Home Garden

How to Keep Water From Running Back Into the Dishwasher

Water should only run out the drain of a dishwasher, not back into the unit. If this occurs, it means the drain hose is not properly installed or there is a clog somewhere in the kitchen drainage system. Most clogs prove easy to clear without the help of a professional plumber because they occur in the plumbing directly beneath the sink. One or more problems cause the same symptom, so you should examine each suspected problem area to completely resolve the issue.

Things You'll Need

  • Plunger
  • Pipe wrench
  • Pipe snake
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the air gap frequently. Remove the metal plug next to the kitchen faucet and pull the plastic plug from beneath the sink. Clear any clogs and replace.

    • 2

      Clean the kitchen sink drain on a regular basis. Fill partway with water and plunge any debris from the pipes. Remove the U-bend with a pipe wrench and remove any clogs. Work a pipe snake through clogged drains and pull it back out slowly to remove residue. Remove the garbage disposal plug if one is installed.

    • 3

      Reposition the dishwasher drain hose. Remove any kinks, raise the hose and secure it so the water drains out instead of back into the tub.