Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs of a Clogged Dishwasher

There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering that your dishwasher is clogged when you’re short on time to clean up after a meal. Unfortunately, a clogged dishwasher is a common problem that many people encounter. Not only does it affect the cleaning performance of the dishwasher, but it can also lead to bigger problems if not dealt with in a timely manner. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 5 most common signs to help you identify the issue before it gets out of hand.

Longer Than Usual Wash Cycle

If you’ve noticed that your dishwasher is taking longer than usual to complete a cycle, it could be a sign of a clog. A dishwasher that is clogged will struggle to drain water, causing the wash cycle to take longer as the machine tries to complete the task. This is because the water can’t circulate properly through the dishwasher, which means that dishes won’t get cleaned effectively, leading to the food and debris left inside the dishwasher pipes, causing blockages.

Unusual Noises

Dishwashers are designed to work quietly, so if you start hearing unusual noises, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your machine. Gurgling, whirring, or humming noises are all indicators of a clogged dishwasher. It means that water cannot flow freely through the dishwasher and is stuck in one area, creating a pool of water that causes disruptions.

Water Not Draining

If you notice that there is still water sitting at the bottom of your dishwasher once the cycle is complete, it’s a sign of a clog in the drain or filter. A clogged drain can prevent water from draining correctly, causing a backup in the dishwasher, leading to bad odors. You’ll need to clean the filter regularly to prevent this problem and avoid clogging in the long term.

Poor Cleaning Results

When your dishwasher isn’t working correctly, the cleaning performance will suffer. A clogged dishwasher can cut off or restrict the water flow, diminishing its cleaning ability. You may notice food buildup or spots left on dishes even after a complete cycle. This shows the inability of a dishwasher to clean up the dishes effectively due to clogs in the pipes.

Bad Odors

A lingering, unpleasant smell from your dishwasher is a sure sign of a clog. When water cannot drain correctly due to a clogged pipe, it will start to smell over time. The smell may start faintly, but it will eventually become more pungent and fill your kitchen space. Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean a dishwasher, instead use home remedy ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemons, and soapy water to reduce bad odors due to clogs.

Don’t Let Clogs Stop You

A clogged dishwasher is a frustrating issue that can waste time and money if not dealt with correctly. By keeping an eye out for the top five signs of a clogged dishwasher, you can prevent it from becoming a bigger problem. Be sure to perform regular maintenance to your dishwasher by cleaning the filter every 30 days, using warm and soapy water to clean the dishwasher’s interior, and checking the pipes for any debris buildup. This will help keep your dishwasher in good working condition and ensure that it cleans your dishes to perfection!

Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric can provide the help you need to get your clogged dishwasher back up and running. Our skilled technicians have the experience needed to identify the root cause of your clogged dishwasher quickly and accurately. From unclogging pipes to cleaning filters, our team is here to get the job done right the first time. Contact us today to get your clogged dishwasher fixed quickly and efficiently!