Early Signs of a Clogged Dishwasher

It’s one of the most common problems homeowners can experience within their kitchen space. The dreaded clogged dishwasher can not only prevent you from using the system, but it might also cause significant damage within your kitchen space. Our goal at Brothers Plumbing is to help you avoid costly plumbing issues within your home. And so within this latest post, our Toronto plumbing services team highlights the signs of a clogged dishwasher.

The Damage Caused by a Clogged Dishwasher

Before we go directly into the signs of a clogged dishwasher, let’s examine some of the types of damage associated with a dishwasher clog:

• Slow operation

One of the leading issues associated with a clogged dishwasher is the slowdown of the system. The system will have to work harder to pump through the required amount of water to clean the dishes, and therefore it may take several hours or longer before your dishes are clean when you have a dishwasher clog.

• Complete blockage

In some cases, the clog is large enough that it blocks water from entering the dishwasher completely. This can often mean you are not able to use the dishwasher at all. If you have a complete blockage, you could significantly damage the dishwasher by trying to use it. If you’re having difficulty starting the system, the problem might be a clog that can only be resolved by working with professional plumbers.

• Flooding

In the worst case scenario, a clogged dishwasher can lead to significant flooding throughout your kitchen space. This occurs when the water entering the unit from the main plumbing connection has nowhere to go, and the liquid is then channeled into a hose, which bursts and pours water over the entire kitchen floor. It’s important that you recognize the signs of a dishwasher clog before this type of plumbing issue occurs, and costs you hundreds, potentially thousands of dollars in repair costs.

The Signs of a Dishwasher Clog

So now let’s look at the signs you should watch for when diagnosing a dishwasher clog in your home. While these signs can help you to determine the type of problem you’re experiencing, only by working directly with a professional plumber can you evaluate the extent of the clog, and ensure the right solution is found.

• Gurgling sounds

Gurgling sounds are one of the most telling signs of a potential clog in your dishwasher system. The gurgling sounds might be the result of water attempting to make its way around a clog and then hitting the sides of the connected hose. The sounds could be coming from either the main connection or the secondary connection, and so it’s important that you speak with a qualified plumber to have the issue diagnosed and resolved.

• Slow-flowing drains

It’s an issue that thousands of homeowners experience each year. Slow-flowing drains can not only be frustrating when you’re trying to wash your dishes and use your sink but can also be a sign that there’s a significant clog somewhere else within the system. Make sure you watch the water levels within your dishwasher and take the time to call a professional if you notice that the fluid is draining particularly slowly.

• Leftover wastewater

You might experience leftover wastewater within your unit if you have a dishwasher clog. This occurs because the hose exiting the dishwasher is blocked, preventing the water from leaving the main cleaning area. If you open the dishwasher door to find a large amount of liquid still within the unit after cleaning has been completed, make sure you have the issue analyzed.

• Unclean dishes

It stands to reason that a dishwasher with a clogged main line cannot filter through the required amount of water to properly clean all dishes. Another issue could be that the water pressure is not strong enough to remove dried-on foods. If you open your dishwasher to find that dishes are not being cleaned properly and must go through another cycle, you might have a problem with a unit clogged that must then be resolved by an expert.

• Water backing up to sink

In some cases, the water from the main sewer line is blocked from entering the dishwasher, and then diverted up the pipes towards the kitchen sink. This can be a significant issue if you’re not home while the dishwasher is running and it might mean that water is now left on your kitchen floor for multiple hours before you return home. Check with your local plumbers if you find your dishwasher is leaving water across the kitchen space!

Tips for Choosing Qualified Plumbers

So now you have more information about the signs associated with a dishwasher drainage issue, and when you should contact qualified plumbers. But how can you ensure the plumbers are the right choice for work in your home? Use the following tips when choosing a plumber:

• Turn to experience

Ensure the plumber you choose has at least a decade of background experience in the industry.

• Consider references

If you have the time, and the plumbing issue is not an emergency, review the company’s references and ensure that their past customers are happy with the work completed.

• Review schedule

Make sure the plumbing company you select works to your schedule. Ask them to visit the property according to your unique scheduling requirements. Make precise arrangements regarding their arrival time and the time it will take to complete the work in your home.

• Discuss steps to take while you wait

With water potentially entering your home, ask the plumber more about the steps you should take while you wait for their arrival. They might tell you to turn off your plumbing connection and to move valuables away from the dishwasher while you wait for their team to arrive.

Our trusted and experienced team at Brothers Plumbing is here to help guide you regarding your dishwasher maintenance and repair options. To learn more about our company and our full range of repair services, please contact us today.