If your dishwasher is clogged up and the water isn’t able to drain out, this guide will tell you how to fix it. Most of the time, this problem is quite easy to fix because it’s caused by a blocked drain hose or filter.
In this guide, we will explain how to check each possible cause of the problem so you can properly unclog your dishwasher and get it working again.
Let’s get started.
Check the drain hose and garbage disposal.
The best place to start is to check the drain hose to ensure that it isn’t blocked and the garbage disposal unit of your drainage system is connected to one. If either of these components is blocked, your dishwasher will clog up and won’t be able to drain.
Here’s how to check the drain hose and, if applicable, the garbage disposal unit:
1. Start by making sure the garbage disposal unit isn’t blocked up. If it is, unblock it.
2. Next, locate the drain hose (it’s at the back of your dishwasher).
3. Disconnect the drain hose at both ends (you’ll probably need to loosen the clamps on the hose to remove it).
4. Once removed, run hot water through the hose to check if it’s blocked. If blocked, use a piece of wire to unblock it and then reattach it to your dishwasher. If it’s not blocked, give it a quick wash before reattaching it to your dishwasher.
5. Once the hose is reattached, check if your dishwasher can now drain. If you’re still having drainage problems, check the drain filter.
Check the drain filter.
Most dishwashers have a drain pump filter that is there to catch any loose debris so they don’t get stuck in the pump. Before checking any of the more electrical components in your dishwasher, it’s a good idea to check the drain filter.
Here’s how to check the drain filter:
1. Locate the drain filter (it’s at the bottom of your dishwasher).
2. Remove it from the dishwasher.
3. Clean the filter with hot soapy water.
4. Place it back into your dishwasher.
5. Turn your dishwasher on and check if it can now drain. If not, check the drain impeller.
Check the drain impeller.
The next component to check is the drain impeller. The purpose of the drain impeller is to help drain water out of your dishwasher. If it becomes faulty, your dishwasher will clog up.
Here’s how to check the drain impeller:
1. Locate the drain impeller (you will find it at the bottom of your dishwasher).
2. Once located, inspect the impeller for any signs of damage.
3. If the impeller is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If it’s not damaged, put it back into the dishwasher and inspect the check valve.
4. If damaged, replace it. If it’s fine, move on to the next reason.
5. If you install a new impeller, check if your dishwasher now drains properly. If not, you will have to inspect the check valve.
Inspect the check valve.
The purpose of the check valve is to prevent water from coming back into the dishwasher when it’s draining out. Sometimes, the valve can get stuck, and water will accidentally come back into the dishwasher which causes it to clog up.
Here’s how to inspect the check valve:
1. Find the check valve (you can find it at the bottom of your dishwasher).
2. Test to see if you can manually open and close it.
3. If the valve is faulty, it will need to be replaced. If the valve is working correctly, check the drain solenoid.
4. Once replaced, turn your dishwasher on and check if it can now drain. If not, check the drain solenoid.
Check the drain solenoid.
The next component to check when you’re trying to unclog a dishwasher is the drain solenoid. The purpose of this component is to help the drain valve open and close so water can exit the dishwasher. If it’s faulty, the valve won’t work, and your dishwasher will clog up.
Here’s how to check the drain solenoid:
1. Locate the drain solenoid (you may need to access it from the bottom of your dishwasher which will require turning it on its side).
2. Once located, inspect the drain solenoid for any sign of damage.
3. If damaged, it will need to be replaced. If you don’t find any damage, check the drain valve.
4. Once the new solenoid is installed, turn your dishwasher back on and check if it now drains. If your dishwasher is still clogged up, check the drain valve.
Check the drain valve.
The drain valve in your dishwasher opens to let dirty water drain out after a wash cycle. If the valve becomes faulty, your dishwasher might clog up.
Here’s how to check the drain valve:
1. Locate the drain valve (you may need to access it from the bottom of your dishwasher which will require turning it on its side).
2. Inspect the valve to see if it’s blocked up or damaged in any way.
3. If blocked up, unblock it. If damaged, replace it. If fine, check the drain pump.
4. Once you’ve unclogged or replaced the valve, turn the dishwasher back on and check if it can now drain properly. If not, check the drain pump.
Check the drain pump.
The drain pump is the main component in your dryer that helps to drain out water after a wash cycle. If the pump or the pump motor becomes defective, your dishwasher might clog up. You will require a multimeter to test the drain pump motor and shouldn’t attempt the test unless you have experience testing electrical components.
Here’s how to check the drain pump:
1. Switch the power off to your dishwasher.
2. Locate the drain pump (you may need to access it from the bottom of your dishwasher which will require turning it on its side).
3. Once located, disconnect the wires from it and unthread the screws that hold it in position.
4. Remove the drain pump and test it with a multimeter.
5. If the drain pump motor doesn’t have continuity, it will need to be replaced. If the motor has continuity, reattach it to your dishwasher.6. If your dishwasher still doesn’t drain at this point, you might want to consider getting a qualified technician to come and inspect your appliance.
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