing water.

What You Need

• Cup or bowl.
• Bucket.
• Rubber gloves.
• Dish soap.
• Old toothbrush.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove standing water: Wear gloves and use a cup to scoop the dirty water into a bucket.
2. Access the filter: Locate the filter at the bottom of the tub. You usually twist it to unlock it.
3. Remove debris: Pull out the filter basket. Clear any large food scraps from the well where the filter sits.
4. Scrub the filter: Wash the filter in your sink with warm soapy water. Use a toothbrush to scrub the mesh screen clean.
5. Test it: Reinstall the filter and run a short cycle to see if it drains.

Check the Garbage Disposal

Your dishwasher drains into your disposal. If the disposal is full or clogged, the dishwasher cannot empty.

What You Need

• Pliers.
• Towel.
• Screwdriver.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Run the disposal: Turn on the water and run the disposal for 30 seconds to clear any food.
2. Check the connection: If that doesn’t work, locate the drain hose connecting the dishwasher to the disposal.
3. Inspect for clogs: Place a towel under the sink. Use pliers to disconnect the hose. Check the end of the hose and the disposal inlet for debris.
4. Check the plug: If this is a new disposal installation, ensure the knockout plug inside the inlet was removed. If not, use a screwdriver and hammer to tap it out.
5. Reconnect: Secure the hose clamp and run a test cycle.

Clean the Air Gap

If you have a small silver cylinder next to your kitchen faucet, that is an air gap. It prevents dirty water from backflowing, but it clogs easily.

What You Need

• Paper towel tube.
• Tweezers.
• Bottle brush.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the cover: Pull the silver cover straight up to remove it. You will see a plastic cap underneath.
2. Remove the cap: Unscrew or unsnap the plastic cap.
3. Clear debris: Use tweezers to pull out any gunk you see. You can also blow through a paper towel tube placed over the hole to force debris out.
4. Scrub: Use a small bottle brush to clean the inside of the air gap.

Clear the Drain Hose

If the filter and disposal are clear, the clog might be deeper in the hose.

What You Need

• Bucket.
• Plumber’s snake or straightened wire hanger.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Disconnect the hose: Remove the drain hose from under the sink. Keep a bucket ready to catch spills.
2. Snake the line: Gently insert a plumber’s snake or wire hanger into the hose.
3. Break the clog: Rotate the tool to break up any blockage. Be gentle to avoid puncturing the hose.
4. Flush it out: Reconnect the hose and run the dishwasher.

Can I Run My Dishwasher If My Sink Is Clogged?

No, you should not run the dishwasher if the sink is clogged. Most dishwashers drain into the same pipe as the sink. If the sink pipe is blocked, the water from the dishwasher has nowhere to go. It will likely back up into the dishwasher tub or overflow onto your kitchen floor.

Does Boiling Water Unclog Drains?

Boiling water can dissolve minor grease clogs. It is an easy, chemical-free method to try before taking things apart.

1. Prep the water: Boil a kettle of water.
2. Remove standing water: Scoop out as much water as possible from the bottom of the dishwasher.
3. Pour: Slowly pour the boiling water directly into the drain basket.
4. Wait: Let it sit for 15 minutes. If it drains, repeat the process to ensure the line is clear.

Warning

Do not use boiling water if you have PVC pipes or plastic fittings, as the intense heat could soften or damage them.

How Do I Unclog My Dishwasher with Vinegar?

You can create a fizzy, grime-fighting reaction using vinegar and baking soda.

• Mix it: Pour one cup of white vinegar into the drain basket.
• Add powder: Dump half a cup of baking soda on top of the vinegar.
• Wait: Let the mixture fizz and sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Flush: Pour hot water down the drain to flush out the loosened debris.

Can Coke Unclog a Drain?

It sounds strange, but some homeowners swear by Coke. The phosphoric acid in soda can help break down lime scale and minor clogs (1).

1. Pour: Pour a two-liter bottle of room-temperature Coke down the drain.
2. Wait: Leave it alone for at least one hour (longer is better).
3. Rinse: Flush the drain with hot water.
4. Test: Run a short cycle to see if the water drains.

FAQs

What Are the Parts of a Dishwasher Called?

The main components include the upper and lower racks, wash impeller (arms that spin), heating element, detergent dispenser, silverware basket, control panel, filter basket, and drain pump.

Where Is the Dishwasher Drain Pump?

The drain pump is located underneath the dishwasher tub. You usually have to remove the bottom kickplate (toe kick) to access it. It connects the dishwasher tub to the drain hose.

Is It Worth Fixing a Dishwasher?

Yes, it is usually worth fixing if the problem is a clog or a minor part like a valve or seal. However, if the motor or main control board fails on an appliance older than 8 years, it might be more cost-effective to replace it.

How Much Does It Cost to Unclog a Dishwasher?

Doing it yourself costs less than $10 for vinegar or a drain snake. If you hire a plumber, expect to pay between $75 and $150 depending on your location and the severity of the clog.

How Can I Improve My Dishwasher Performance?

Scrape food off plates before loading, clean the filter weekly, inspect the spray arms for clogged holes, and run a monthly cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar.

Can You Put Drano In a Dishwasher to Unclog It?

No, you should generally avoid using Drano or harsh chemical drain openers in a dishwasher. These chemicals can corrode the rubber seals and plastic pump components, leading to leaks. They can also leave toxic residue on your dishes.

How Do I Force My Dishwasher to Drain?

Most modern dishwashers have a “Cancel/Drain” function. Press and hold the “Start” or “Cancel” button for 3 seconds (check your panel for labels). The machine should make a humming noise as the pump activates to force water out.

Fix the Clogs

A clogged dishwasher is a major inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to ruin your week. Most of the time, the solution is as simple as cleaning the filter or clearing the garbage disposal.

Check your manufacturer’s manual for specific diagrams if you get stuck. If you have tried the methods above and water still won’t move, it is time to call a pro. Good luck getting that sparkle back!

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