Dishwasher Drain Hose Installation: An Ultimate Guide

Did you know that an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher can save you roughly 3,800 gallons of water throughout the duration of its lifetime and cost you only $35 a year to use?  But what happens when you need a new dishwasher drain hose? You’re probably wondering about the dishwasher drain hose installation process, and what’s involved if you attempt to DIY. While it’s best to call in a professional plumber in Palmdale, CA, there are some steps you can take that will help you in a pinch.  This helpful guide walks you through the ins and outs of dishwasher drain hose installation, so be sure to keep reading for information you won’t want to miss.    Dishwasher Drain Hose Installation The first step is connecting your hose to your air gap. You can expect this length of tubing to be about ⅞ inches in diameter.  Here’s a complete list of Items you’ll need:    Twister Knife Hammer Drain hose Hose clamp Air gap connection Screwdriver Waste disposal Needle nosed pliers Begin by removing your waste disposal from the electrical circuit to prevent electrocution while working. Start by switching off the disposal unit from your main switchboard if it’s attached directly to the electrical socket. Failure to do so may result in electrical shock and severe injury.  If you have a waste disposal system, turn the power off and unplug it. If it’s hardwired in, you may need to turn it off at your circuit breaker. This helps protect you from accidents.  Next, look for the drain pipe on the upper side of the waste disposal. This is where the hose collects from the dishwasher. Using your screwdriver, remove the plug. Any metal plugs are easily removed with needle-nosed pliers.  Once this step is complete, you’ll attach the dishwasher drain hose to the waste disposal. Using the screwdriver, tighten the clamp. Next, take your knife and cut the dishwasher drain hose down to size so it doesn’t twist. If a hose twists, you run the risk of clogs. Be sure to use a ⅞ inch drain hose. Ensure both ends of the hose are connected. This means one end connects to the garbage disposal nipple inlet and one end connects to the air gap.    Drain Hose Installation With No Garbage Disposal If you don’t have a garbage disposal, you’ll need to tweak the drain hose installation process. This ensures the successful installation of your dishwasher drain hose.  First, begin by connecting the dishwasher drain hose to the smaller side of your air gap. You’ll find this mounted underneath your sink deck or countertop. This may require a little force to remove.  Next, connect the bigger side of your air gap to the Y-branch tailpiece of your sink drain. You’ll also use a ⅞ inch rubber drain hose. If you don’t have this tailpiece already, you’ll need to install one.  They come in two sizes, so find the one that fits the ⅞ inch house from the air gap.  Once this step is complete, connect both sides of the drain hose to the tailpieces. This is where you’ll use hose clamps. Ensure no kinks or twists in the drain hose before installing the clamps. Trim if necessary.   High Loop Connections If permitted in your area, you may be able to install your dishwasher drain hose using the high loop method.  Start by pulling the drain line from behind the dishwasher. Be sure to pull as much of it as possible. Loop it high under the sink- as high as space permits- strapping it in place to prevent wastewater from your sink drain from backing up into the dishwasher.  Next, find the end of the dishwasher drain line and attach it to the Y-branch tailpiece of your drain. Secure it in place using a hose clamp.  If you don’t have a Y-piece, purchase one prior to beginning any work.    Causes of Clogs Now that you know how to install a drain hose, it’s important to understand what causes clogs and how to prevent them. If you’re ever unsure about the cause of a clog, it’s always best to defer to a professional plumber.  Here are some common causes of problems with dishwasher drains and what you can do to avoid them moving forward.    Clogged Hose If you have a garbage disposal, then your dishwasher hose most likely runs from the dishwasher to the disposal unit. This sits beneath your sink and drains dishwater. However, food and debris accumulate over time, clogging this hose. This is why you need to rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.  Fortunately, you can easily access his hose, so all you need to do is look under the sink to see if there’s any sort of clog. If you find one, you can remove the hose with a pair of players and clear the blockage with a coat hanger.  However, you run the risk of damaging the line, so it’s best to let a professional plumber in Palmdale, CA handle any issues.    Problems With Your Garbage Disposal Your garbage disposal is another common cause of clogs. It may even be installed incorrectly. If, for example, the plug was left after installation, your dishwasher won’t drain. All you need to do is remove the plus using pliers, but make sure to reattach the hose after you complete this step.    Your Drain Filter Is Dirty Your drain filter is usually at the bottom of your dishwasher’s interior. If it’s clogged with food or debris, your dishwasher won’t drain correctly. This is another reason why you want to rinse your plates before loading them into the dishwasher.  Simply remove the bottom dish rack from your dishwasher. You’ll see a filter that looks like a basket on the bottom. Remove it, wash it with soap and hot water, and replace it.    Clogged Line A clogged line isn’t as easy of a fix as other issues causing a clogged drain. dishwasher lines run deep beneath the