The dishwasher – it’s a convenience that’s made cleaning up after meals and keeping kitchens tidy much easier over the years.
For decades, this invention has found its way into many residential kitchens where people look to escape the damaged hands and frustrating struggles that come from trying to clean cookware the old-fashioned way. But beyond this, dishwashers have also proven invaluable at many commercial organizations and largescale facilities.
Restaurants, cafeterias, catering companies, and many other types of establishments all use a high volume of dishes on a regular basis. This means they need their automatic dishwashers to meet customer demand, stop the kitchen from getting backed up, and ensure business proceeds as normal.
But what happens when there is a clogged dishwasher? Not knowing how to fix a dishwasher can be costly, especially when there is a sink full of dirty dishes waiting at home or at work. However, this problem is not always difficult to fix.
Of all the household and culinary amenities a person may want to know how to fix, dishwasher and dishwasher accessories can sometimes be surprisingly simple.
The Dishwasher Won’t Drain: What Now?
When a person finds their dishwasher won’t drain, their first reaction may be that the unit has stopped functioning entirely and needs to be replaced.
Though this can sometimes be the case, it isn’t always true. Sometimes a drainage problem can be relatively simple to fix.
It should be noted that a small amount of clean water in the unit is normal, as it shows the water pump is working properly. But when the amount of water inside is excessive, it usually indicates a problem.
The first step is to locate the air gap at the top of the sink – it usually looks like a chrome cylinder. Remove the camp, and clean out the area using a stiff wire. It’s also a good idea to check the line for kinks or other problems which could be causing the drainage issues.
The next step is to shut the unit off and allow it to cool before removing the strainer under the bottom of the unit. Not all models allow this but, if they do, cleaning this component can result in big improvements to the way the unit drains.
After a thorough cleaning, the unit should drain properly. Any continued problems may indicate a clog in the sink drain lines.
Are All Dishwashers Prone to Clogs?
There is no way to ensure a dishwasher will always drain properly. Even the most popular models on the market may be subject to slow draining at some points, and this makes it valuable to understand the basics of dishwasher repair and maintenance.
It could be a GE dishwasher not draining, a Frigidaire dishwasher not draining, or a Bosch dishwasher not draining – no matter the brand or how long the unit has worked, a drainage issue can arise without warning.
Sometimes a minor clog may be present for weeks or even months before it is noticed.
It is true that, like all drainage issues, a clogged dishwasher can lead to more problems in the future. Even a minor blockage can be taking on the other components, and force the unit to function in a labored manner not recommended by the manufacturer.
Once a drainage issue has been taken care of, a person can use their dishwasher comfortably and reliably without issue.
However, it is also wise to know some other basic fixes for these important units.
Other Common Problems with Dishwashers
Dishwashers of all types may experience a wide range of simple problems.
For example, sometimes a person may have trouble getting their unit to power on. This can be an indication of a problem with the unit’s electrical components. Provided outlets and cables are fully operational, the answer may lie in the electrical panel.
If no fuse has been blown and the breaker box seems fine, the issue could be an electrical component in the dishwasher or the switch. Different machines have different controls, meaning each troubleshooting session will be unique.
Another common problem is that the dishwasher won’t fill up initially.
To handle this, check that the water supply is turned on and that all pipes leading to the unit are free of obstructions and functioning properly.
The next step is to turn the unit off and examine the float, checking to make sure it is connected properly.
The same steps should be taken with the water inlet valve.
Anyone who has ever experienced a problem with a dishwasher knows how frustrating it can be. Knowing how to perform these simple repair and servicing duties can prevent a lot of headache.
