Often we need to use the sink and dishwasher at a time. But can you use the sink while the dishwasher is running?
It is important to ensure that using the sink won’t harm your dishwasher before trying to use it.
In this article, we will discuss whether it is safe to use both sink and dishwasher simultaneously or not.
Can You Use The Sink While The Dishwasher Is Running?
Yes, you can use the sink while your dishwasher is running. But if your resident’s water pressure is low, that can create problems.
So multitasking in the kitchen depends on several factors such as drain status, water pressure, etc.
Top 5 Reasons Why The Sink Can Fill Up If You Use It With A Dishwasher
If you use the sink and dishwasher, you can face two common scenarios.
- The sink may fill up due to a line issue.
- If the line is smooth, then flawless water drainage.
When you fail to use the sink and dishwasher simultaneously, it means you have some problem with the below components.
- Jammed Dishwasher
- Blockage sink
- Air gap issue
- Water pressure
- Garbage disposal plug
Let’s dig in a little deeper to know how to fix these problems.
1. Jammed Dishwasher
When you are facing standing water in the sink while using the sink and dishwasher, the common problem is the draining issue.
But if you don’t use the dishwasher, then the flows will be smooth.
Turn off your dishwasher and faucet and inspect the drain that links to your dishwasher. If the drain link is ok, then check for other issues.
Often overuse of detergent can jam the machine. You need to pour the exact amount of detergent to fix this issue.
Besides, you should check the drain hose to find a kink. It also creates a blockage.
2. Blockage sink
If your sink is blocked, it is not possible to use the sink and dishwasher simultaneously.
When you notice water comes back from the dishwasher to the sink, it indicates a blockage sinks.
If you don’t have a garbage disposal attached to the sink, then don’t throw kitchen waste down the sink.
To repair a clogged sink, you should call a professional plumber. Before that, first, test the sink carefully.
Turn off the dishwasher and now use the sink. If water stands on the sink, that means you have a blockage sink.
You can try the below DIY trick to fix a clogged sink.
- If you have a garbage disposal, try to run it
- Shake the drain softly to unclog it
- Take a sink cleaner to make it clean
3. Air gap issue
If your kitchen sink contains an air gap near the faucet, then it has a chance of clogging. Typically air gap is responsible for isolating the hose that links the sink.
As a result, dishwashers can pass out wastewater. Wastewater can’t return back to the machine to make your dish ugly.
When a block occurs in the air gap, the wastewater can’t go back into the dishwasher. So, take out the air gap covers and protective cap to identify blockage.
If you notice solid waste, then take out the solid and wash the place to fix the clog. You can also call the technician to get rid of a clogged air gap.
4. Water Pressure
The water source is the same for the dishwasher and kitchen sink. So if your water pressure is low, it can’t supply sufficient water in the sink and dishwasher at a time.
Besides, used water can go back into the kitchen sink due to low water pressure.
So if the water supply pressure is low, then you can’t use the sink and dishwasher together.
5. Garbage disposal
You must need functional garbage disposal to crush the solid food residue that pours down the sink.
But if your garbage disposal is faulty, it can’t crush solid food. The most common problem occurs with a drain plug.
You should open the drain plug covers to check the issues. Take help from a plumber to fix this problem.
Finding a sink filled with water while running the dishwasher is an unpleasant incident. Follow the above tricks to fix these problems.
Conclusion
Now you get the answer regarding can you use the sink while the dishwasher is running. If you don’t have plumbing issues or any errors, you can use the sink and dishwasher simultaneously.
Obviously, it won’t harm your dishwasher. But if your sink fills up with water, that indicates a plumbing issue.
If you face this problem, don’t forget to repair it or call a technician.
