Most homeowners rely heavily on their dishwashers to save time, water, and money. Most modern dishwashers use only a tiny fraction of the water needed to hand wash the same amount of dishes as it takes to fill the unit. And it saves you the time and hassle of washing the dishes! So what is not to love about this modern miracle machine? Unfortunately, that rancid odor inside the dishwasher or your sink when you discover something is preventing the unit from evacuating all the dirty water after cleaning your dishes. But this issue could be swift and simple for you to correct.
The Signs Of A Dishwasher Clog
First, it is vital to know all the signs of a common dishwasher clog. These are general things to look for when trying to determine if you have a simple issue that you can correct yourself or if you need to call in a professional. The signs of a clog include:
- You hear gurgling- there could also be louder thumping sounds or rattling as the water is trying to eek by a clog in the discharge line.
- Water is backing up in the sink when the dishwasher runs- if you are not having any backup issues when you are running water through the drain from the sink or when the disposal is running, then the clog is likely in the dishwasher discharge line.
- The dishwasher has water left in the bottom after the cycle is completed- this is what typically creates that sour or foul odor inside the unit.
Where To Begin Searching For A Clog
Several places could be clogged, including:
- The Filter Basket – The filter basket is meant to collect all the food bits and debris that washes off of your dishes. Catching these bits in the basket prevents added complications with clogs in the drain lines. Check the basket for a clump of food waste.
- The Dishwasher Drain Hose – This hose runs from the dishwasher to the drain lines under your sink. You can remove the line and check for clogs or a thick coating of residue that could be obstructing the water flow.
- The Garbage Disposal – Check for a clog in the disposal or the drain lines at the disposal. This is typically near the location of the dishwasher drain hose and can create a complication. Also, if you just installed the dishwasher, you might have forgotten to remove the knockout plug at the inlet for the dishwasher hose. Removing the plug will allow the dishwasher to drain correctly.
More Serious Issues
If you could not locate any clogs in these easily accessible areas, it is time to call in a professional. The other two options are more challenging to correct and require a professional drain or sewer line cleaning to remove a severe clog. Call (818) 740-6830 to schedule an appointment with the clog removal and drain cleaning experts at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter.
A Professional Job
Professional drain cleaning and clog removal use a massive high-pressure water jet to blast away any clog in your home’s drain lines and sewer line. The most significant benefit is that this process is perfectly safe for your pipes, unlike chemical drain cleaners. And there are no harsh chemical fumes to pollute your home.
In addition, the process will thoroughly clean every inch of your drains, removing sticky residue that could create more clogs. When the process is finished, the drains will all be clean and clog-free. And you will not notice any lingering sour drain odors. Call (818) 740-6830 today to schedule a fully warrantied professional drain cleaning and clog removal.
