Dirty Dishwater

Our next case takes us to Brooklyn, N.Y., where a couple’s plans to update and renovate could be in jeopardy. They fear they’ve got some structural problems that will prevent them from turning their 1901 townhouse into their dream home. They’ve called in a home inspector Kenny Rhodes to help sort it all out.

Inspector's Notebook—Dishwasher Drainage
Our house detective in Brooklyn spotted a dishwasher drainage hose that didn’t have a high loop. That’s important because dirty water drains from the dishwasher down the hose into the sink drain. A high loop in the hose helps prevent a vacuum that could draw dirty water back into the dishwasher. Take a quick peak under your sink and make sure your hose doesn’t droop.

First, locate the discharge hose that runs from the dishwasher into the garbage disposal or sink drain. Loop the discharge hose as high under the sink as possible, making sure the loop is higher than the point where the water discharges. Use wire or a plastic tie to secure the high loop in place.

Not all homes use a high looped hose. Some use an air gap instead. You’ll need one or the other, but they both do the same job, keeping the dirty water away from the clean dishes.