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How to Tell If You Have a Clogged Dishwasher

Updated March 1st, 2023

Your dishwasher is an extremely useful kitchen appliance, and can potentially save you many hours you would otherwise spend washing dishes by hand. However, when your dishwasher becomes clogged, it can become a major inconvenience, and even end up leaking and causing a watery mess in your kitchen. Luckily, our skilled Redding plumbers know all about clogs. Keep reading to learn how to tell if you have a clogged dishwasher, and remember to call Wallner Plumbing, Heating & Air for all your essential plumbing services.

The Top 5 Signs You Have a Clogged Dishwasher Are:

  1. Slow Drainage: If you notice that your dishwasher is draining slowly, you will want to check your kitchen sink, too. If both are experiencing slow drainage, a clog may be forming in your plumbing system, between your dishwasher and your sink. If this type of blockage builds up for long enough it can cause flooding, so if you suspect this is happening in your kitchen, call an experienced plumber for drain cleaning right away.
  2. Strange Gurgling Sounds: A gurgling sound coming from your dishwasher is a major indicator that something is wrong with your plumbing. This is because these sounds are not actually coming from the dishwasher itself, but from the drains attached to the dishwasher. Gurgling is another sign of a drain clog, so you should call a plumber right away if you hear it.
  3. Water Backups: If your dishwasher is experiencing a water backup, it may be because you are running another component of your plumbing system at the same time. If water is backing up in your dishwasher, turn it off and turn on the garbage disposal. This should clear out food and debris caught in your kitchen drains that may be causing the clog. If your dishwasher continues to back up after this, you will want to call an experienced plumber right away.
  4. Standing Water: Puddles of standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher may be a sign of a drain clog somewhere in your system. First, check the strainer in the back of your dishwasher, to see if there are any food particles and debris that are clogging your dishwasher. After emptying the strainer, there should be less water residue after running the machine. If that doesn’t work, you should call a plumber to see if you have a drain clog on your hands.
  5. Dirty Dishes: If your dishwasher can’t do the primary thing it’s supposed to do, i.e. wash your dirty dishes, it may be because there isn’t enough water entering the unit. If this continues to happen, call a plumber, as there may be a drain clog preventing the ideal amount of water from reaching your dishes. You also don’t want water that’s passed through a clog cleaning your dishes, as this is unsanitary.

If you're tired of dealing with a clogged dishwasher, then it's time to call in the professionals at Wallner Plumbing. Our team of experts has been serving the Redding area and its surrounding communities for years, providing top-notch plumbing services that keep your home running smoothly. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a more serious blockage, we have the tools and expertise needed to get your dishwasher back in working order. So don't wait any longer, contact Wallner Plumbing today and let us help you get your kitchen back to its clean and functional best!

For more information about clogs and how to get rid of them, dial (530) 223-5622 now, or contact us online.