An overflowing dishwasher is sometimes the result of adding the wrong detergent, but what can you do if the problem seems to be with too much water failing to drain? Acting quickly and appropriately is key when dealing with an overflowing dishwasher emergency.
1. Cut the Power
You need to turn off the dishwasher promptly so that water doesn't keep cycling through the system. The easiest way to do this is to shut it off on the front control panel of the appliance. If this fails for any reason, do not reach under the sink to unplug the unit -- standing in a puddle of water and playing with an electrical cord can lead to a shock hazard. Instead, shut off the power at the breaker box. You can then safely unplug the appliance without fear of any shock.
2. Stop the Flow
Sometimes water will keep flooding into the machine even if the power is off. This is because the valve is stuck open in the waterline. Beneath the kitchen sink, there should be a couple of tap handles. One controls hot water and the other controls cold. Turn both of these fully off. Water will be cut to both the dishwasher and to the kitchen sink, so you won't have any access to running water in the kitchen until a plumber can fix the dishwasher issue. This is still better than ongoing flooding.
3. Manage the Mess
The mess needs to be managed quickly before it leads to more damage. This is especially true if your kitchen is on the second floor or you have a basement, as the floodwater can leak below and cause even more severe damage. If there are a lot of suds, sprinkle salt on them. Salt reacts with the suds to reduce them instantly. Next, use rolled-up towels to contain the water to a small area so you can mop it up easily. Finally, dry out the area quickly with fans so mold doesn't take hold.
4. Call for Repairs
Once the immediate emergency is under control, you can work on getting water back in your kitchen. The most common reason for an overflowing dishwasher is a clogged drain, which you may be able to access and clean yourself. Other issues, such as problems with the shutoff and diverter valves in the water supply line or a clog further down the drain line, will require the help of a plumber to repair.
Contact an emergency plumber if your dishwasher is overflowing. They can quickly diagnose and fix the issue so that you can turn the water back on in your kitchen.
Share4 February 2021
My homes have always had either copper or PVC plumbing pipes. But when my plumbing system needed an overhaul last spring, I wanted a piping system for my home that I could work on myself when needed. There were a lot of good reasons to choose PEX piping, but my favorite thing about the PEX piping is that it's easy to work with, even if you're a beginner like me. Now I can make small repairs myself instead of calling the plumber every time I have a minor leak or other small problem. I still call the plumber for the big stuff, but it's more affordable now that I can take care of small issues myself. I started this blog to help others learn how they, too, can do DIY plumbing repairs at home.