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INCORRECT DISHWASHER INSTALLATION: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR HOME?


a view of water flooded floor due to plumbing issue

For many homeowners, office managers and restaurateurs, a dishwasher is a crucial tool for keeping the kitchen clean without wasting too much time or energy. However, in order to benefit from the convenience of owning a dishwasher, it first needs to be properly installed. This job is best left to a licensed plumber or other qualified professional. Otherwise, a variety of problems can arise. Here are a few signs that your dishwasher may have been incorrectly installed.

4 Signs Your Dishwasher is Incorrectly Installed – Advice from Your Hamilton Plumber

  1. The dishes are coming out dirty The sole purpose of a dishwasher is to ensure your dishes get clean. If you notice that your glasses are cloudy or your plates still have food stuck on them after a full wash cycle, this could indicate a problem with the appliance’s drain hose. If this piece was incorrectly installed, dirty water might get trapped or sucked back into the tub of the dishwasher rather than draining into the pipes under your kitchen sink.

  2. The dishwasher emits a foul odour Is there a strange or unpleasant smell coming from your dishwasher or the kitchen sink drain? If the p-trap wasn’t connected properly to the drain hose, there’s nothing to prevent sewer gases from wafting up through the tube and into your appliance. Alternatively, if the drain hose wasn’t installed at the right angle, dirty water and debris can accumulate inside it and start to smell.

  3. There’s water around the appliance An incorrectly installed drain hose is a common source of dishwasher problems. This issue can easily occur if you don’t leave your dishwasher installation to an experienced professional. If one or more of the hoses aren’t properly positioned, they can cause a backup or prevent your dishwasher from completely draining. This can result in flooding or pooling around the appliance and significant water damage.

  4. The drain or water lines are leaking While you might not notice the problem as quickly, a leaky dishwasher can be just as problematic as one that backs up or doesn’t properly drain. Whether the leak is caused by a faulty seal around the hose connections or the dishwasher door gasket, dripping increases the risk of flooding and can cause water damage, mould growth and rot if the issue isn’t identified and promptly resolved. If you want to avoid these and other problems, be sure to have your dishwasher installed by a licensed plumber. In addition to avoiding headaches and repair costs down the line, entrusting this job to a qualified professional will help protect your investment and allow you to enjoy your dishwasher for years to come.

Troubleshooting Tips


If you notice that your dishwasher is malfunctioning, this could indicate that it wasn’t properly installed. However, there may be another reason why your appliance isn’t working as it should. Here are some things you can do before you call a licensed plumber or appliance repair technician:

  • If the dishwasher won’t turn on, check the electrical panel for a blown fuse and make sure the door completely closes and latches.

  • If the dishwasher doesn’t completely drain, check the drain hose for a clog. Note that a blockage might also be located in the sink trap or elsewhere in the plumbing.

  • If the dishwasher doesn’t properly clean your dishes, check if the holes in the spray arms are dirty or clogged. Soak them in vinegar to loosen grime and hard water deposits.

  • If the dishwasher has a strange smell, place a small bowl of vinegar on the top rack and run the otherwise empty appliance through a full wash cycle.

  • If the dishwasher door leaks, inspect the gasket to see if it appears loose or brittle. It’s possible the sides of the door may just need to be cleaned to ensure a tight seal.

If none of these troubleshooting tips help you resolve the issue, or if you don’t feel comfortable fiddling around with your dishwasher, don’t hesitate to have a qualified professional take a look. Keep in mind that the nature of the problem will determine who you need to call. While a licensed plumber can handle anything related to the water and drain lines, mechanical or electronic issues with the dishwasher itself will require the skills of an appliance repair technician.

Dishwasher Installation Services in Southwestern Ontario


If you’ve recently purchased a dishwasher or plan on renovating a kitchen, entrust the installation of your new appliance to the experienced team at Pitton Plumbing & Heating. Our licensed plumbers will ensure the job is done right. We also offer reliable repair services to deal with a variety of dishwasher, drainage and other plumbing issues. For more information, or to book a service call, contact us today. We’re proud to serve residential and commercial clients in Burlington, Hamilton, Toronto and most other communities in southwestern Ontario.

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