If you have a larger family, then your dishwasher probably gets a lot of use. So when your dishwasher stops working properly, it can create a big headache to wash all those dishes by hand.
Whether it's dishes that aren't getting cleaned properly or water pooling up at the end of the dish cycle, we get a little antsy if our dishwasher gets clogged and we can’t figure out why.
Dishwashers are fairly complex machines with lots of moving parts, so the source of the clog can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint.
Let's take a closer look at the most common culprits to help you determine whether it's your dishwasher or sink drain clogged in Springfield Missouri.
The Filter Basket
Many newer dishwashers have a filter basket that catches food from going down the drain and getting into your pipes. This means you need to regularly clean out the filter basket, preferably at least once per month, or the food can accumulate and clog.
Hard water can also create deposits that clog up the filter basket’s holes, similar to other areas of your plumbing like your sink and shower head.
But if you didn't know that there was a filter basket inside your dish machine, then you probably haven't been thinking about taking it out to clean it on a regular basis.
The Drain Hose
Your dishwasher drain hose is connected to your sink drain or disposal and drains the dirty water from your dishwasher after use. Food particles and other debris can clog this drain hose and cause your dishwasher not to drain properly, potentially preventing your dishes from being fully cleaned.
The Spray Arms
Dishwashers typically have anywhere between one to three spray arms that spray water to clean your dishes. As with other areas inside your dishwasher, food particles can become trapped in them, causing them to not work properly. Thankfully, they’re easily removable and easy to clean.
Sink Drain Clogged
Sometimes the clog may not be inside the dishwasher, but further down your sewer line. These aren’t quite as easy to reach and clean out on your own, so you may need to look to hiring the services of a plumbing company in Springfield, Missouri if you have a sink drain clogged.
Clogs can occur in several different areas inside and outside of your dishwasher and cause all sorts of unwanted issues, from not properly cleaning your dishes to costly leaks that can damage your plumbing and floors.
If you need help determining the cause of a clog, call us at United Plumbing any time 24/7, and we’ll be there to get your dishwasher and the rest of your plumbing running as it should.