We all look to our dishwashers to take in our dirty dishes, to work their magic, and to return them to us sparkling clean, which is great. If – on the other hand – your dishwasher is doing one of the five wonky things listed below, it’s likely trying to tell you that you have the beginnings of a blockage somewhere in your nearby pipes. Your dishwasher is plumbed into your sink’s system, so a problem with your dishwasher is often indicative of a problem somewhere in your sink’s plumbing. If you recognize any of the following five signs, it’s time to call in an experienced Elk River plumber.
Number One: Your Dishes No Longer Come Out Sparkling Clean
We make a deal with our dishwashers – we load them with dirty dishes and they repay our efforts with dishes that are clean and sparkly. If your dishwasher is no longer living up to its end of the bargain, it probably means that you have a plumbing blockage. If your dishes aren’t as clean as they should be at the end of the dishwashing cycle, it’s time to consult with a plumbing professional.
Number Two: Your Dishwasher Makes a Gurgling Sound
If a gurgling sound emanates from your dishwasher when it’s running, it’s most likely the sound of water attempting to get past a clog somewhere in the nearby plumbing system. If you have a narrowing in your pipes or the beginnings of a blockage, it probably won’t take much for it to morph into a full blown blockage – also known as a plumbing emergency.
Number Three: Your Dishwasher Drains More Slowly Than Usual
Pay attention to your dishwasher’s cycle – if it’s taking longer to completely drain itself of water, it’s most likely telling you that you have a clogged pipe nearby. Because such blockages can accumulate slowly, you may not notice the incremental change in your dishwasher’s cycle. By the time it does come to your attention, you could have a significant plumbing problem on your hands. Being proactive with plumbing issues is always in the best interest of your home and of your pocketbook. If you notice that your dishwasher is slowing down, it’s time to consult with a knowledgeable Elk River plumbing professional.
Number Four: Your Dishwasher Doesn’t Drain Completely
If your dishwasher has water remaining in it after it’s finished its cycle, it’s almost certainly caused by a blockage in the nearby plumbing that won’t allow it to drain properly. This is something you shouldn’t ignore because it’s very likely to continue to get worse and worse as the clog continues to grow.
Number Five: Your Kitchen Sink Back Up
If your kitchen sink begins to back up when you run your dishwasher, it means that there’s a plumbing problem. Your dishwasher is plumbed into your sink’s plumbing, and this means their issues are often interchangeable. While you may not be too worried about water coming into your sink, it’s indicative of a deeper plumbing issue. You can troubleshoot the problem by turning off you dishwasher and running your disposal to see if that is causing the problem. If that doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to call in a reputable Elk River plumber.
There are some simple tips you can use to keep your garbage disposal in good working order, which is also best for your plumbing overall:
- Never, ever, pour hot grease or liquid oil down your disposal (or down any drain).
- Keep bones and fibrous, slimy, and stringy food waste – including the peels from fruits and vegetables and the skin from poultry – out of your disposal.
- Run cold water from 15 seconds before you turn your disposal on through to 15 seconds after you turn it off.
- Occasionally, send a small squeeze of dishwashing detergent through your disposal while it’s running to help keep it clean and fresh.
Adhering to these basic guidelines can help you avoid clogs in your sink’s pipes.
If Your Dishwasher Is Acting Up, It’s Time to Call In an Experienced Elk River, Minnesota, Plumber
Your dishwasher is connected to your sink’s plumbing, and if it’s giving you any of the problems listed, it’s very likely a sign that you have a plumbing blockage and that it’s time to call in a plumbing professional. The dedicated team at Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical in Elk River, Minnesota, is here to help. Our experienced plumbers have the knowledge, skill, and professional tools to help keep your plumbing in excellent condition, so you can get back to the sparkling clean dishes you deserve. We are available 24/7, so please contact or call us at 877-817-0584 today.