How to Check a Dishwasher Drain Hose

The purpose of a dishwasher drain hose is to remove the water used during the wash cycle and drain it to your plumbings drain system. If the drain hose gets clogged or cracks, it can cause the dishwasher to flood or leak. If the water is draining slowly, or not at all, checking the drain hose is relatively simple.

Step 1 - Garbage Disposals

For homes with garbage disposals, the dishwasher drain hose is generally connected to the disposal, then run from the disposal to the homes drain system. For these systems the hose should be checked at both the dishwasher side and the disposal side. It's not uncommon for drain hoses connected to a disposal to get backed up. 

Step 2 - Safety

Before you begin trying to clear a drain hose, you want to make sure the power supply is cut off. A pan placed under the location of the drain hose will also prevent water or debris from creating slick spots on the floor.

Step 3 - Clearing the Hose

The drain hose is flexible and can be wiggled and bent with ease. This can help you feel the location of any blockages. Once the blockage is located you can try to free it either by running water through the tube at a high pressure, or using an air gun. A simple garden hose turned on to it's maximum is usually enough pressure to remove debris.