Dishwashers are undeniably a time-saving blessing – until, of course, something goes wrong and the dishes come out not as clean as expected or there’s an unpleasant odor wafting from the unit. If you find yourself dealing with an unflattering smell and a certain lack of cleanliness, chances are you need to take a look at the dishwasher drain!

Cleaning it should do the trick in restoring that brand-new aroma and sparkling shine that we all know and love. Certain signs can help identify if this should be done; here’s what to look out for!

Smells in the Kitchen – Is there a musty odor coming from your kitchen? It could be an indication that it’s time to clean out the dishwasher drain. Food particles can get clogged in the pipe and begin to decay, resulting in an unpleasant smell!

Puddles of Water – If you notice pools of liquid around your dishwasher, there’s a good chance that the drain hose has become clogged. It is essential to act quickly by cleaning or unclogging the drain before further damage can occur.

Loud Noises – Are you hearing loud banging, gurgling, or humming noises coming from inside your dishwasher? These are all signs that something isn’t quite right with your appliance’s drainage system and it’s time to take a closer look at what’s going on down there. It could just be as simple as a bit of gunky residue blocking up things or it could be something more serious like an issue with the pump or motor.

Clean Your Dishwasher Drain in 7 Easy Steps

Here are the steps you should take to properly clean your dishwasher drain:

  1. Start by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet and turning off the water supply.
  2. Remove any food bits or particles that may have clogged up the dishwasher drain using a scrub brush or an old toothbrush.
  3. Rinse out the area to ensure all debris has been removed, as well as any traces of soap scum buildup around the dishwasher drain.
  4. Fill a bucket with hot water and add a cup of white vinegar, then use this solution to fill up your sink or basin near the dishwasher drain. Allow it to sit for about half an hour before rinsing it out again with hot water.
  5. Disconnect any hoses that may be attached to your dishwasher drain, then use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to suck out any remaining debris inside them.
  6. Reattach all hoses and plug in your power cord after checking that everything is connected properly and securely back into place.
  7. Start running hot water through your dishwasher for one full cycle in order to flush out any remaining dirt or soap residue that could have built up inside it over time, which will help keep your appliance working optimally and prevent future clogs or blockages in your pipes and drains.

Seeking the Help of An Expert: When to Make that Phone Call

If you have tried to clean your dishwasher drain and it still isn’t functioning properly, or if the smell continues to linger, it might be time for you to contact an expert.

At Miller Plumbing & Heating,  we understand that dealing with malfunctioning appliances can be a stressful experience. That is why we offer professional assistance to help you diagnose and repair any issue. Our friendly, experienced staff will be able to quickly identify the problem and find an effective solution so your dishwasher drain is back in working order in no time!