Does the Dishwasher Fill Slowly? Plumbing Supply Lines Kinks!

Does your dishwasher seem to take forever to fill up and run a normal wash cycle?  It could be as simple as a clogged inlet screen restricting the flow of water.  Typically, you will find a screen at the entrance to the supply hose coming into your dishwasher unit. Water contains rust, pipe wall corrosion, calcium and lime deposits, minerals and sediment commonly found in all water, either from a well or a municipal source. 

The second thing to do is to check all of the supply hoses for kinks, twists or damage.  If you notice any water or signs of a leak, address the problem before it causes severe damage.  Silent supply line leaks will lead to mold and mildew, foul odors and damage to wooden cabinets, floors and walls. In this kitchen dishwasher plumbing tip series we take a look at the most common dishwasher plumbing problems, possible causes, and share some insight on diagnosing dishwasher’s that either leak or stop draining.  

Are you experiencing a problem with water supply lines to the kitchen dishwasher?  Call on one of our trusted plumbing specialists to come to your home for a free plumbing analysis and evaluation.  We can fix it – 24/7 – including weekends and holidays with no overtime charge or trip fee added!  Our reliable and trusted service is our guarantee!

When a dishwasher unit is installed the homeowner will be faced with a maze of plumbing lines and drain configurations under the sink when a full-blown drain clog presents itself.  What can you do as a homeowner to avoid these costly repairs?  Practice some preventive maintenance and you can and will avoid dishwasher drain leaks and clogs altogether. 

Some water remaining in the bottom of your dishwasher when it completes the entire wash cycle is normal.  If your dishwasher is not draining properly there are a few things you can try.  If you open the door when the dishwasher has completed and water runs out you could have a bad dishwasher door gasket, although this is rare unless your appliance is ancient.  For parts and dishwasher appliance problems, contact the manufacturer.  For leaks and drain problems…we can help!

If Your Dishwasher is not Draining Properly Try These Tips from our Plumbing Team

There are a lot of connections under the busiest sink in the house and that is why kitchen drains remain one of the most complicated plumbing systems, especially with a dishwasher and/or a garbage disposal unit attached.  Taking some preventative steps to keep your dishwasher running smoothly can help you avoid annoying dishwasher drain issues.

To clear the standing water remaining in the bottom of your dishwasher, line the floor with towels or newspaper and use a plastic cup to scoop out the water into a bucket. When the water becomes too shallow, soak up the remaining moisture with an absorbent cotton towel to completely get it dry.

Always make sure that you’re using the right type of dish detergent per manufacturer’s directions, to avoid clogging the drain. Load the dishwasher according to the suggested instructions provided in the manual for your specific machine for best results.  Here is a short list of other possibilities:

• Check the drain hose connecting to the sink and garbage disposal.  If there are any kinks, try and straighten them out.  Make sure the hose seal is tight.
• Find the drain basket, located at the side or bottom of the appliance for hardened detergent or food particles which can sometimes be responsible for clogs.  Simply wash the basket free of debris and replace it.
• Listen to your machine while it’s running.  Is it making a humming sound or a clicking noise?  Anything other than the usual operating sounds could be a clue that something is possibly wrong with the drain pump or motor.  This will require assistance from a dishwasher service technician, not a plumber.

Call us today for a free drain evaluation.  Ask about our drain maintenance program.  We are available 24/7 – including weekends and holidays – no overtime charges and no trip fees.  Our licensed, trained professional plumbers can fix your problem today!