How to Clear a Dishwasher Drain

Clearing Filter Clogs

• 1

  Open the dishwasher. Fully extend the dishwasher racks. Gently lift and remove the racks from the appliance. Inspect the bottom surface of the dishwasher's interior to locate the appliance's debris filter. The filter usually is a metal or plastic strainer basket.

• 2

  Lift the basket from the dishwasher's base. Dump the contents of the basket into a garbage can. Take the basket to a sink basin, fully open the faucet and run clean water through the dishwasher filter to remove debris and buildup.

• 3

  Replace the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. Mount the racks in their tracks and push the racks inside the dishwasher. Close the dishwasher's door and run the appliance to determine if filter buildup caused the clog.

Clearing the Air Gap

• 4

  Inspect the rim of your sink basin to locate the air gap assembly, which has a stubby, metal or plastic cover, usually cylindrical. Grasp the air gap's cover and pull upward and away from the countertop to remove the cover. If your air gap cover attaches to the air gap assembly via threads, twist the cover counterclockwise to loosen and remove the cover.

• 5

  Pull or unscrew the diverter from the air gap assembly. The diverter is a cap-like component that sits directly beneath the air gap cover. After removing the diverter, inspect the air gap's interior for debris. Remove debris by hand.

• 6

  Replace the diverter and press or screw on the air gap cover. Run the dishwasher to determine if a blocked air gap caused your clog.

Removing and Clearing Drain Hoses

• 7

  Pull the dishwasher away from the wall. Inspect the rear of the appliance to find the drain outlet. Place a rag or bucket beneath the drain outlet. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw clamp that secures the drain hose to the drain outlet. If your appliance employs spring clamps, press the spring clamp's tabs to loosen and remove the clamp.

• 8

  Pull the hose from the drain outlet. Sop up water with a rag or allow water to drain into a bucket. Access the cabinet that contains the opposite end of the drain hose. Place a bucket or rag beneath the hose. Remove the remaining end of the drain hose from the air gap; use a screwdriver for screw clamps or use your hands for spring clamps. Sop up water with a rag or drain water into a bucket.

• 9

  Remove the drain hose from the cabinet. Route the interior of the hose with blasts from a powerful garden hose or by running a drain auger through the hose's interior. Return the hose to the dishwasher, connecting one end to the appliance's drain outlet and the opposite end to the air gap. Run the dishwasher to determine if a clogged hose caused the blockage.