Plumbers usually only deal with the dishwashers water and drain pipes. We do install dishwashers so a little wiring is involved. But the water and drain pipes are what we get the most calls about. There are a few common complaints that my plumbing customers have that we’ll discuss here.

Why can’t I get my dishwasher to fill with water?

Dishwashers water and drain pipes are constructed of only a few materials. The water lines are usually either soft copper or flexible stainless steel. They will sometimes get kinked or clogged with debris or hard water. But a lack of dishwasher water flow is almost always either a damaged water shut off or a water heater flow restriction. I normally hace to replace the angle stop.

 

Why won’t my dishwasher drain?

If your dishwashers not draining it’s usually an appliance issue like debris in the screens of the pump or a pump failure. But sometimes a homeowner installs their own garbage disposal. When they do they’ll forget to remove the knock out in the disposal before attaching the dishwashers drain pipe. This blocks the water from discharging.

Another reason why it won’t drain is a kitchen sink clog. Since it discharges into the kitchen drain pipes a clog would prevent proper drainage. And sometimes a kitchen drain clog can back up into the dishwasher drain pipe and into the dishwasher itself. That’s why it’s a good idea to elevate the drain pipe as high under the kitchen sink as possible. If the sink clogs it’ll have to almost overflow before any water backs up into the it.

Why does my dishwasher smell?

I was recently working in Lees Summit for a very nice older couple. They had just purchased a brand new dishwasher. They were very proud. But it stunk to high heaven. They cleaned it. They disinfected it. Nothing fixed the problem. There was some food debris in the bottom of their new dishwasher that was too big to fit through the pump screens. So it sat there and rotted.

Another reason is a kitchen sink clog. The clog can be the type we just discussed or it could be a little debris in the garbage disposal blocking the drain port inside. Instead of backing up in the sink it backs up into the dishwasher. Running the garbage disposal should fix it.

Why is my dishwasher leaking?

Leaks can occur from both the dishwasher water and drain pipes. A leak from the drain pipe can occur under the dishwasher. But it usually happens at the kitchen sink drain connection. This will need to be repaired.

If the water pipe leaks it’s normally due to recent work being done. The dishwashers water pipe won’t normally just start leaking unless something has been done to it. Otherwise a dishwasher water leak is the motor/pump seal or the door seal.

Who installs dishwashers?

An inexpensive option to have your dishwasher installed is the store that sold it. As long as there’s no complications they’re a cheaper option. But often the water shut off is old or the water pipe isn’t flexible. So better to call a plumber to install your dishwasher. Call your local Lees Summit plumbers at Advocate Master Plumbing. We’ll get it done right the first time or come back for free. We also offer water heater repairs & sump pump repairs!