Fixing a blocked dishwasher will get it working in no time, letting you wash the dirty dishes like you always do. There are 2 main problem areas when a dishwasher is blocked: the sprayer arm and the drain. The sprayer arm supplies the water for washing the dishes. If it gets clogged, only a few or no water gets through. If it’s the drain that gets clogged, dirty water gets stuck at the bottom of the dishwasher. If left unfixed, it can cause growth of bacteria. Here are ways to fix either problems.
Table of Contents
Fixing Blocked Sprayer Arms
- . Turn the dishwasher off and be sure it is not in the middle of a washing cycle. Remove the bottom basket and set aside.
- . Remove the center bolt nut with a wrench. Grasp the bolt nut with the wrench and rotate the wrench until the bolt nut loosens and can be taken off.
- . Lift the sprayer arms up and remove it.
- . Soak the sprayer arms in warm water and wash it with dishwashing liquid.
- . Clean the holes in the sprayer arm by carefully pushing them with a toothpick.
- . Repeat the washing process and rinse the sprayer arm completely with warm water.
- . Place the arm back into the dishwasher. Rescrew the bolt nut but do not over tighten it.
Fixing a Blocked Drain
- Turn off the water supply and unplug the dishwasher.
- Remove the front kick plate. Some dishwasher models provide an access cover to the bottom of the dishwasher. Others have screws that needs to be removed with a screwdriver.
- Slide a shallow drip pan under the dishwasher. This will cath any water that drips while you are doing the repair.
- Locate and remove the drain hose. The hose is color white or clear that runs from the sink drain towards the drain pump. You either have to pinch to twist the hose connection to remove it.
- Using another pressure hose, run water through the drain hose. Use a water hose with pressure. You may have to squeeze if there are areas with blockage. This will break the debris that causes the clog, letting it flow out.
- Return the drainage hose and turn the water and power back on.
There’s another frequently asked question when it comea to unblocking the dishwasher. It’s “Can you use drain unblocker in a dishwasher?” The answer is you shouldn’t.
Drain unblockers have toxic chemicals. When you use it on your dishwasher, it may leave behind chemical residues that could stick to your dishes later on. This residue may still contain chemicals that are harmful to your health.
Just like drain cleaners can damage the drain pipes, it can also damage the dishwasher’s drain hose and other parts. It may cause more harm than good.
Alternative Cleaning Solutions
Mix baking soda and white vinegar and pour it into the drain hose. This can help dissolve minor debris that can cause clogs. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour and then operate your dishwasher empty to rinse the mixture. Doing this once a month is a good maintenance practice to prevent clogs.