Why Your Dishwasher Clogs and How To Prevent It

The step-by-step process of most dishwashers is to add water, heat it to an appropriate temperature, automatically open the detergent dispenser, shoot jets of water, drain the filthy water, rinse, and dry the dishes.

A dishwasher helps make washing dishes convenient, especially since you can go do other things while the machine does the work. Automatic dishwashers have various designs.

Some automatic dishwashers operate with a single water source, other ones have several water sources. They all use relatively little water by employing many small fills during each cycle.

If you do not have a water filtration system, minerals might have built up inside your dishwasher. This sediment can slow down your dishwasher’s performance, make it operate less effectively, and cause clogs. A few other common reasons for clogging are:

1. A filter basket full of debris
2. Sludge build-up in the drain hose
3. A knockout plug in the garbage disposal

The steps you can take to fix a clog are: Check all plumbing connection points, Clean the dishwasher filter, Use a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean the drain, and Pour a gallon of boiling water down the drain.

You can prevent a clogged drain by doing the following:

1. Clear dishes of food particles before placing them in the machine.
2. Keep the filter basket clean.
3. Do not overload the machine.
4. Make sure the spray arm is not obstructed.
5. Use a high-quality dishwasher detergent.
6. Use a special rinsing agent if your water is hard.

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​​​Elizabeth Plumbing and Drain Service
362 Elmora Ave. #323, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202
(908) 988-0365

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