Many of us use our dishwashers on a daily basis. Dishwashers provide us with convenience and an extra level of cleanliness to all of our kitchen supplies. However, just like any other appliance, things can go wrong. In time, dishwashers become clogged, especially when the food scraps, papers, and other tiny items accumulate from unrinsed dishes. After a lot of use this usually results in a backup. Looking out for these five signs will help you recognize a clogged dishwasher so you can get it fixed right away.

• It Makes a Strange Gurgling Sound

One of the most common signs that there is something wrong with your dishwasher is when you hear a strange gurgling sound as you run it. Dishwashers make noise with the sound of water running through it. However, if you can no longer distinguish the sound it is making or if it is making a choking-like sound, then it could be because of a clog. You will need the help of a plumber to determine the location of the clog as there are several pipes or sewer lines connected to your dishwasher.

• It is Not Cleaning Your Dishes Properly

Like any other appliances, if the dishwasher is clogged, it won’t be able to clean up your dishes properly. The issue of unclean dishes in the dishwasher could be as simple as dishes not stacked properly or not having enough water. However, it could also be because of a faulty or clogged inlet valve. To determine which of these causes the poor cleaning, start a wash cycle again. The water level should reach or near the heating coil. If the cleaning issue is caused by a faulty or clogged inlet valve, then you need to contact a professional to fix or replace your dishwasher’s inlet valve.

• It Pushes the Water Back Up Into Your Sink

Your dishwasher is connected to the drainage system of your kitchen sink. If you notice that water is backing up in your kitchen sink as you run your dishwasher, then most probably, there is a clog that keeps the water from flowing thoroughly. If there are food scraps clogging your dishwasher, then you might need to shut off your appliance and run the garbage disposal. You have to be careful though, as the blades can jam and stops the operation of the disposal.

1. It Drains the Water Very Slowly

Your dishwasher will normally drain the water out to the sewer line smoothly and quickly. However, if the water drains so slowly or, worse, the water will not pump out of it, then there is surely a problem with your appliance. This problem could be caused by partial clogging in the drain or a broken drain pump; either way, you will need the help of a professional to fix the issue. 

• It Causes Puddle of Water on the Floor

A dishwasher that is working fine will never cause a puddle of water on the floor. Check out where the water is coming from. If it is near the dishwasher’s door, then you might not have closed the dishwasher’s door properly or the door seal might have broken. On the other hand, if the leakage is coming from one of the lines connected to the dishwasher, then it could mean that there is a crack in it.