Dishwashers are amongst the most important home kitchen appliances. They help wash, clean, and dry multiple dishes at the same time without having to put in manual effort and time. However, just like other kitchen appliances, dishwashers can also run into some problems such as standing water. These problems are best troubleshooted by appliance repair services. Below are some tips to fix a dishwasher not draining.

Clogged Filters

If you are about to use the dishwasher and come to find out there is water standing at the bottom, the first thing you need to check is the filters. Dishwashers come with filters installed to prevent big chunks of food or leftovers from getting to the complicated parts of the unit.

The reason is that if these leftovers get stuck somewhere inside, they could potentially cause expensive repairs and replacements. Furthermore, depending on the make, model, and variant, the number of filters inside a dishwasher may also vary. The best way to access them is to consult the user manual.

Inspecting, cleaning, and replacing the air filters regularly is part of the regular maintenance. With food particles accumulating in the filter, it is possible that the water is not able to drain properly. If your dishwasher is new, you can clean the filter and reinstall it.

However, if the filters tend to be old, you might need to replace them especially if they have cracks or damage.

Blocked Drains

If you have cleaned or replaced the filters and the problem persists, it means the drains are blocked. Cleaning and ensuring the drains are blockage-free is important as the water does not back up inside the machine. This is an overlooked factor when it comes to owning and maintaining a dishwasher.

Checking and unclogging the drains is as easy as replacing the filters. All you need to do is locate and access the drain areas to make sure nothing is blocking the water passage. Sometimes, food leftovers tend to accumulate inside the drain area and may prevent the water from passing through.

It could also be that the drain pipe is strangled if you have recently changed the dishwasher’s position or location. Try straightening the pipe to see if that fixes the issue. If the drain hose is clean, it means the blockage is somewhere deep inside.

For cleaning the drain hose, you will need a long flexible brush to reach the complicated area and use some hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to remove the blockage. Make sure to run the hose water afterward to prevent any remnants from sticking to the machine.

Malfunctioning Pump

The drain pump removes water from the dishwasher. If it malfunctions due to some reason, it will not be able to move the water which will cause it to stand at the bottom. If you have recently purchased a new machine, you might be able to claim the issue in warranty.

However, if the dishwasher happens to be old, you should replace the unit. One thing you need to keep in mind is that electronic components do not guarantee they will last long if repaired. Some electronic components cannot be fixed.

Therefore, if you notice that the machine has suddenly started experiencing problems, it means the replacement is due. Instead of spending money on expensive repairs and replacements, you should save the money and invest it in a new dishwasher.

Moreover, fixing a malfunctioning pump is not something you can do on your own. It is located deep inside the unit and can be done by a professional. If the culprit comes out to be the pump, make sure you get a replacement that is compatible with the dishwasher.

This is also a common problem in washers. When they don’t drain properly, their drain hose or pump is blocked. You can try to clean the drain hose yourself, but if water doesn’t drain after cleaning, consult a washer repair Alexandria expert. They will determine the problem and then clean, repair, or replace the components causing the problem.

Waste Disposal Connection

A frequently overlooked problem when it comes to standing water in a dishwasher is an issue with the waste disposal connection. During installations, most installers connect dishwasher tot the waste disposal for easy drainage of water from the appliance.

If you have recently installed a waste disposal, check to see if the dishwasher’s drain plug has been removed. To access the drain plug, you should turn off the dishwasher first. Locate the drain hose connection and see if there is an inlet plug causing the issue.

Leaky Water Supply Line

Your dishwasher is connected to a water supply line that supplies water for the machine to perform the washing process. That said, if there happens to be a leak somewhere in the supply line, water will drip inside the machine even if it is not running. In such a case, you will need to locate the water supply line and check for leakage, or cracks.

Fortunately, replacing the water supply line is easy and you can do it yourself. However, if the replacement process seems difficult, you should contact an expert.

Faulty Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve allows water into the dishwasher. If it is malfunctioning due to some reason, the inlet valve will not be able to control the flow and might send an excessive amount of water than needed. As a result, water can get into the appliance even if it is turned off.

There is no method to fix a faulty water inlet valve but to simply replace it. Depending on the dishwasher, you may or may not be able to replace it on your own. If you are doing it on your own, you should wear protective clothing and make sure the unit is turned off.

In addition to that, make sure you install a compatible model and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How Can I Prevent Dishwasher Issues?

Believe it or not, the majority of dishwasher issues can easily be prevented by performing regular inspections and maintenance. It is important to keep your dishwasher clean to prevent the components from undergoing stress and ultimately giving up.

That said, you should check the filters and other relevant areas and components at least once a week. If you have a big family and the dishwasher is used multiple times daily, inspecting and cleaning the machine at the end of the day is going to be more feasible.

Apart from maintaining and basic cleaning, you should also invest in professional maintenance. It is not only about cleaning but also looking out for any leaks, cracks, or damage that are not easily visible. This allows the expert to spot problems early on and fix them before they turn serious.

This is why spending on professional maintenance is considered an investment instead of an expense.

Conclusion

Fixing standing water in a dishwasher can be done by using the above-mentioned tips and tricks. Plus, you can easily avoid them as well if you were to keep the dishwasher maintained. Follow the user manual and keep an eye out for unusual signs and sounds that might need attention. Call in a dishwasher repair Springfield service if you notice any issues.