Unclog: A Dishwasher Drain [cracked]

We have all been there. You run the rinse cycle three times hoping it will magically disappear, but that murky puddle refuses to budge.

If the water is still there, it is time to play detective. Here is a trick that plumbers hate (because it is too easy). If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, look at the drain hose that runs from the dishwasher to the disposal unit. unclog a dishwasher drain

There is a specific kind of dread that comes from opening your dishwasher after a cycle. Instead of the gentle steam of clean plates, you are greeted by the foul smell of stagnant water pooling at the bottom of the unit. We have all been there

Before you call a plumber (or worse, start shopping for a new $1,000 machine), take a deep breath. In 90% of cases, a dishwasher that won’t drain is not broken. It is just clogged. And the best news? You probably have the tools to fix it in your junk drawer right now. Here is a trick that plumbers hate (because it is too easy)

Here is the step-by-step guide to diagnosing and unclogging your dishwasher drain, saving you money and a major headache. When you see standing water, your first instinct might be to pour a bottle of Liquid Plumber down there. Stop. Drain cleaner is caustic. It can eat through the rubber hoses and plastic pump components inside your dishwasher. If the clog doesn't move, that toxic sludge will just sit there until you stick your hand in to retrieve it. You don’t want that.

There is a plastic plug inside the disposal's inlet. If you recently replaced your garbage disposal, the installer might have forgotten to knock out that plug.