How To Fix A Blocked Dishwasher

Does a Blocked Dishwasher Cause the Water To Come Back into My Sink?

What Should I Do?

In most homes and businesses, dishwashers have become an essential part of our daily lives. These appliances not only save us time and effort but they are economical with water usage and they leave dishes and glassware cleaner than regular washing up. However, you might encounter an annoying problem at some stage, your dishwasher or the kitchen sink is clogged.
The water coming back into the sink or a sink that stops draining properly is a sure sign that something is amiss with the dishwashers drainage or the sinks drainage.

This issue is not only annoying, it could be the sign of something sinister starting to brew in your pipes.

Checking to see if it is a ‘sink thing’ or a ‘dishwasher thing’

Your dishwasher will not drain correctly if there is a blockage into your sinks drain
is the sink slow to drain?
Have you got a garbage disposal unit and water is also coming back up through this when you empty the sink? It is likely you need to unblock your sink.
The easiest way to do this is by following the steps in this blocked sink article
If this works and your dishwasher starts draining again – problem solved.
Just keep an eye on it and if it starts to drain slowly again, you may need a blocked drain plumber to come and jet out your drains and check for tree roots or damaged pipes.

If your dishwasher is still not draining well then follow the next steps to see if you can solve why it is not draining correctly.

Try These Steps To Unblock A Dishwasher

Firstly,Get what you need:
Cup and bucket
Sponge
Rubber or latex gloves
Washing up brush/bottle brush / Toothbrush
Plastic drain snake – Optional

1) Turn off the Power To Your Dishwasher!

The first thing to do is to turn off the power, and if you have a garbage disposal unit as well, turn that off as well.

2) Check Your Garbage Disposal Unit

If your kitchen has a garbage disposal unit (If you don’t have one – go to the next step), make sure it is clean and functioning correctly. If you think this is the issue. If it is working fine, then you know it is a dishwasher problem. If it isn’t working correctly, it will need to be cleared to get the dishwasher draining. Turn it off at the power point and use a pair of pliers to remove any debris or buildup around the blades and clean out the chamber of your disposal and see if this works. If it is all ok – Move to the next step.

3) Empty Your Dishwasher

Remove all the dishes and cutlery from the dishwasher and remove the bottom baskets or racks so you can access the filter if needed

4) Get Rid Of Sitting Water in the Bottom of the Dishwasher

If there’s water sitting in the bottom of your dishwasher, use a cup to scoop out the water. You will need to do this several times until all the water has been removed.
You will be able to access the filter basket. Remove this (and empty out any food debris in it)

5) Check the Air Gaps

Most dishwashers in Australia use a high loop method and you can see in the diagram whet this is. Check that the hose is not kinked or twisted or it has not dropped down from where it was attached.
If you have an above the sink air gap, you can unscrew it and use a brush to clean any visible gunk.
If you have a highloop, to clean this out you will need to disconnect it from the sinks S bend and flush it out. It gets messy and you may not get the connection back on snugly. This is when you will have to decide if you will call in a plumber.

6) Time to Call someone

You can call a plumber or an appliance repair tech. Both will be very similar in pricing.
A plumber can solve this if the dishwasher is still functioning and there is no electrical work involved.
You will need an appliance tech, if you think there is an issue with the dishwasher itself.

Why Does My Dishwasher Get Clogged?

Understanding how your dishwasher connects into your plumbing will help get to the bottom of the problem.
Typically, issue can be traced to problems with your kitchen plumbing system.
Here are some common reasons :

• Blockages in the Drainage System:

One of the most frequent reasons for a dishwasher backing up into the sink is blockages in the kitchen drain that the kitchen sink and the dishwasher is plumbed into. Over time, food particles, grease, soap scum, and debris can accumulate in the drainpipes, causing a restriction in water flow. When the dishwasher discharges water, it can’t flow freely go down the drain, so it can be forced to go up the drain and into the sink.

• Incorrect Drainage Connection:

Dishwashers are typically connected to the kitchen sink’s drainage system. If this connection is not installed properly, it can lead to backflow issues. If the drainage hose is not positioned correctly, water from the dishwasher may not flow directly into the sink’s drain, causing overflow and backup.

• Clogged Garbage Disposal:

Some kitchens may have a garbage disposal unit in the sink ( Yes they still exist) that can become clogged over time. If the disposal is blocked or not functioning correctly, it can impede the flow of water from the dishwasher, leading to go back up into the sink.

• Air Gap Issues:

In some areas, local building codes require the installation of an air gap device to prevent contamination of the dishwasher by dirty sink water. If this air gap device is not installed properly or becomes clogged, it can result in a backup issue.

Preventive Devices: The Importance of an Air Gap

Installing an air gap is a crucial preventive measure to prevent your dishwasher from backing up into the sink. 
An air gap is a device that creates a physical break between the dishwasher’s drain hose and the sink’s drain. This break prevents dirty water from the sink from flowing back into the dishwasher, maintaining the hygiene of your dishes and preventing the inconveniences mentioned above.

Commercial Dishwasher Blockages

Dishwasher backups can be particularly problematic in commercial settings like restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services. The volume of dishes and the continuous use of dishwashers can exacerbate the issue. Here’s how businesses can deal with this problem:

• Regular Maintenance:

Regular maintenance of the kitchen plumbing system is vital in commercial settings. Periodically inspect and clean the drainage system to prevent blockages that can lead to backups.

•  Professional Inspections:

Hiring professional plumbers for regular inspections can help detect and fix possible issues before they turn into significant problems. Preventive maintenance can save a business from the embarrassment and downtime caused by dishwasher backups.

• Invest in Quality Equipment:

Commercial dishwashers and equipment must be of high quality and properly installed to minimise the risk of backups. Consult with experts to ensure your dishwashing system is set up correctly.

Hiring The Blocked Drain Guys : The Ultimate Solution

While addressing minor blockages and ensuring proper installations can help ease some dishwasher backup problems, there are situations in which professional plumbing services become indispensable. Here’s why you should consider hiring our professional plumbers to address the problem:

• Expertise:

Our professional plumbers have the skills and experience to diagnose the root causes of dishwasher backups accurately. They have the ability to spot hidden issues that might not be obvious right away and offer practical solutions. 

• Specialised Tools:

Our plumbers have access to specialised tools and equipment to help them efficiently address plumbing issues. These tools are often not readily available to the average homeowner or business owner.

• Time-Saving:

Dishwasher backups can disrupt your daily life or business operations. We can resolve the problem quickly, minimising downtime and inconvenience.

• Long-Term Solutions:

Our plumbers don’t just fix the current issue; they also put in place lasting solutions to prevent future backups. This ensures that you won’t face the same issue again in the near future.

Summing it Up!

Blocked dishwashers and blocked sinks cause frustration and inconvenience.
Understanding the potential causes, addressing the issue with preventive measures like air gaps, and hiring professional plumbers when needed are essential steps to maintaining a smooth and hassle-free dishwashing experience. 
The Blocked Drain Guys are just a phone call away and we can get any sink or dishwasher blockage fixed fast!
Call us on 1800744737