Dishwasher not working correctly? What you can fix, and when to seek help

Dishwashers make life much easier. They save time and get dishes cleaner than you ever could by hand. But like any mechanical device, they occasionally break down. 

In this blog, we’ll look at common dishwasher problems, and what you can fix, and when it is best to seek professional help.

Is there water at the bottom of your dishwasher?

Chances are something has become clogged. It could be simple — a clogged filter or hose. Sometimes food or sediment can build up and cause a clog. But you might have a deeper plumbing issue that could require a professional plumber. 

Make sure the dishwasher is on

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way and make sure your dishwasher didn’t get turned off accidentally.

Check the door to make sure it’s secured. If the dishwasher isn’t closed and latched, it won’t drain properly. 

Some dishwashers are plugged into a power outlet controlled by a switch. Make sure this didn’t get switched off.

Are your drain hoses clogged?

The drain hoses of your dishwasher connect to your sink or garbage disposal. If either becomes clogged, your drain hoses will also clog, which can prevent your dishwasher from draining. 

Sometimes a full garbage disposal can prevent water from draining properly. You might also have an air gap in a connecting hose. Try running the disposal for about 30 seconds to see if that helps. 

Your drain hose can also become clogged with a nasty, thick gunk, which will prevent your dishes from cleaning properly. You’ll need to locate your drain hose and remove the gunk. This can be tricky. If you don’t have plumbing experience or are good with tools, this task probably goes into the list for seeking professional help.

Clogged filters

You’ll find your dishwasher filters toward the back, inside the machine. They are typically one large basket filter and one smaller mesh filter. They’re designed to catch food and residue when you run your dishwasher. You’ll need to clean them periodically. If they become clogged, the dishwasher won’t drain properly.

If you find yourself cleaning your filters often, however, you might need to rinse your dishes better to remove large chunks of food.

Other pipes are clogged

If you have been through this list and still not solved the problem, you might have other pipes in your house that are clogged. Check sinks, toilets and bathtubs throughout your home for other drainage problems. If this is the case, the clog might be pretty deep (and serious). 

This will require the expertise of a professional plumber.  

Call Plumbers 911!

Need a plumber fast? Call Plumber 911. 

We’re a network of professional plumbing contractors. One call will connect you to a certified professional plumber in your area who can fix the problem quickly.

All contractors referred by Plumbers 911 are professionally vetted. This includes ensuring their employees have completed a rigorous training and qualification process, including background checks and drug testing. Trust Plumbers 911 to solve your plumber emergency fast.