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. This standing water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors.
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.
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. This prevents proper drainage and can lead to standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher.
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.
Most dishwashers have filters that should be cleaned regularly to prevent clogs. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to access and clean your dishwasher’s filter.
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. While modern dishwashers are designed to handle some food particles, large chunks of food can still cause problems.
You can also run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner to help remove any food particles or debris that might be present. Regular cleaning helps prevent buildup that can lead to drainage problems.
If you notice that your dishwasher is consistently having problems with food particles, you might want to consider scraping plates more thoroughly before loading them into the dishwasher.
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. Dish soap creates far more suds than dishwasher detergent and can cause serious problems.
Always use the correct type and amount of detergent for your dishwasher. Check your owner’s manual for recommendations on the best detergent to use and how much to use for each load.
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. The drain hose should be properly connected and free of kinks or bends that could restrict water flow.
Drain hose problems can be tricky to diagnose and fix, especially if the hose is located in a hard-to-reach area. A professional plumber has the experience and tools to handle these issues safely and effectively.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and your dishwasher is still full of water, it’s time to call a professional. Some problems require specialized knowledge and tools that only a professional plumber has.
At Air Services in Springfield, MO, we have the experience and expertise to quickly diagnose and fix dishwasher problems. We can identify the root cause of the issue and fix it before it causes more serious problems.