You might find a blockage if your sink and dishwasher need to be drained. A kinked drain hose or a clogged filter can cause this problem. Another option is a replacement. In this case, you’ll need to remove the drain hose and check the air gap.
Kinked Drain Hose
If the sink and dishwasher are not draining, one of the most common causes is a kinked drain hose. This kink can be caused by things such as a heavy object sitting under the sink that is pushing on the hose. A straightening action will likely solve the problem, but if the kink continues to develop, it is time to call in a plumbing professional.
The first step to take is to unplug the sink and unplug the drain hose for your dishwasher. You may need to use pliers to unscrew the clamps and a drain snake tool to free the hose from any accumulated debris. Once you’ve disengaged all the hardware, you can check for any other blockages.
Air Gap
A clogged air gap is one of the most common causes of sink and dishwasher not draining properly. The air gap is located between the drain and the disposal. This area of the dishwasher drain has a lower pressure and is, therefore, more likely to have blockages. This blockage is usually caused by food accumulation. Water may back up and spill into the sink if the backup is large. If this is the case, you must disconnect and flush the hose out.
When this problem arises, the first thing to do is check if the dishwasher has an air gap. This is a simple task that you can complete yourself. Make sure the air gap is installed correctly. The plumbing code that governs your home will have the information you need. Also, contact your landlord to find out whether you need to install an air gap in your dishwasher.
Replacement
If you notice that water does not drain out of your sink or dishwasher, you may need to replace certain machine parts. Some components that can cause this problem include the drain valve, pump solenoid, drain sump, door switch, and electronic control. To test these parts, you need a multimeter and a working knowledge of electrical circuitry.
A clogged drain hose is another possible problem. These hoses connect directly to the garbage disposal and sink drain pipes. If this hose is kinked or clogged, you need to replace it. Unless you’re very handy, you should call a professional plumber. However, you’ll have to pay a minimum of $150 to get a plumber to come to your home.
Cleaning
If you’re having trouble draining your dishwasher, there’s likely a blockage somewhere. It could be in the water line or the drain pump. It could also be in the air gap between your dishwasher and the sink. Either way, you can try running another cycle to clear the clog.
Keeping your dishwasher and sink clean can help keep them working efficiently. Regularly cleaning them will also keep them smelling fresh. Make sure you follow the manufacturers’ instructions for detergent. You can also use a straightened coat hanger to de-clog clogs.
Before you start cleaning, remove the lower rack from your dishwasher to ensure the drain is clear. You can lift the lower rack and pull it out from the dishwasher. Make sure to clean the inside of the dishwasher and the floor underneath the dishwasher basket. Also, keep a bucket close by to clear out debris lasenorita.