If you have noticed that your dishwasher is not operating as it should be, the most likely cause of the problem is a blocked drain pump or drain line. Below is a guide which will help you to diagnose the source of the issue so you can get your machine back to full working order.

Remove the blockage 

The first thing you should do is turn off the water supply using the stopcock on the water inlet pipe. You should also ensure that the electrical supply to the dishwasher is switched off to prevent accidental electrocution. Once you have done this, you should lay your dishwasher down on its back so you can access the bottom panel on the machine. The majority of modern dishwashing appliances feature a base panel which can be removed. The panel covers the drain pump and the drain line. You should check the maintenance manual which came with your dishwasher to correctly identify and locate the drain pump and line.

Remove the drain pump

Once you have identified and located the drain pump and line, you should begin by removing the power supply connections. Once you have removed the power cable, you should be able to unscrew the drain pump and lift it free from the appliance. If you are concerned about remembering where each component and screw goes when you come to reinstall the pump, you should take photographs on your smartphone as you go so you can review them later.

Clean the drain pump and line

You should use warm water and a small wire brush to remove any debris which has built up in the drain pump. Once you have removed the debris, you should check that the impeller can rotate freely. If you cannot find any debris in the pump, you should turn your attention to the drain line. Use a pressure washer to spray water into the pipe to remove any blockage which has built up within it. If you cannot find any sign of a blockage in the drain pump or the drain line, it is likely that the pump has failed. In this case, you will need to call in a professional appliance repair contractor who will be able to supply and install a new drain pump.

If you would like further information about repairing your dishwasher, you should contact professional appliance service today for additional help and advice.