Dishwashers are common appliances but their high number of moving parts leaves them vulnerable to breaking down. The issues you have with a dishwasher may be simple clogs to bigger problems like leaks. In general, any problem with the hose is usually possible to fix on your own.
There are a number of potential problems that you may experience with the hose. It could be clogged with food or debris. It could also be damaged and leaking water. It could also have a problem with the connection where it connects to the dishwasher or the line.
Any problems with the hose are fairly easy to diagnose. In some cases, you may not be able to fix the hose but may have to replace it instead. This is also fairly simple but you can always use a plumber to do any additional troubleshooting and repairs.
Repairing a Dishwasher Drain Hose
By using the steps here, you can determine the problem with the drain hose and then go about repairing it. If none of the problems here exist, then the problem may not be the drain hose itself.
1. Check the Interior Drain
Before you take any part of the dishwasher apart, it’s best to check the interior drain in the dishwasher. Open the dishwasher and remove any debris or food from the drain.
Any food that’s blocking the drain may also mean that you have food in the hose. A blockage in the hose could lead to a number of problems so clean out the drain and take note of anything blocking it.
2. Remove the Service Panel
Remove the service panel to take a look at the drain hose. Unplug the dishwasher from the wall to avoid any electric problems. Once you’ve done this, close the dishwasher door and then remove the screws that hold the service panel into place.
There are generally four screws in total although some models may have additional screws on the inside of the door panel. If you’re not able to remove the panel, check your manufacturer’s guide for instructions.
3. Inspect the Drain Hose
Take a look at the drain hose to note if there are any leaks. Many hoses may develop leaks overtime at the spots where the tube bends.
If you notice that the hose is cracked, then it will need to be replaced entirely. You can check the user guide to determine the replacement type of hose. If the tube looks intact, continue with this list.
4. Remove the Hose
Take the hose off of the dishwasher. Even though it does not appear damaged, you should still check that there aren’t any clogs or that any clogs present have been removed.
Use pliers to crimp the wire clamp holding the hose. Slide the wire clamp away from the drain hosing and then remove the hose from the dishwasher.
Remove the hose from the sink line. In most models, the drain hose will be attached underneath the sink to the sink drainage line. Pliers can be used to remove the wire clamp in much the same way. Take note of any leaking water at either connection in order to determine if the hose had any problems with the connection sites.
5. Remove any Clogs
Check the hose to see if there are any clogs or materials inside the hose. You can run water through the hose to clear out any residual items or to determine if water will flow through freely.
Pour water into the hose and then place it in a U-shape in order to determine if there are any leaks. If you notice any leaks, replace the hose with a new one.
If no problems exist, attach the hose to the dishwasher and run a cycle, taking note of any leaks or additional problems with drainage.
If the steps here haven’t been successful to determine the problem, then it’s likely that the drain hose is not causing your dishwasher problems.
In this scenario, you may want to call in a technician to diagnose the problem since it may be more difficult to find. In most cases, a technician will be able to review your dishwasher and determine the root cause if it’s not the drain hose.
