Ask the Expert 
Dishwasher does not drain
QUESTION: Our dishwasher does not drain out all the water at the end of the cycle and the water is dirty as well as the dishes. We have had the pump replaced under warranty. The service technician says it is because of the drain pipes that are partially clogged. I have a hard time accepting that answer. We have a home based business making chocolate truffles. As a result a large amount of chocolate is washed down the drain where it collects in the pipes. The drains do not appear to be slow draining so the technicians opinion is suspect to me. Can you suggest a course of action to verify if the problem is the drains or the dishwasher.
-- Jack Nootenboom from kanata, ON
ANSWER:
It appears to me the problem is with the dishwasher rather than the drain, as the homeowner assumes. The only way the water would remain in the dishwasher is if the waste line was just about completely clogged or if the pump was not functioning properly in all cycles.
With the kitchen being used for preparation of chocolate-based ingredients, I recommend a plumber clean the waste line using a high velocity water jetter. This will scour the line like a bottle brush would clean a baby’s formula bottle. Residue will slowly build in the line, and it will eventually clog as home kitchen lines are not designed – in size – to take on that sort of waste on a continuous basis. I recommend calling a qualified plumber.
Expert's Bio
Jim Jennette is an expert in the plumbing industry and works at the Mr. Rooter Corporation. With more than 20 years of plumbing experience, he is knowledgeable in many areas including installation of plumbing, piping and fixtures. Jim is also skilled in garbage disposals, water heaters and boilers as well as pipe bursting and relining, which is new technology to replace broken underground piping without digging up yards and sidewalks. Before operating a full-service plumbing shop for 15 years, Jim was an educator of English students. He now coaches Mr. Rooter franchise owners in every aspect of their businesses as a franchise consultant, a position he’s had for five years. Jim’s extensive knowledge and resources give him the tools to tackle any plumbing issue or question.
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