Any pipe can potentially one day need unblocking, and those in the dishwasher are no exception! With a blocked drain, the unit may begin to develop unpleasant odors. Above all, we may begin to notice that the water drainage is no longer as good because of the affected pipes. And when this happens, we don’t always know which chemical or natural products to use (caustic soda, baking soda, etc.) to remove the blockage in question. In addition, very often, unblocking blocked drains in a dishwasher is more a question of good actions (draining, cleaning the filter, etc.). Also, the solutions may differ a little from those used in the event of a clogged sink or clogged toilet. So, here’s how to unclog your dishwasher very effectively and carry out regular maintenance.
Enough to avoid calling the plumber for complete sanitation and unclogging of your plumbing!
How to avoid clogging your dishwasher?
Avoiding a potential obstruction that could cause traffic jams is a daily effort. For good drainage, you must avoid clogging the device with residue and food remains. Without rinsing the plates (which reduces the effectiveness of the cleaning tablets to zero), carefully remove food remains ! And of course, the labels on glass jars and utensils should be in the same boat, because they can clog the filter and prevent water from draining. The latter is also at clean regularly at the same time as the grill. This will help eliminate any clumps. Also respect the dosages of detergent product and ban dishwashing liquid. Finally, from time to time, run a short empty program with white vinegar. This helps disinfect and neutralize bad odors.
And if the clog is already there, here’s how to unclog the dishwasher step by step!
Step 1: Identify the source of the problem
In the event of stagnant water, you must observe your device to find the source of the problem. To do this, start by turn off the dishwasher and unplug it. This will ensure a safe inspection. Take the opportunity to turn off the water supply and install mops around the device. Then, carry out your inspection: is it a problem with a clogged filter or a drain pump?
Step 2: Drain the Dishwasher to Help Unclog It
First, remove stagnant water with a sponge and basin. Then remove the waste water drain hose from behind the dishwasher and inspect it carefully. It is possible that dirt may have caused it to become blocked. Empty it carefully into a basin and remove any residue. (It may be full of water, so handle it carefully so as not to get it everywhere!) This will help remove the blockage before putting it back in place.
Step 3: Cleaning the different elements of the device
Now that the drain pipe is clean, turn your attention to different elements in the device: the filtered and the spray arm. How to proceed? First, unscrew the filter clockwise. You can then remove the protective grille and unscrew the spray arms. Clean everything with hot, soapy water to remove dirt and grease. Take a look at the rotor holes and clean them with a small brush or toothpick. Then run a short cleaning program without replacing the removed items. Finally put all the elements back in place.
If there is no standing water, your cleaning has worked. Otherwise, only plumbers will be able to help you. In fact, the problem may come from the drain pump or the drain valve.
The right products to maintain and unclog your dishwasher?
Cleaning with soapy water may be sufficient, unless grease has accumulated too much due to lack of maintenance. In this case, you could make a paste with hot water and soda crystals. Leave this mixture to act for a few minutes before rinsing. In case of well-established scale deposits, pour two cups of vinegar into the duct and leave to act overnight. If this is not enough, you can mix some salt, baking soda and white vinegar. However, be careful, this mixture is very abrasive for the pipes. It must therefore be used in cases of force majeure and on rare occasions to avoid damaging the pipes! It’s a bit like the last option before calling a professional.