The dishwasher is one of the most indispensable appliances in the kitchen, especially to the kids. A dishwasher drain clogged always seems to be an emergency. A clogged drain can happen for various reasons but almost all involve too much solid matter, that is, food, making the dishwasher drain clogged. Nevertheless, here are the three main reasons for a clogged dishwasher drain.

Debris in the Drain Hose or Air Gap

As mentioned, debris in a drain hose will impede or completely block the ejection of the dishwasher waste water. Disconnect the hose that runs from the pump to the sink and clear with running water. There is also a second hose for recirculating the water in the dishwasher. Be sure to clear this hose of any debris also. This repair is actually quite easy to accomplish however if you think you need help you should call a professional plumber.

Defective Timer

Slightly more difficult but relatively inexpensive is replacing a faulty timer on your dishwasher. There is no actual sensor that determines whether all the water has been drained from the bottom of the appliance. Instead a timer runs the pump for a preset amount of time. If the timer doesn’t run long enough, there will be water left in the bottom of the dishwater and there will appear that the dishwasher drain clogged. Replacement is the only option if the timer is faulty and is usually completed by a professional appliance repairman.

Damaged Pump Assembly

Similarly, a broken pump assembly is a job for a professional. By the time a homeowner buys the necessary tools, the materials and spends the time to properly do the job, it is probably more economical to have an appliance repairman do it for the price of a standard service call.
An appliance with a dishwasher drain clogged is more than a nuisance. Clogged food can spoil, draw pests and create unpleasant odors. It is a situation that demands immediate attention. Plus, your kids will thank you.