I am sure you have read this in a home inspection report at one time or another:

Dishwasher is missing high loop.

As a home inspector, I see this condition in a lot of homes. This is probably one of the easiest conditions to correct when getting a home ready for an inspection.

First off, why is it needed? Dirty water drains from the dishwasher down the hose into the sink drain or garbage disposal. 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.

I suggest keeping a few plastic zip ties in your car for quick high loop repairs. Checking the dishwasher drain line before a home is inspected, will prevent one condition from showing up on an inspection report.

If you would like more suggestions on getting a home ready for an inspection, please let me know, I will be glad to send you more information!

Visit  our website  for more home safety/maintenance information.

To maintain the efficiency, safety, and useful life of your dishwasher, it is important that your home maintenance program include the proper maintenance for your dishwasher.

An automatic dishwasher operates by using an electric heating element to heat water at the bottom of the dishwasher, then using rotating spray arms to create jets of water which swirl around the dishes to dislodge the food and grease.  Any obstruction of the water's flow greatly reduces the dishwasher's washing efficiency.

Shown below are the recommended routine maintenance tasks for your dishwasher.

Over time, a heavy film build-up from hard water minerals can become deposited on the inside walls and heating element of the dishwasher.  Running the unit with a quart of white vinegar (with no dishes or detergent in it) will remove these deposits. 

Removing the deposits improves the efficiency of the heating element and improves the appearance of the inside tub.

The dishwasher should be treated for scale build-up every two months.

Annual dishwasher maintenance consists of 5 tasks:

1. Clean filter and trap: Inside the dishwasher, the filter and trap are at the bottom where the water drains out.  For most models, the filter and trap lift out so that they can be cleaned with a stiff brush.

2. Clear spray arm holes: Food particle or mineral deposits can clog the hole in the spray arms.  Take the spray arms out of the dishwasher, and clean the holes out with a stiff wire.  Shake out any loose debris.

3. Clear the "air trap": Some models have a gap in the discharge plumbing to ensure that water does not backflow into the household water supply.  If the unit has an air gap it should be checked and cleaned.

4. Check and tighten any loose water supply hose or drain connections.

5. Check the door seal gasket for any cracks or leaks. Clean door seal with sponge to remove any debris or detergent build up.