Is your dishwasher not draining all the way? It might be something small that you can fix yourself.
With our simple list of trade tips, it’s easy to check. Work through these one at a time, and you could save yourself much stress.
If these DIY tricks don’t work, we at We Repair Appliance are always available to come to your home and get your dishwasher draining properly in no time. At We Repair Appliance, we serve the communities in and around Toronto, including Brampton, Newmarket, Markham, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, and Vaughan. Please call us at 647.370.5557 for a free quote.
Is the Dishwasher Level?
If the machine is new, check that it’s level. You might not notice slight variances in the floor, but they impact the performance of these appliances. If the machine bumps up against other furniture, it may not close properly.
Is the Door Closed and Latched?
An improperly shut door is a common cause of a Samsung dishwasher not draining. Push on the door and ensure that it clicks into place. Latch it and start a new cycle to see if that solves the issue.
Did it Complete the Cycle?
If there was a power outage, it could interrupt the cycle. An interrupted cycleis often the case with an older General Electric (GE) dishwasher not draining. With newer models, the cycle starts up again when the power comes back on.
To be sure, check to see if you have a “Cancel”or “Drain”option. Most manufacturers allow for manual drainage. If you don’t see the option on the control panel, check the manual. You might have to press a few different keys to activate the function.
Is the Electrical Outlet Switched On?
If you control the power using a switch on the wall, check the switch. It’s easy to accidentally flip the wrong switch when turning off your garbage disposal, for example.
Is the Food Filter Clear?
When a KitchenAid dishwasher is not draining, clean out the filter. If food or too much detergent residue clogs the holes, the water can’t clear out effectively. Clogging also affects how well the appliance cleans your dishes.
If the dishes aren’t coming out as clean as usual, drainage issues aren’t usually far off. It’s best to rinse out the filter once every two to four weeks to keep it clear.
Soak the filter in hot, soapy water and scrub away dirt. Rinse it in clean water before putting it back into the machine.
For a good, deep cleanse, empty the machine at the same time. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom to remove any musty smells. Run the device on a hot cycle without detergent.
This technique removes detergent residue from the walls and sanitizes the interior. The baking soda absorbs smells and brightens the interior.
What is the Condition of the Pump Seal?
You’ll find the pump seal either at the bottom of the dishwasher or in the front. It will be at the lowest point of the interior, where the water drains out.
The seal prevents water from flowing back into the machine from the pipe. This part wears out naturally over time. If you have problems with an older Whirlpool dishwasher not draining, this is the first place to look.
It’s normal to find a little water there. The liquid prevents the rubber from drying out. However, it’s not normal for liquid to be completely covering the bottom. If this is the case, you may have a damaged gasket.
Look for signs of corrosion, cracks, or breaks in the seal. If you see evidence that the rubber has deteriorated, request a service call with We Repair Appliance. Just give us the make and model, and we’ll come out with the correct replacement part.
What’s the Condition of the Drainage Hose?
Switch the machine off at the plug and inspect the drain hose. Problems with the drainage hose are one of the leading reasons for an LG dishwasher not draining.
Check for:
- Kinks that might interfere with adequate drainage
- Clogs
- A knockout plug that’s still in place
- The pipe hanging slackly – it should be tacked under the counter for the best results
- Too much pipe – the longer the hose is, the farther the water has to travel
- Damage, breaks, or corrosion
Is Your Garbage Disposal or Drain Clear?
Water backing up in the sink or the garbage disposal points to a problem with your plumbing. As the dishwasher usually empties into one of the two, a clog here will cause trouble.
Try running the disposal to clear it. If that doesn’t help, pour hot, not boiling, water into the hole. If the clog is due to congealed grease, the water might clear it.
Alternatively, use a plunger to try and shift the obstruction. If you’re not having any luck, you may need to call in a plumber.
Is the Air Gap in the SinkBlocked?
The air gap is the vertical piece of plumbing that runs under the water outlet in your sink. It runs parallel to the wall and prevents dirty dishwater from flowing back and contaminating the clean water. If it’s blocked, it will affect how well the water drains.
The air gap has a vent above the counter. If this vent “weeps,”you know it’s blocked. You can check for an obstruction manually by removing the cap and blowing into the vent.
If you feel resistance, it’s clogged. Blowing forcefully into the vent may be enough to dislodge slight obstructions. If not, check the instruction manual for how to clear out grime.
You may be able to wash it with hot water. If the dirt is stubborn, you might instead use a bottle brush to remove it. Remove the brush gently to prevent the grime from splattering on you.
Be sure to replace the cap afterward.
What if None of These Tips Works?
If none of these tricks works, the problem may be a more serious issue like pump failure. Our expert technicians at We Repair Appliance can isolate the root cause quickly. Call us at We Repair Appliance at 647.370.5557 or book online to schedule a service visit.
How to Prevent Problems In Future
Following the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding use is a good start. Next, try to run full loads where possible to reduce overall wear and tear.
It also helps to empty the machine once a week and leave the door open overnight. While not essential, this prevents the inside from developing a stale smell.
Finally, perform routine maintenance.
At Least Once a Month
Clean out the food filter and the spray arms. An old toothbrush is ideal for clearing the holes on the spray arm. The bristles get right into the gaps and remove soap scum and scale.
Now, run a hot cycle on empty. If the interior smells bad, sprinkle baking soda on it the night before you run the hot cycle.
If you live in a hard water area, or find that you have many detergent streaks, skip the baking soda. Instead, place a cup of vinegar into a bowl that’s dishwasher safe. Run the hot cycle as before.
The vinegar dissolves built-up scale, scum, and grease. It also kills bacteria that may lurk in the crevices. Finally, it neutralizes terrible odours.
As a final touch, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to mop up any tough-to-remove remnants.
Once a Year
Set aside one afternoon a year to deal with the major maintenance tasks. Be sure to perform the following tasks:
- Give the filter a deep cleanse by soaking it in hot soapy water. Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub out food and detergent residue
- Clean any residue in the trap using hot water and a brush, too
- Scrub the spray arms clean, removing any residual soap in the holes
- Look at the coating of the dish racks for cracking and peeling. If the sealant starts to peel off, you should buy more (available online) to paint over the cracks. If you don’t, the metal may begin to rust
- If the caps are missing, check the manufacturer’s website and see if you can order replacements. They’ll usually also sell a glue that’ll stand up to the high heat of washing
- Check that the door seals properly. If it doesn’t, you should log a service call with We Repair Applianceto get us to install a replacement professionally
- Make sure that the hose clamps are still secure and that they’re at the right angle
- Read through the manufacturer’s recommendations about how to check that the various parts are working correctly
Alternately, let us complete the mucky task for you. At We Repair Appliance, we serve the Greater Toronto Area. Please call us at 647.370.5557 for a free quote.
During an annual maintenance visit, our technicians:
- Check and unclog the filters and deep clean the interior
- Look for parts that commonly wear out and replace them as necessary
- Clean and service the motor
- Check the overall efficiency of the device and identify trouble spots
- Make sure that the pre-heating mechanism is working correctly
- Clear out the air gap and check the hose
- Confirm that the pump and pump seal are in good working order
- Check the door seals
A professional service pays for itself by improving your appliance’s efficiency and lifespan. You’ll save money by identifying little problems before they become big ones. Your machine will run efficiently and remain sanitary.
Our We Repair Appliance technicians are skilled in repairing and maintaining all major makes and models. We negotiate bulk-buying discounts on quality parts to ensure that you always get the best possible deal.
Contact We Repair Appliance to Fix Drainage Issues in the Greater Toronto Area Fast
Lodge your service request online or call us at 647.370.5557 today!