Clogged Dishwasher | Plumber Arlington

Dishwashers are often taken for granted, until a problem occurs with the appliance. Food, oil, and grease are the most likely cause of a clogged dishwasher drain. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide drain cleaning for your clogged dishwasher.

Dishwasher drains require a different approach for cleaning than a sink drain, for example. To clean a dishwasher drain requires some disassembly. That is because the dishwasher drain is not as accessible as other drains. In addition, dishwashers use electricity, and a safe repair requires the electricity to be shut off in the home’s electric service panel if it is hardwired.

If you have a garbage disposal, it is possible the dishwasher drains into it, and the disposal may be clogged itself. The sink drain is shared by the dishwasher, garbage disposal and the sink. When a clog occurs in the sink drain, it creates the same stopped up drain issue for the disposal and the dishwasher.

Considering these and other factors that can make cleaning a dishwasher drain difficult, the wisest choice may be to schedule a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington to provide the drain cleaning service for you.

Before calling a plumber in Arlington try the following tips:

1. When the dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal, you will need to ensure the disposal is clog free to enable the dishwasher to drain through it. If the garbage disposal is clogged the water can back up and leave standing water in the dishwasher. After running the disposal, allow the water to run for at least 20 seconds after use to flush food particulates away. Ensure you run the disposal long enough to thoroughly break foods down. The failure to do so can result in a clogged disposal and drain.
2. Clean the air gap periodically. Many kitchens have an air gap installed on the counter next to the faucet that prevents water from the sink backing up into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged with buildup, it can lead to the dishwasher draining poorly. A common sign of a clogged air gap is water flooding onto the counter. To clear the air gap, take off the cap and remove any visible debris.
3. Finally, use a quality dishwasher detergent. Cheap brands can result in the build-up of detergent in the drain and a dull residue on the inside of the appliance. Place a cup or two of vinegar into a utensil heavy enough that it won’t turn over. Place it on the top rack and run through a cycle. This will assist in keeping the dishwasher clean. You can use vinegar in place of rinse aid to prevent the build-up of soap residue, and keep odors down.

The frequency of having your home’s drains professionally cleaned by a plumber in Arlington will depend upon your household habits, and what is allowed to go down the drain. For the typical household, professional cleaning is recommended every two years, and having the dishwasher cleaned at this time can prevent a separate service call for the dishwasher drain when it clogs.

Benjamin Franklin’s licensed plumbers provide professional plumbing service with all the benefits of their experience and expertise. When you require the drain of a clogged dishwasher to be professionally cleaned, or require a plumber in Arlington to provide other plumbing services to your home’s plumbing in Arlington contact our experts to schedule service. We back our plumbing repairs with Benjamin Franklin’s 100% satisfaction guarantee. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.