Dishwasher Problem

[SevenCorners]

All,
My dishwasher is giving me some problems.
It does not drain. I noticed a couple of days back that at the end of a load the dishwasher still had water in it. Since then the water level in the bottom of the dishwasher has increased. I am thinking that maybe the drain line is clogged. I just ran it through a cycle and can hear a valve [or something similiar] open between the wash/rinse cycle and just a trickle of water go down the sink drain. Is there a pump that pushes the water out of the dishwasher? Does this sound like a clogged line? There is no visible clog inside the dishwashing area so I am thinking I will have to take the dishwasher out of the cabinet to check the drain line? Should I try and run a snake down the line? Blow it out with high pressure air? Or just call in the pros?

Thanks

 

[Bird]

Yes, there is a pump that pushes the water out of the dishwasher. Maybe a clogged line, maybe clogged pump or impeller or damaged impeller. I'm assuming you do not have any leaks; i.e., water on the floor under the dishwasher. I've only worked on a very few models, so I don't know what your problem might be, but it does sound as if something is clogged.

 

[SevenCorners]

No leaks so far just not draining. Any idea on how to best clean it out the clog?

 

[CurlyDave]

There is usually a valve which controlls whether water in the dishwasher is recirculated to the sprayers or sent to the drain.

Often times a piece of something, frequently broken glass, will prevent this valve from operating properly and can cause a lack of draining.

Also check the inlet basket to the pump--I have had this fill up with debris and cause draining failure.

 

[Farwell]

If you have a garbage disposer, check the line where the dishwasher drain hose fastens to the garbage disposer, this often clogs and is easily fixed by removing the hose at the garbage disposer and cleaning the inside of the garbage disposer fitting. Another area to check is the vacuum breaker, if your dishwasher model has one, it is the chrome thingy that is usually on the right side of your sink faucets.
If it is not either of these then it may be time for the repair man after you try all of the other things suggested by the other posters.
Farwell

 

[SevenCorners]

Thanks guys, I took out the dishwasher and cleaned out the drain port inside and below the dishwasher there was alot of crud I got out. I also blew out the main drain line, more crud. Seems to be draining fine now. Wife will have to do better job of pre-rinse. I will probably not mention it to her to preserve harmony. Why can't husbands make "friendly" suggestions to wives without starting an argument?

Thanks

 

[RobS]

I had to put a new pump on ours a couple of months ago due to leakage. It was full of gunk as well and the guy at the service center told me the following:

1: Prerinse
2: Do not use the liquid detergents
3: Make sure the water coming in is already hot (run the faucet ahead of time if you must)

Not doing any or all of those are the prime contributors to the gunk syndrome.

 

[Bird]

Rob, I'm afraid you're right. I know I'm certainly in the minority, especially where wives are concerned, but I always wondered why anyone would want a dishwasher if you've got to wash the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. To keep peace in the family, I've repaired a few dishwashers, but to me, they're the most worthless appliance ever invented.

 

[goaliedad]

bird- don't you know that a "dish washer" is really just a place to store extra dishes! The problem isn't dirty dishes- it's lack of cupboard space......

 

[Bird]

bird- don't you know that a "dish washer" is really just a place to store extra dishes! The problem isn't dirty dishes- it's lack of cupboard space......

Yep, you've got that right.