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Why is My Dishwasher Full of Water?

A modern kitchen in Springfield, MO, that has been flooded due to problems with the dishwasher.

Your home’s dishwasher is one of its biggest unsung heroes, and you probably don’t consider how much time it saves you every day; that is, until it stops working properly. One of the most common problems that occur with dishwashers is standing water in its base after it completes a wash cycle. Clearly, this isn’t a problem to ignore. Not only can it result in flooding, but that water quickly becomes odorous and highly unsanitary. Our team at Air Services is always available to help. Here are a few possible problems that may result in your dishwasher being full of water.

The Drainage System Within the Dishwasher is Clogged

More often than not, if your dishwasher has standing water in it, then the drainage system within the appliance itself is clogged with food debris. Over time, food particles, grease, and other debris can build up in the drain, causing it to become blocked. When this happens, the water that is supposed to drain out of the dishwasher simply can’t, leading to a backup of water in the machine. To address the problem, first remove any visible debris and get out as much water as you possibly can. Then, you may want to take a thin metal snake and use it to clear out any debris from the drainage area. You can then run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner. If the problem persists, you may need to contact a professional plumber to take a closer look. For kitchen plumbing repair services, call Air Services today.

A Dirty or Clogged Filter

Another common cause of a full dishwasher is a dirty or clogged filter. The filter is responsible for catching any food particles or debris that might be present in the water as it circulates through the dishwasher. If the filter becomes clogged or dirty, water can become trapped in the machine. To fix this issue, you’ll need to clean the filter by removing it from the dishwasher and washing it under hot water. You may also need to replace the filter entirely if it is damaged or worn out.

A homeowner’s hands wearing yellow cleaning gloves holds a filter from the dishwasher so it can be inspected and cleaned in Springfield, MO.

 

Food Particles and Debris

Food particles and other debris can also cause a dishwasher to become full of water. If you don’t rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, any leftover food can become trapped in the machine and lead to clogs or backups. To prevent this, make sure you rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. You can also run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner to help remove any food particles or debris that might be present.

Using Too Much Detergent or Mistakenly Using Dish Soap Instead

Using too much dish detergent can also lead to a dishwasher full of water. When you use too much detergent, it can create too many suds, which can prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. If you suspect that this is the cause of your issue, try running the dishwasher again with no detergent or a reduced amount to see if that helps. If not, you may need to run the dishwasher with no dishes inside and hot water to flush out any excess detergent. We also advise homeowners not to get confused and use regular dish soap by mistake. That will result in your dishwasher overflowing with soap and can quickly flood your kitchen.

A young female homeowner holding up a large container of dish soap in Springfield, MO. It is important to use the right product and the right amount to avoid flooding your dishwasher or kitchen.

 

Problem with the Drain Hose

Many homeowners aren’t sure what to do when their dishwasher is full of water and the cause isn’t obvious. Besides a dirty filter or clogged drainage system, this problem can also happen if the drain hose becomes kinked or bent, or if the connection between the hose and the garbage disposal becomes clogged. To fix this issue, you’ll need to check the drain hose and connection for any signs of damage or clogs and clear any debris that you find. Don’t struggle with this issue on your own—call Air Services at (417) 309-2971 and enjoy the benefits of our team applying their specialized tools and skills to the task.

Contact Our Experts Today

If you’re experiencing a dishwasher full of water, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, there are many potential causes of this issue, and most of them can be resolved with a little troubleshooting and cleaning. If you’re having trouble resolving the issue on your own, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional technician or plumber to take a closer look.

If you’re in Springfield, MO, and need expert assistance with your dishwasher, Air Services is here to help. Our team of expert technicians can diagnose and repair a wide range of appliance and plumbing issues, including clogged drains and dirty filters in dishwashers. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.

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