Common Dishwasher Plumbing Issues And How To Avoid Them With A Plumber | Waxahachie, TX
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Everyone in Waxahachie, TX that has previously owned or currently owned a dishwasher knows how useful a dishwasher can be for a busy kitchen. They cut down on clean-up time after large gatherings significantly, prevalent in large office buildings, and they’re also an excellent investment for single-family homes. Even if you live alone, a dishwasher appreciably cuts down on the amount of time you have to stand at the sink washing the grime from large pots and pans and reduces the need to soak them for hours at a time, cutting down on your sink availability.
Not only is a dishwasher a time-saver, but they’re incredibly eco-friendly – they use much less water than traditional dishwashing does, with the added bonus of preventing germ and bacterial growth. Whether you own a dishwasher or you’re just thinking of getting one, there are some common dishwashing plumbing mistakes that your friendly plumber wants you to know about, and we’ll discuss them here.
Using a dishwasher the right way is vital to maintain your Waxahachie home’s plumbing and avoid regular plumber callouts. Keep the following tips in mind for your next dishwasher use, and you might just prevent the next costly plumbing disaster:
- Place your items in the correct rack. Whether you believe it or not, which rack you place your dishwasher items in really does play a role in the longevity of both your utensils and your dishwashing appliance. Incorrect placement can result in your items melting, warping, or worse, cracking. So which things should go on the bottom shelf? Easy. Anything you eat off or eat with should ideally go on the bottom rack. Items such as plates, bowls, and eating utensils should go here. The top shelf should be reserved for larger serving utensils, glasses, cups, and similar items. If possible, read up on the specific guidelines associated with your dishwasher-safe item when you first buy them; some items are only labeled as dishwasher-safe if used on the top rack. Placing items in the wrong location can lead to a less effective wash and the need to rewash certain items. Avoid this where possible as it not only leads to wear and tear sooner than expected, but increased usage will affect your energy bills.
- Avoid placing large pans near your dishwasher sprayer. If you aren’t familiar with a dishwasher’s inside, it’s a good idea to become so. For the most effective wash, the internal sprayer should reach every corner of the dishwasher and coat every dish during the cycle. Placing large items near your dishwasher sprayer will naturally interrupt the flow and result in some items being cleaned less thoroughly. Find out where your sprayer is, and try not to overfill your dishwasher and block its use. If necessary, load some items into a second wash. Sometimes, you may cause accidental damage from overloading the dishwasher and require professional assistance. You can easily avoid this by correctly loading a dishwasher and avoid placing large items in the way of essential components.
- Use the right detergent. While often overlooked, dishwasher detergents vary in quality, and lower quality washer tablets can have a detrimental effect on your washer’s capabilities. Not only that but using detergent correctly is paramount. Some people believe that less is more if you’ve got many heavily soiled items to place in your dishwasher. However, overusing detergent can leave a greasy residue that not only coats your cookware, but it can build up in the outlet pipe and cause drainage issues.
The Two Most Common Dishwasher Plumbing Issues
As you may have guessed already, the top two most common issues a plumber will face when returning a dishwasher to its former operating glory are typically clogs and leaking pipes. While you may not initially realize some of the above issues, such as loading your dishwasher incorrectly, may inadvertently be the cause, you will almost certainly realize when your appliance is leaking. Leaking pipes are usually obvious and are the sign that you probably most expect to see when your dishwasher is broken. Your plumber will likely have tons of experience locating leaks, patching pipes, and repiping when necessary, so don’t be hesitant to ask for this service.
While you may be tempted to use essential plumber tools to clear the issue yourself, in many cases, these won’t be enough to clear a full-blown drainage clog. To remove your clog, a professional may use more sophisticated equipment to get it right the first time. In contrast, home remedies may only partially clear the blockage and result in plumbing issues returning more frequently than you’d like.
Water filling your appliance contains sediment and minerals; over time, these will build up naturally and clog your supply line. In these cases, the inlet screen can be cleaned, but in severe cases, the inlet screen will need replacement. If you’re unsure which course of action would be best, a professional plumber can assess your screen’s condition and advise. Depending on where your dishwasher is installed, getting to the inlet screen can be difficult as it may involve pulling out your dishwasher and placing it on its back to gain access to the supply hose and the inlet screen filter. Call a plumber to help you with this if you’re in doubt about doing it yourself; we’ve likely done it hundreds of times and can help you get to the inlet screen quickly and safely.
Similarly, you may see issues with water not draining out of your dishwasher as quickly as you’d like. Seeing some water at the bottom of your dishwasher once the cycle has finished is normal; seeing water rush out the door once the process is completed is most definitely not. Clogged dishwasher drains and faulty door gaskets can both be the cause of these drainage issues; a professional will be able to tell you which.
At Bahama Plumbing, we have over 40 years’ experience helping the residents of Waxahachie, TX resolve accidental plumbing disasters. We can help you to install a dishwasher the right way, repair clogged drainage systems, undertake pipe repair, and more. We also run an emergency repair service, so even if you find your dishwasher acting up in the middle of the night, early morning, or on a national holiday, we can be there to help ASAP. Call 817-908-8781 to schedule an emergency repair with a local plumber, or connect with us via our website if you have less urgent queries that you want a plumber to talk through with you.