How To Clean Dishwasher Drain Hose Without Removing It?

If your dishwasher stops draining suddenly, it doesn’t mean you have to disconnect and remove the whole unit to solve a clogged problem.

Sometimes, applying a shortcut technique can save you lots of time and energy. So learning how to clean the dishwasher drain hose without removing it is a smart hack to continue the dishes cleaning task without a long break. 

Following we have included multiple and easy-to-apply dishwasher drain hose cleaning tasks without removing them.

How To Clean The Dishwasher Drain Hose Without Removing It?

Clearing a drain hose is a slightly complicated task, especially without removing it from the dishwasher. But it’s not rocket science and you can handle it at home on your own.

Empty The Dishwasher

The first task to do is remove all the dishes from the inside of the dishwasher.

if the cookware is still dirty, separate them from the clean dishes so you can clean them again after fixing the drain hose problem.

Don’t take this step lightly because you can easily forget it after fixing the drain hose of the dishwasher.

Unplug The Dishwasher

Before emptying your dishwasher, unplug it from the power outlet and turn off the garbage disposal system. It’s vital for a safe operation.

Remove The Rack

You can also remove the rack of the dishwasher to get easier access to certain parts, including the filter.

To clean the drain hose, you have to check the filter, which is either placed at the bottom or back of the dishwasher based on the model.

Check The Garbage Disposal

The drain hose of the dishwasher may be clogged. Considering it, clear the garbage disposal.

Inspecting the garbage is always a better idea, as the problem may lie there.

If so, clearing this unit will help you fix the issue without making your hand dirty.

Clogged garbage disposal also prevents the dishwasher from draining efficiently.

Run the disposal to consume the large particles and clean them if they become full.

Apply Solution

If the drain hose itself becomes clogged, apply a quick fix solution to clean the house.

Make a solution of vinegar and baking soda following a 1:1 ratio and add it to the dishwasher basket, which you will find at the bottom of the dishwasher.

Wait for a while so the solution can sit properly. After around 15 minutes, pour warm water into the dishwasher basket to clear the drain hose and run a rinse cycle.

Note: Never use Drano. Many house owners apply Drano to clear the overflowing sink and shower.

It’s not recommended for pouring it into the dishwasher. Drano contains sodium hydroxide that can damage the drain hose of your appliance if it is made of plastic.

Sinks and showers include thicker PVC drain pipes that can withstand the Drano.

Despite this, Drano can stay in the drain hose and splash onto the cookware during washing.

Alternative Methods On Cleaning Dishwasher Drain Hose Without Removing It

If you aren’t interested in applying the vinegar and baking soda method to cleaning the dishwasher drain hose, we have some alternative methods.

Luckily, these methods also allow you to clean the dishwasher drain hose without removing it.

Clean The Dishwasher Air Gap

Similarly, the garbage disposal and the dishwasher’s air gap can be potential sources of clogging.

Checking this function can help you fix the issue without removing the drain hose.

To determine whether the air gap is the source of the difficulties or not, check the countertops.

If the water is flooding over the countertop, then the air gap is responsible.

If so, simply remove the cap of the air gap and clean the debris to continue draining properly.

Check The Filter

As mentioned, the filter of a dishwasher is located at the bottom or back of the unit. Remove the casing over the filter and clean it completely.

Hopefully, your dishwasher will now drain properly.

If There Is No Other Way

Check all the garbage disposal units, filters, air gaps, and apply the solution? Your dishwasher still doesn’t drain?

It means you must remove the drain hose to clean it successfully.

Don’t fret, following the method won’t test your skill level while enabling you to clean the drain hose properly.

Unplug The Dishwasher

Find and switch off the circuit breaker for your dishwasher. Open the dishwasher’s door and remove the two screws that mounted the unit to the countertop.

Remove the plate that was secured by screws. If your dishwasher features a snap-on and off kick plate, do so to remove it.

Pull Out The Dishwasher

Now disconnect the wire by unscrewing the wire nuts found under the dishwasher. Turn the valve off under the sink and take away the water supply line.

Then pull out the dishwasher from under the countertop for an easy excess of the drain hose.

Remove The Drain Hose

Put a container under the drain hose to collect the residual water that may come off while loosening the hose.

Now untie the drain hose clamp and remove it from the dishwasher. Following the same process, take away the other end of the drain hose from under the sink.

Check The Drain Hose

Check the drain hose carefully to see if there are any dents or cracks. Kinks in the drain easily cause clogs. If it is the main issue, change the drain hose.

But if the drain hose is in good condition, bend it back and forth to clear the clogs.

Now run high-pressure water using a garden hose through the drain hose to clean out all the tiny clogs.

Reconnect The Dishwasher

Now reconnect the drain hose from both ends using the clamps. Then reconnect all the connections, including the water supply and electrical wire.

Move the unit back into its earlier place and secure the kick plate firmly. Turn on both the valve under the sink and the circuit breaker and run the dishwasher.

If the dishwasher still doesn’t drain properly, it’s time to call the experts.

FAQs

Final words

Taking care of the dishwasher won’t disturb your cleaning process. But somehow, you forgot to clean the drain hose and it got clogged. Still, you overcame it.

We have taught you plenty of technique on how to clean dishwasher drain hose without removing it.

So fixing the draining problem will require no time, allowing you to continually clean your dishes on time.

But if the case is serious and must be removed, you still have the appropriate know-how technique.