Can I Put Drain Unblocker in My Dishwasher in Cumbria?

If you're living in Cumbria and are experiencing issues with your dishwasher, it's understandable that you might be wondering if using a drain unblocker is a viable solution. Blocked drains and waste disposal systems can be stressful to deal with, as they're generally caused by clogs in the kitchen sink, which, in turn, can result in overflowing or backed-up dishwashers. However, it's essential to consider the potential risks before using drain unblockers in your dishwasher.

At Drainage Cumbria, we understand how frustrating it can be to have a blocked sink or dishwasher in your Cumbria home. As a local drain unblocking company in Cumbria, we are here to help raise your awareness of common blockages and advise you on suitable solutions. In this landing page, we will explore whether it is safe to use drain unblocker on your dishwasher and how to avoid potential problems with proper maintenance.

Understanding the Dishwasher Drainage System

To understand whether drain unblocker is suitable to use in a dishwasher, it is essential to have a basic understanding of how a dishwasher's drainage system works.

Most dishwashers operate by washing dishes and cutlery with a combination of hot water and detergent. The wastewater is then drained out of the dishwasher through a pipe under the kitchen sink. Along with the wastewater, food scraps, and other debris are also drained out of the dishwasher, which can cause clogs and/or blockages. Deposits of 'gloop' can form within the drainage system and cause the pipes to become blocked, leading to standing water in the appliance tray.

Can I Put Drain Unblocker in My Dishwasher in Cumbria?

The simple answer to this question is no. It is not safe to use drain unblockers in your dishwasher, as the mixture of chemicals can cause severe damage to your appliance, putting your health at risk.

Dishwashers are not designed to handle concentrated chemicals such as those found in drain unblocker. The chemicals can corrode the pipes and damage the motor of the dishwasher, leading to the replacement of the whole appliance. Additionally, the mixture of unblocker and dishwasher detergent can cause a strong reaction, which can be potentially dangerous if exposed to skin or eyes.

The only thing you should technically use to avoid damage to your dishwasher's drainage system is hot water. Running the dishwasher on the highest temperature can help minimize the build-up of food scraps and debris in the dishwasher drainage system, reducing the chances of blockages or clogs.

What Causes Dishwasher Blockages?

Dishwasher blockages can be caused by a wide range of situations. Food scraps, grease, and oil are some of the most common reasons dishes can get stuck in the drain. Some of the other typical causes of dishwasher blockages include;

Usually Full Dishwasher

Overloading your dishwasher is a common problem that can cause blockages. When the dishwasher is too full, dishes may not be cleaned up properly, and water cannot be drained correctly.

Blocked Sink

A blockage in your sink can cause a dishwasher blockage. If the sink drain is clogged, water cannot flow correctly, thus backing up into the dishwasher.

Dirty Dishwasher

Over time, food scraps, soap scum, and grease can build up in the dishwasher's drainage system, clogging the pipes.

Shouldn't Use Too Much Water

Using too much water can lead to blockages. If you turn on your dishwasher and the machine's pump isn't working correctly, the machine won't drain properly, thus causing a problem.

Other Causes

Other reasons for dishwasher blockages include using liquid dishwashing detergent instead of powder, overusing detergent, and rinsing dishes before placing them in the machine.

What to Do If Your Dishwasher Drains Slowly?

If you notice that your dishwasher's drainage system is slow or blocked, you should first check the obvious things like the dishwasher's filters and waste disposal system. You should also be sure to scrape food scraps off dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, increasing the longevity of the appliance.

Another option is to use an eco-friendly product such as vinegar, which is safe and won't damage your dishwasher. You can pour a cup of vinegar into the dishwasher and let it run on a hot cycle, helping to clear the blockages.

If you've tried simple remedies and continue to experience problems with your dishwasher's drain, you should call in local professionals such as Drainage Cumbria for help. Our trained technicians will identify the root cause of your blockage and offer suitable long-term solutions.

Conclusion

In summary, it is not safe to use drain unblockers in your dishwasher, as the potential risk of damage to your appliance, clogs in the drainage system, or exposure to chemicals are too high. Our recommendation is for the use of hot water and proper maintenance to minimize the risk of blockages.

At Drainage Cumbria, we offer reliable and professional drain unblocking services, and we're here to help you with all your drainage issues in Cumbria. We've been serving Cumbria and surrounding areas of the North West England, England for years, and we're always here for you. If you're experiencing drainage issues, call us on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected] for help.