How To Unclog A Dishwasher Drain Verified ❲Original · RELEASE❳

Clearing a pump clog is more involved. You will need to access the pump at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove the lower spray arm and the filter, then shine a flashlight down into the sump. You may see a broken piece of glass or a toothpick jammed in the pump impeller. Using needle-nose pliers, carefully extract the obstruction. If the pump is inaccessible, you can attempt a chemical-free cleaning by pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar directly into the standing water. The fizzing action can break up minor clogs. After 15 minutes, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and let it sit for another 10 minutes before trying a rinse cycle.

Before you begin any work, safety is paramount. Turn off the dishwasher at the control panel and, for absolute safety, unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker that supplies its power. You will also need a few household items: a towel or two for spills, a cup or small bowl, a flat-head screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a toothpick or small brush, and a cup of white vinegar and baking soda. how to unclog a dishwasher drain

A surprisingly frequent cause of dishwasher backup is a forgotten, clogged garbage disposal. The dishwasher drains into the disposal, so if the disposal is full or the drain port is blocked, the water has nowhere to go. Turn on the disposal and run it for 30 seconds with cold water to clear any internal debris. Then, turn it off and, with the power safely off, look inside the disposal’s neck where the dishwasher hose connects. You will see a small, removable plug or knockout disc. Some disposals are sold with this plug intact, requiring a homeowner to punch it out during installation. If that plug is still in place, your dishwasher can never drain. Use a hammer and a screwdriver to knock it through into the disposal (then retrieve the piece with tongs or by hand). Clearing a pump clog is more involved