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Dishwasher Troubleshooting: What To Do If Your Dishwasher Is Not Draining

22 April 2015

Frederick Hamilton

Among the different problems you might experience with your dishwasher, water not draining completely is one of the most frustrating. When the water isn't draining, it might be due to the appliance, or the plumbing that is connected to the appliance. Here are some different things you should do when the water isn't draining properly from your dishwasher.

Check the Sink Plumbing

Since the plumbing of your dishwasher is likely connected to your kitchen sink, that is the first thing you should check. Turn on the water and make sure it is running properly. If your sink water is running slow or having a problem draining, then that is probably where the dishwasher draining problem lies. While you are checking the kitchen sink plumbing, also take a moment to turn on the garbage disposal. This lets you get through any food particles that might be stuck in the sink and are causing a blockage in the sink plumbing. If the garbage disposal is not working properly, it might need to be fixed before your dishwasher will drain.

Check the Air Gap

If you have an air gap, which is the vertical space between the dishwasher plumbing and the kitchen sink, that should also be inspected. If there is a blockage somewhere in the air gap, it can cause issues with the dishwasher plumbing. You will need to locate the cap for the air gap, remove it, and find the tube that goes to the sink or garbage disposal from the dishwasher area. Remove any obstructions you find and clean it out thoroughly.

Find the Drain Connection

The next thing you will need to check to figure out why your dishwasher isn't draining is the dishwasher drain connection. This will be the line that goes from the garbage disposal to the drain tube located behind your dishwasher. You can actually check this while the air gap is still open, as you will be able to see the drain connection and clear obstructions at the same time.

If you have completed these troubleshooting tasks, but your dishwasher is still failing to drain, it is time to call a plumber or dishwasher technician. It could be a plumbing issue, such as the pump of the dishwasher. On the other hand, there might be dishwasher mechanisms that need to be replaced, which would require the help of an appliance repair technician. In some cases, hiring a professional is your only option.

Talk to experts like A Pittsburgh Service Center for more information.

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