Like any clog, a clogged dishwasher starts with some troubleshooting. There are a few different reasons why a dishwasher can clog, and some of them are simple enough for you to unclog yourself. One of the most common causes of a clogged dishwasher is simply some debris in or on the drain. Let’s start there.
Look for the drain on the bottom of the inside of the dishwasher. Remove the racks if you need to get to it, and make sure the dishwasher has been off for a while and the heating elements are off and have completely cooled so you do not burn yourself. Check to see if there is any debris (such as food from dirty plates placed in the dishwasher) on the drain blocking its flow and remove it. The dishwasher may also have a plastic or metal strainer (which is usually in two parts)- check this for debris, and remove it and clean it off if this is the source of the problem.
If debris is completely visible in these two places, try removing the drain port cover and thread a slim rod or straightened coat hanger a few inches into the drain, to see if you can remove some built-up grease, food, or other debris.
If the clog has not been found, try checking the draining hose itself. Remove the bottom panel of the dishwasher to find the drain hose. If it is folded, has a kink in it or you can see trapped debris in it, do your best to straighten the hose out and untangle it. If it’s too tangled or has a large clog, you can easily and inexpensively replace this hose.
Remember to rinse food off your dishes before placing them in a dishwasher to keep it from turning into debris that can clog the drain.
