How to Unclog a Dishwasher

If your dishwashing machine is backing up and overflowing, or if it just isn’t cleaning dishes as well as it used to, it might be clogged.

However, if you do detect a large amount of stinky water at the bottom of the appliance full of scraps, don’t worry – there is a solution. It is an option to fix it on your own, or if you doubt whether the machine could have a more serious breakdown, we advise you to call professionals to make sure your appliance does not need repair.

What to do when you have to unclog your dishwasher?

First, take out all tableware and cutlery from your machine and separate dirty tableware from clean ones.
Switch off the power of the dishwashing machine and any access to the mains.
Next, prepare all the essential supplies for cleaning your machine: sponges, rags, a bucket, drain cleaning tools, rubber gloves. Having prepared the right things, you can get to work.

In this article, I will walk you through the steps to take to clear out the dishwashing machine and get it running like new. Keep reading for more information!

Unclog a dishwasher: do it right

Let’s talk about this in detail. Here’s how you unclog a dishwasher:

Wear gloves and wipe any water you see in the machine with a sponge or piece of cloth.
Next, disconnect the filter basket and rinse it. You can use detergents for this, then take it back.
Check if the water flows down without any problems.

What can you do if the water in the dishwasher does not flow down properly?

If the problem persists after removing the water from the bottom of the dishwashing machine, proceed to the next steps:

Inspect the drain hose. Disconnect it by placing a container under it in case water comes out of it. Inspect the drain hose for blockages and stuck debris; you can use a blockage cleaner.
If everything is in order with the drain hose, the problem may be in the drain itself. Take away the filter basket. After placing buckets and rags next to it, start rinsing the drain; you can use a means to clean the blockages. If you come across food scraps, remove them. If your problem was not a clogged drain of the dishwashing machine, then we advise you to contact a specialist.

What other causes can there be for stagnant water in the dishwashing machine?

Let’s look at a few more reasons for this unpleasant situation:

Pump. It may be defective or clogged with detritus. If you need to replace the pump, you should pay attention as it will consist of several parts. Therefore, it is worth determining whether the entire pump needs to be replaced with a new one or only its parts.
Inappropriate belt. Dishwasher belt issues are not common, but they do happen. If you can replace the belt yourself, you will.
Engine. This may be causing problems too. If the engine does not run properly, replace it.
Timer. The timer on your machine may be out of order. Difficulties with the timer may be that the hornets slip inside it, and the timer itself does not activate the cycle. Take away this timer and take it for repair or replace it with a new one.
Piston or solenoid. If any of this is out of order, that is a reason for drain issues. The piston is designed so that water can drain from the machine as expected; the solenoid activates this command, which is controlled by a timer located on the dishwashing machine. If you followed the instructions regarding the timer, check the piston and solenoid for damage. Probably, these parts should be repaired or new ones purchased.

If you have tried these methods for cleaning your dishwashing machine, but this did not give you the expected result, we advise you to contact an appliance repair service.

How to clean dishwasher drain with baking soda and other uncloging products

There are a few home-made solutions that can help to unclog your dishwasher and improve its performance:

Boiling water. This is a common modus of clearing blockages that is not difficult and cost-effective. First, remove any stagnant water from the machine with a rag or towel. Boil water and pour it into the drainage. You may not get the desired result the first time, so repeating this procedure several times can lead you to success.

Watch out! Don’t use this option if your pipes are made of PVC – it could be costing you huge problems.

Water, baking soda, vinegar. Pour 2:1 vinegar and baking soda into a basket and let it sit for about a quarter of an hour, then pour boiling water into it.
Coca-Cola. Let the soda stand so that it sinks to the bottom. Pour this liquid down the drain. Let it sit for a few hours, and then pour it into the sink.

Keep the dishwashing machine clean

To keep your appliance in working condition as long as possible, take care of it. The basic recommendations can help you prolong the life span:

Before turning on the machine to wash the tableware, get rid of food scraps.
Wipe the device, especially after using it.
Check the filter for any extraneous items.
When utilising the washing machine, use specific detergents.

Why you should turn to Atlas Appliance Repair

Atlas Appliance Repair offers professional repair services. The company provides a wide range of services for different types of appliances. A team of highly skilled technicians has years of experience working with home equipment, providing fast diagnostics, high-quality repairs, and affordable prices.

Our team will be able to repair all household appliances in your home that need it, from microwaves to hoods and even garbage chutes. We work with both electric and gas powered equipment. We are effective in our work, so be sure that your equipment serves for a long time. To find out more about our services, please visit our website.

Water leaks away.
Lack of water inside the machine. This can be noticeable if you take out dry and dirty dishes after using the dishwasher.
Lack of catchment.
The machine does not use your abstergent.
The water in it is chilly.
The dishwasher makes a lot of noise during operation.