How To Clean Your Kitchenaid Dishwasher Drain: The Ultimate Guide

KitchenAid dishwashers are known for their reliability and efficiency, but even the best appliances can experience clogs from time to time. If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not draining properly, it can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem. The good news is that cleaning the drain is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.

Signs of a Clogged Dishwasher Drain

There are a few signs that can indicate that your KitchenAid dishwasher drain is clogged. These include:

• Water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher
• Dishes not coming out clean
• A foul odor coming from the dishwasher
• The dishwasher making a loud noise when it is draining

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To clean the drain on your KitchenAid dishwasher, you will need the following tools and materials:

• A flashlight
• A small bowl or bucket
• A wet/dry vacuum cleaner
• A screwdriver
• A pair of pliers
• A toothbrush or other small brush
• White vinegar
• Baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Unplug the Dishwasher

Before you begin cleaning the drain, be sure to unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet. This will prevent you from getting shocked.

2. Locate the Drain Filter

The drain filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. It is usually a round or square plastic piece with a handle.

3. Remove the Drain Filter

To remove the drain filter, simply turn the handle counterclockwise. The filter will come out easily.

4. Clean the Drain Filter

Once you have removed the drain filter, inspect it for any debris. Remove any food particles, grease, or other debris that you find. You can use a toothbrush or other small brush to help you clean the filter.

5. Inspect the Drain Hose

Once you have cleaned the drain filter, inspect the drain hose for any kinks or blockages. If you find any kinks, straighten them out. If you find any blockages, remove them using a pair of pliers.

6. Clean the Drain Pump

The drain pump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, behind the drain filter. To clean the drain pump, simply remove the screws that hold it in place and pull it out. Once you have removed the drain pump, inspect it for any debris. Remove any debris that you find and then reinstall the drain pump.

7. Reassemble the Dishwasher

Once you have cleaned all of the components of the drain, reassemble the dishwasher. Be sure to tighten all of the screws securely.

8. Run the Dishwasher

Once you have reassembled the dishwasher, run it through a cycle with no dishes inside. This will help to flush out any remaining debris from the drain.

Preventing Clogs

There are a few things you can do to help prevent clogs from forming in your KitchenAid dishwasher drain. These include:

• Rinse dishes thoroughly before loading them into the dishwasher.
• Avoid putting food scraps, grease, or other debris down the drain.
• Clean the drain filter regularly.
• Run the dishwasher through a cycle with no dishes inside every few months.

Troubleshooting

If you have followed the steps above and your KitchenAid dishwasher is still not draining properly, there may be a more serious problem. In this case, you should contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning the drain on your KitchenAid dishwasher is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. By following the steps above, you can help to keep your dishwasher running smoothly and efficiently.

Popular Questions

Q: How often should I clean the drain on my KitchenAid dishwasher?

A: You should clean the drain on your KitchenAid dishwasher every few months, or more often if you notice that it is not draining properly.

Q: What are some signs of a clogged dishwasher drain?

A: Some signs of a clogged dishwasher drain include water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher, dishes not coming out clean, a foul odor coming from the dishwasher, and the dishwasher making a loud noise when it is draining.

Q: What should I do if I have followed the steps above and my KitchenAid dishwasher is still not draining properly?

A: If you have followed the steps above and your KitchenAid dishwasher is still not draining properly, there may be a more serious problem. In this case, you should contact a qualified appliance repair technician.