Why Won't My Portable Dishwasher Hose Stay On The Faucet?
There is a problem when the dishes need to be done, and something goes wrong with the portable dishwasher. Some people find that their portable dishwasher does not stay connected. This can be a severe problem if water gets in places it should not.
Damaged floors or walls are some of the worst things to come out of this problem if water shoots out. Mold and mildew can also form, causing major illnesses if the water is not dried up. So, what are the options when the dishwasher does not stay connected to the faucet?
The dishwasher comes with a one-size-fits-all adapter for faucets and portable dishwashers. Sometimes the adapter will not fit and shoot off the faucet from the pressure. The only three options are to purchase a new hose, get a customized adapter, or change out the faucet.
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What is a Portable Dishwasher?
To figure out and understand the hose issue, we first need to know about portable dishwashers. It is a dishwasher that is more compact that connects directly to the faucet at the kitchen sink. When there is no space for a dishwasher or live in a rental home, it is the best option.
Unlike the built-in appliance, the portable dishwasher connects to the faucet and drain under the sink. They are easy to take out and store away and are between 18 to 24 inches all the way around. The hose is the only thing that is different when it comes to the portable unit.
It takes a special adapter or coupling to connect the hose to the faucet. This is where it can be the most disappointing when you find out it does not fit or stay on. One of the biggest reasons the hose will not stay on has to do with the threads not matching up.
It Comes With An Adaptor to Fit Your Faucet
All portable dishwashers come with an adapter that is supposed to fit every faucet. We all know, this is not a perfect world, and not everything is that easy. It can make you excited when you see an adapter but disappointed when you realize the hose does not stay.
So let’s look at the threads and why they will not fit or stay on. The faucet adapter on the portable dishwasher has a hollow center with threaded/unthreaded, unthreaded/unthreaded, or threaded/threaded. Kitchen faucets are mostly threaded, but not all of them.
As we go through the troubleshooting, it is critical to find the correct adapter, or it will damage the dishwasher. There is one thing you can check before you go adapter hunting. Check to make sure the sink’s faucet aerator has been removed because this will prevent attachment.
Steps to Follow if the Adapter Included Does Not Fit
Naturally, one of the first things you want to do is bring the sizes of everything with you. You will need to know the hose size at the dishwasher’s connection and the connection with the adapter. Bring the information on the faucet and bring the adapter with you to the hardware store.
Bring the faucet aerator to get not only the correct size but threads. Keep in mind; it may be all you need to change in the adaptor. Most hardware stores can custom make adaptors.
The chances are slim; it could be the hose, but the adapter may be faulty. Most of the time, it ends with the adapter that will resolve the problem. The only thing left to do is change out the faucet if nothing else works.
Step 1: Research the Faucet and Dishwasher Size Connections
You will need to know the standard size of threads for the kitchen sink faucet. The male is 15/16″-27, and the female is 55/64″-27. If you have a standard faucet size, the male will be on the outside and the female inside.
Do the same thing with the portable dishwasher. If the sizes are the same as the faucet, you will need different threads. The last thing you want is a leaking dishwasher.
Step 2: Research Everything About Your Portable Dishwasher
Pull up the search for the manufacturer’s website and look up your dishwasher. You may find different faucet adapters that can lead you to the correct fitting. Before looking, it is important to understand there are limited options.
Step 3: Get the Assistance You Need
A company representative may be able to assist you. They can direct you as to what you may need, and they may know precisely where to get it. Your local hardware store can also assist you with the necessary parts.
Work on finding someone in the kitchen department. Once they show you the light at the end of the tunnel, you will know what to find. Adapters are cheap and cost between $5 to $10.
Step 4: Get a Custom Fit Piece or a New Faucet
This is the last resort and the bad news when you reach this step. Check to see if your local hardware store can make you a custom fit adapter for your faucet. If they cannot, the only thing you can do is purchase a new faucet and install it.
The standard option will make it possible for you to use your portable dishwasher. If you choose not to do anything, that is fine too. You can remain with the old faucet and continue to handwash your dishes.
Why Should I Have a Portable Dishwasher?
There are many benefits to owning a portable dishwasher. Like every decision, we can list the pros and cons of owning one.
Pros of a Portable Dishwasher:
- You do not have to handwash all dishes. The dishwasher does the work for you.
- You can store a portable dishwasher away after use. This leaves you with more countertop space.
- It is cheaper than a built-in dishwasher and is perfect to fit any home.
- If you have a small family or live alone, this conventional dishwasher is more efficient as it handles small loads.
Cons of owning a portable dishwasher:
- They are noisier than regular dishwashers because they do not have the cabinet around them to muffle the sound.
- The durability is not there because it has to be connected and disconnected every time you use it. With each disconnection, you are lessening the plumbing life, so you must handle everything with care.
- There are fewer models to choose from as compared to regular dishwashers. You may only find a few in your favorite brand names.
What If the Water Starts Leaking At the Faucet Connection?
One day the portable dishwasher connections will begin leaking at the faucet. Here is what you do.
Step One: Disconnect the Connections
If you notice water leaking at the connection, turn off the portable dishwasher immediately. Any loss of water can become damaging to the unit. Disconnect the connection at the faucet after the unit is off.
Step Two: Purchase an O-Ring Seal for the Adapter
Take the O-ring seal out of the adapter and bring it with you to the hardware store. You will have to match it up with one of the parts on the shelves and buy it. They are only $2 to $3.
Step 3: Put the O-ring Seal Back in Adapter
Press in the O-ring seal into the adapter. It should fit inside its grooves easily. Make sure it is properly in place before putting the adapter back on.
Step 4: Put the Adapter Back On and Check Your Work
Screw the adapter back onto the faucet and turn the water back on. Turn the portable dishwasher around on and ensure there are no more leaks.
What If the Hose Is Faulty?
You may also have a faulty hose that will not allow you to connect to the adapter or the dishwasher. They do go bad over time and sometimes may break though it is seldom. When this happens, you should be able to find one at a hardware store where you purchased your dishwasher.
If there is none available, try checking online with the manufacturer. You should be able to order another hose from the website and get it from FedEx or UPS. Be sure to check the warranty before to make sure it has not expired.
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Related Questions
Can you extend a portable dishwasher hose?
Yes. You should be able to place your portable dishwasher nearby your sink. If you cannot, then you will need an extension. They are easy to add to the existing ones.
Can I connect the portable dishwasher to the pull-down faucet hose?
No. This is not recommended. The pull-down faucet hose is not covered to handle the pressure of the water supply.
Where is the faucet coupler located on the dishwasher?
Most of the faucet couplers are located in the back of the dishwasher. You may have the same issues with the faucet coupler falling off. Follow the same steps in this article.
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