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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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A clogged line isn’t as easy of a fix as other issues causing a clogged drain. dishwasher lines run deep beneath the dishwasher, so clearing it out requires professional help from a plumber. This is when you need Palmdale, CA professional plumbers to tackle the job and unclog any dishwasher lines.
There’s a chance you have a damaged sewer line causing your blockage. Again, this is something a professional plumber needs to determine, but you may notice a foul smell or sewage backing up into your home.
Older lines and tree roots typically lead to issues with sewer lines. Although tree roots are good for your soil, they can wreak havoc on your sewer lines, pipes, and septic lines. They grow into rough shapes that invade these lines and cause major plumbing issues within your home.
One of the best ways to avoid new dishwasher drain hoses is to prevent clogs in the first place. Although clogs do happen, here are some steps you can take to mitigate the risk.
More often than not, clogs are caused by food and debris from plates in the dishwasher. It’s not uncommon for people to put plates into the dishwasher, straight from the dinner table. However, you need to ensure anything sticky is rinsed off, along with tiny pieces of food.
If you tightly pack plates into your dishwasher, it becomes harder for all the food to be removed. This is what you need to pre-rinse your plates before loading them into your dishwasher. If debris is removed, your dishwasher has less chance of clogging if it’s only bringing off fats.
It’s important to use your dishwasher regularly to help prevent clogs from forming. This works to ensure water flows, pushing detergent through your machine and flushing out dirt and debris that may be accumulating.
If you’ve been on vacation, for example, be sure to run your dishwasher as soon as you get back home.
Since dishwashers can last 10 years, it’s important to follow steps such as this. Small changes can help to prolong the life of your dishwasher.
If you run plain hot water through an empty dishwasher, you can remove accumulated dirt. This is more effective than running hot, oily water through your dishwasher while in use. Try doing this once or twice a week.
On average, dishwashers can cost $970 with installation, so a few minor changes may save you a lot of money in the long run.
The outside of your dishwasher is just as important as the inside, as they affect the way your dishwasher works. Remove any dirt and debris from the edges and front of your dishwasher using a hot, soapy rag.
If too much dirt and debris accumulate on the exterior of your dishwasher, you run the risk of compromising the seal. You may find your dishwasher opens during use, spilling dirty water onto your kitchen floor.
Check all of your dishwasher’s parts, including the filter. Ensure no food is accumulating, and clean any stuck food you see. This helps your dishwasher work efficiently.
As previously discussed, remember to clean your filter. You should also clean the whole flat assembly.
You’ll start by removing all the dishracks so you have room to remove your float assembly. Simply clean it and replace it to keep your dishwasher in good working order.
If you’re looking for a safe, effective rinse for your dishwasher, then vinegar is an excellent option. It works as an antibacterial agent, is inexpensive, and helps remove any accumulated odors within your dishwasher. It can also help remove hardware buildup.
All you need to do is pour about two cups of vinegar into a bowl, and set it in the bottom rack of your dishwasher, right in the middle. From there, run your dishwasher as usual, eliminating the dishwasher detergent. Running your dishwasher with vinegar helps to remove odors and clear out any accumulated bacteria.
If you have lemonade-flavored Kool-Aid on hand, you can also add this to your detergent cup. From there, you’d run your dishwasher without any dishes or detergent. The citric acid in the Kool-Aid helps remove stains that built up inside your dishwasher.
Does your dishwasher smell? Baking soda is known for its neutralizing properties. It deodorizes by bringing odor molecules and acidic molecules to an odor-free state.
While vinegar is an excellent way of removing odors, baking soda ensures the job is thoroughly completed. Simply sprinkle one cup of baking soda all over the bottom of your dishwasher.
You’ll need to leave it overnight, so the baking soda can thoroughly soak in. It will kill any bacteria lying on the floor of your dishwasher and make it smell fresh and clean.
In the morning, run your dishwasher without dishes, removing the backing soda. You don’t need to add detergent.
Now that you know all about dishwasher drain hose installation, along with ways to prevent clogs in the first place, you can apply your new skills. However, it’s best to leave dishwasher repairs to the professionals. Failure to properly maintain or repair an appliance can lead to larger issues, so deferring to the pros is usually the best choice.
Double O Plumbing is here to help you with all your Palmdale, CA plumbing needs. Whether you need emergency plumbing services or scheduled drain services, we have you covered. We service residential and commercial buildings and provide high-quality service at affordable prices.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
