A clogged dishwasher drain may feel like a major problem, but it’s actually easier to fix than you might think! Read on for step-by-step instructions from All Brands Appliance Repair, your source for comprehensive appliance care in Wilmington and the surrounding area. We’ll walk you through how to locate and remove clogs on your own. 

Safety First!

When you’re ready to venture into the world of DIY dishwasher care, the first thing you need to do is make sure that both your dishwasher and garbage disposal (if applicable) are turned off and that the power is disconnected. This simple step is the most important thing you can do to prevent injury when you’re troubleshooting issues involving water and electricity!

Gather Your Materials

Before you start working on your dishwasher or garbage disposal, gather your owner’s manuals for those appliances. You may need some help finding the location of behind-the-scenes parts like hoses and drains. If you can’t get your hands on the paper manuals, you can often find electronic versions online. 

Once you’ve found the manuals, collect the other items you’ll need. These include: 

• A straightened out wire coat hanger
• Baking soda
• Vinegar

Check Your Dishwasher Drain Hose

If you have a dishwasher and a garbage disposal, the hose that connects the two is the most likely culprit for a clog. After you’ve turned off the power, use your owner’s manual to determine the location of this hose. You may need to pull your dishwasher away from the wall to reach it.

Once you’ve found the hose, gently disconnect it and use the straightened coat hanger to locate and extract the clog. Reconnect the hose and you’re good to go!

Clear Your Dishwasher Drain

If you don’t find a clog in the drain hose, or if removing the clog doesn’t solve the problem, the actual dishwasher drain may be clogged. Refer to your owner’s manual to find the drain. Remove the outer drain catch and filter and clean them off. Then, deploy your trusty coat hanger to gently seek out and remove any internal clogs within the drain.

If you can’t find any clogs inside, then it’s time for the baking soda and vinegar. Pour in about one tablespoon of baking soda into the drain, and follow with a splash of vinegar. This will cause a gentle chemical reaction that should clear out any debris.

Time to Reconnect

Wait a few minutes to allow the baking soda and vinegar to work, then replace the filters and drain catch and turn the power back on. Start the dishwasher to flush the drain and make sure that it’s working properly.

When to Call the Pros

If there’s still a problem after you’ve gone through these steps, then it might be time to call in the experts. The team at All Brands Appliance Repair is here to help folks in Wilmington and the surrounding area with all of your dishwasher troubles. While we encourage you to try your hand at DIY clog removal, we’re also happy to assist if you haven’t had success. Don’t hesitate to call us if you need additional help!