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    TXRSEFLWR's Avatar
    TXRSEFLWR Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 25, 2012, 09:52 AM
    Broken pipe systems in the kitchen
    We had a plumber out to trouble shoot why the dishwasher is not draining correctly. The manual said all things point to a blockage.
    All things are flowing and draining normally except for the dishwasher. I have to interrupt the cycle many times to get all the water out. All pipes under the sink are clear.
    We have a slab house
    The plumber thinks that there is a break in the pipe someplace but all things are flowing, tub, upstairs toilet and the washing machine and the kitchen sink.
    No smells or sewage in dishwasher etc.
    The flow is as follows, kitchen(north) has a clean out outside on the other side of the wall, flows through the garage(south and east) to the washer then east to the bathroom and out to the city sewer (south)

    Wouldn't we have some kind of symptoms if there was a break in the line someplace?

    We don't have a clean out in the front yard and don't know how to locate where it would be?

    Any input would be great
    Thanks
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #2

    Apr 25, 2012, 10:19 AM
    So only the dishwasher is a problem, everything else drains just fine, right?
    TXRSEFLWR's Avatar
    TXRSEFLWR Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 25, 2012, 10:56 AM
    That is correct
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #4

    Apr 25, 2012, 11:24 AM
    Disconnect the dishwasher discharge tube from your sink drain. Direct it into a 5 gallon bucket and see if the washers pump is pushing the water out with force.
    TXRSEFLWR's Avatar
    TXRSEFLWR Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 25, 2012, 12:29 PM
    If the water is pushing out into the bucket then that eliminates the dishwasher issue?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #6

    Apr 25, 2012, 12:45 PM
    Yes if the washer shoots out like a garden hose then the washer is working fine. Does that hose connect to disposal or the drain pipe by the trap?
    TXRSEFLWR's Avatar
    TXRSEFLWR Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Apr 25, 2012, 12:46 PM
    Conects to the disposal by the drain pipe.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #8

    Apr 25, 2012, 01:01 PM
    Is the disposal new or has it been there all along and draining fine?
    TXRSEFLWR's Avatar
    TXRSEFLWR Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Apr 25, 2012, 01:16 PM
    Disposal is about as old as the dishwasher about 15 years old. I just can't imagine it being a broken pipe under the slab since we are not seeing or having any issues with the plumbing.
    TXRSEFLWR's Avatar
    TXRSEFLWR Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Apr 25, 2012, 01:22 PM
    Wouldn't there be obvious signs of a broken line somewhere? I really think the issue is the dishwasher
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #11

    Apr 25, 2012, 01:41 PM
    Make sure the strainer in the base is not plugged up with food or other debris. After 15 years, the impeller could be worn enough that it won't move water against pressure or it could be plugged with detergent..
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #12

    Apr 25, 2012, 03:50 PM
    Its really as simple as doing as ballengerb suggested with the five gallon bucket. This will tell you if you have a washer problem, or a kitchen sink or disposal drain issue. Please let us know what you find. My bet is on a washer problem. If so, do as ma06 suggest.
    TXRSEFLWR's Avatar
    TXRSEFLWR Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #13

    Apr 25, 2012, 03:58 PM
    Cool, thanks for all the opinions I will certainly report back, it will be Friday before I know.. I will do this one myself :))))
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #14

    Apr 25, 2012, 04:00 PM
    Look forward to an update. Take care.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #15

    Apr 26, 2012, 09:15 AM
    I don't think you have a broken line. If your sink drains and the disposal works plus the fact you're already eliminated the dishwasher I'd be giving a hard look at the connection between the discharge hose and the disposal. That's about all that's left. Good luck, Tom
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