How to Fix a Clogged Dishwasher

Dishwashers make our home lives much easier, but when they aren’t working properly, our chore list is certainly a dreaded task. If the dishwasher is clogged, there are many opportunities to fix the problem on your own. Dishwashers may not drain properly for a number of reasons:  the drain could be full of food or other debris, or the draining hose might be bent or old. Before you call a professional, there are a few things to check first.

Begin by checking the dishwasher’s drain for food or other debris. If there is something in the drain, use a paper towel to remove it. If that didn’t clear up the dishwasher, use a homemade “snake”—a stretched out metal clothes hanger, to help get rid of any unseen objects in the drain or pipe.

Next, pull out the bottom panel of the dishwasher and check the draining hose. Clogs often occur where the hose is attached to the main household drain line or where the hose connects to the garbage disposal.

There is also a chance the hose could be twisted or bent, causing the water to backup. Detach the hose and unravel it as much as possible. If you see a clog in the hose, it might be time to replace it. Because of all the hot water running through the hose, it tends to lose its proper shape over time. If the hose is stretched or sagging, it is time to replace it.