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View Full Version : Disposal backing up into Dishwasher?


Marcie32
Oct 15, 2006, 09:06 PM
I apologize if this has been asked 20 different ways. I have a single-tub kitchen sink and recently when I had the water running it drained for a few minutes but then water starting gurgling back up into the sink and sit there until it very slowly drained. Next, I had the brilliant idea to start the dishwasher and that water seemed to be coming into the sink also. Finally, after the dishwasher was almost done suds started leaking out the door of the dishwasher, then when it quit the sink drained very slowly. And now there is about an inch or so of water in the bottom of the dishwasher and when I run water in the sink it starts to back up into the sink then starts to drain slowly after I turn off the water, then water leaks out the front door of the dishwasher again. I did take apart the pipes that come out of the disposal and go into the wall to see if there is a clog... but it was all clean. I read some of the posts about looping and venting the dishwasher tube... I see that my dishwasher is not "vented" but the hose comes out of the cabinet wall and goes up about a foot and loops over the water shut-off knob then down again, then up to the disposal. The dishwasher was new when I bought this condo 4 months ago but I have no idea about the disposal... it looks all nice and new but what do I know. When I first moved in there were no problems but in the last few weeks I've had water everywhere.

speedball1
Oct 16, 2006, 09:11 AM
Hey Marcie,

"the hose comes out of the cabinet wall and goes up about a foot and loops over the water shut-off knob then down again, then up to the disposal.

This is not a correct way to run a dishwasher loop/air gap.
Loop the dishwasher hose up in the cabinet as high as it will go and secure it there. You have a bell in the line that collects and holds dirty water.
Now, on to the back up. You have a blockage in the lateral drain line, (the horizontal line inside the wall) and it will have to be snaked out.

remove the "J" bend from the trap and send a snake up the piece coming out of the wall. You will hit a elbo about 6 inches in but crank and work your way around it. Put out about 6 foot more and pull it out. Reassemble the trap and flush out the line with hot water. Good luck, Tom

Marcie32
Oct 16, 2006, 10:27 AM
Okay, I'll give that a try... thanks for the help!