Dishwashers have become an integral part of a kitchen in the modern home, I mean who wants to stand at the sink up to their elbows in dirty water washing plates, cups and pans when you can just put dishes into a machine that does it for you. However, like anything mechanical dishwashers can break down or if misused can lead to bigger problems like blocked drains in London or anywhere else. So for the purpose of this article we thought we would have a look at some of the reasons a dishwasher may become blocked allowing you to take preventative measures to stop this happening.
What is a Clogged Dishwasher and What are The Symptoms
A clogged dishwasher is a dishwasher that is not draining properly. This can cause water damage to your floors and cabinets. There are several symptoms of a clogged dishwasher, including:
- water overflowing from the dishwasher
- water backing up into the sink
- dishes not getting clean
- the dishwasher sounding like it is running constantly
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your dishwasher may be clogged and will need to be unclogged.
What are the causes of a clogged dishwasher
There are a number of reasons why a dishwasher will become blocked or clogged up and the majority of these can be avoided by careful use. Overuse of detergent is one of the main causes of a dishwasher becoming blocked up. While you may think that the more detergent you put in the cleaner the plates this is not true. Always follow manufacturers guidelines and use only the recommended amount of detergent. Some of the other main causes of a clogged dishwasher include failure to regularly clean filters, a build up of fats and grease and large items getting caught up in the dishwasher arm. For all these reasons it is important to take care when using your dishwasher to ensure it continues to work as it should.
How Do You Prevent your Dishwasher from Becoming Clogged up
The best way to prevent your dishwasher from becoming clogged is to keep it clean. Make sure to regularly clean the filters and the drainage system. You can also try using a dishwashing detergent that does not create a lot of foam and suds. While these may seem relatively simple actions to take they will help keep your dishwasher working effectively. As is the case with detergent use always heed manufacturer guidelines when cleaning your dishwasher.
What Can you Do If your Dishwasher Becomes Clogged Up
If your dishwasher does become blocked, there are a few things you can do to try and unclog it. First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages in the drainage system. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plumbing snake to clear any clogs in the filters or hoses. It also may be worth trying using a drain cleaner if you suspect a blocked drain may be the root of the problem. If everything else fails then you will probably need to call in the professionals.
What You Should Do if Your Dishwasher starts to overflow and Cause Damage to your Kitchen
If your dishwasher does become blocked, and water starts to leak out, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the damage. First, try to turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. If that’s not possible, try to turn off the dishwasher at the breaker box. Then, use towels or a mop to soak up any excess water. Finally, call a professional plumber to help unclog your dishwasher and fix any damage it may have caused.