There are certainly more disgusting emergencies than dishwasher water overflowing into your sink. Of course, this does not make the experience any less distressing. So why is water overflowing into the sink when you turn the dishwasher on anyway?
Keep reading to learn about some of the reasons why such an oddity might occur. You may be able to solve this problem on your own, but if not, Plumbing by Jake is always here and happy to help. Call us at (928) 377-5910, and we will schedule a service call with you that works best for your situation and schedule.
Clogged Garbage Disposal
When water backs up and overflows into an area where it shouldn’t be, a clog is usually the culprit. One such reason for your dishwasher backing up into your sink may be that you have a clog in your garbage disposal.
This usually only happens after your garbage disposal is newly installed, but it can happen even if you have had the disposal for a while. To fix the problem, simply remove the drain plug. You can find the drain plug covering the hole where your garbage disposal meets your dishwasher. Removing it allows the water to drain appropriately from your dishwasher or sink.
Clogged Air Gap
Does your kitchen sink have an air gap installed? If so, it may have a clog that is causing the overflow. You can usually find the air gap at the top of the sink near the faucet. Ironically, the purpose of the air gap is to prevent dishwasher backflow. Therefore, if the air gap is not doing its job, there must be something in its way, obstructing it.
This, too, is a rather easy fix. Just remove the top cover, then the protective cap. Check inside the air gap and remove any debris you see that may be clogging it. If it is a more stubborn clog, you may need a bottlebrush to dislodge it, which you can easily find at your local hardware store.
Clogged Sink
If it is not your garbage disposal or air gap that is experiencing a clog, the issue may lie with your sink. There are several ways to remove a clog in your sink, depending on where it is and how severe it is.
First, as a preventive measure, you can try running the garbage disposal for a few seconds before you start your dishwasher, every time you run your dishwasher. This ensures there are no clogs present to prevent your dishwasher from draining.
You can also snake the sink drain to remove a clog. You can purchase a sink snake from your local hardware store.
You can also use a sink cleaner to break up a clog. However, in the event this does not work and you need to call a plumber anyway, always let your plumber know you used chemicals. Otherwise, the plumber could suffer a chemical burn if he needs to open your pipes and some of the product is still in there.
Clogged Dishwasher
If it’s not one clog, it’s another. If you have checked your garbage disposal, sink, and air gap and all are clean, the clog may be within your dishwasher itself.
You will know you have a clogged dishwasher if you notice standing water sitting on the bottom of it. At this point, you should check the drain at the back of your dishwasher, as well as the drain hose. The drain hose is particularly notorious for kinking and creating blockages when debris has nowhere else to go.
Something else important to note is that you should always use the right brand and amount of detergent for your make and model of dishwasher. Otherwise, if you use too much or the wrong type, it can build up over time and eventually cause a clog.
If You Are Experiencing Water Overflow and You Don’t Know Why, Plumbing by Jake Can Help!
Unless you are an experienced plumber, you can only do so much before needing to call a professional for help. And it is always a good idea to call a professional if you’re not sure of what you’re doing, rather than risk flood damage and make the situation worse.
With several years in this industry, we are confident there are no plumbing problems out there that Plumbing by Jake has not seen at least once. We can handle whatever issue you are experiencing, no matter how big or small. And we are available 24 hours a day because we understand that plumbing emergencies know no schedule.
Call us for service at (928) 377-5910 anytime. Never put off a plumbing issue until it’s too late, especially when you are in such good hands with Plumbing by Jake. Call us today!
