Smelly Dishwasher- two different pros had two different answers

[Wade G]

I've got a Kenmore dishwasher that smells like rotten food after washes and leaves dirty water in the bottom portion (not lot, but some). I've searched the forums and investigated my own hookup, and looks like it was done incorrectly (See attached picture). The dishwasher drains right into a metal tee waste pipe after the P trap and barely loops up. I assume this is causing either some siphoning, and then allowing gas back into the house (since I'm behind the P trap) or something is causing the washer to not properly drain at all initially and leaving some dirty water behind.

One professional said simply rerouting the dishwasher drain line much higher and then towards the disposal, then capping that tee would solve my problems. A second quote told me due to that metal pipe, I don't have much hope in solving my problem even if I rerouted.

Does the pipe being old and metal really have that much to do with it? Or can I just do as the first professional mentioned? If so, what can I cap it with? I don't know the size, material, or anything else. Perhaps just a pipe cap with the right diameter if its threaded? Thanks!

Side note: I know I need to get rid of that flex tube. I'm trying to mentally reroute the pipes now to work. Let me know if you have any ideas for that, I'm not a pro!

 

[WorthFlorida]

It’s all wrong, the professional is correct and do get rid if that flex pipe. It should look similar to this. There is a plug in the disposal that must be knocked out when you connect the hose to it.
In the mean time run the dishwasher empty with about a cup of bleach.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gar...oECAwQAw&biw=768&bih=917#imgrc=N4k0LO-ezi8jFM

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

That wash with a cup of bleach has a high chance of success. Also, look up info on your machine on cleaning the hidden stuff inside. See if you have a filter such as this:

The dishwasher drains right into a metal tee waste pipe after the P trap and barely loops up. I assume this is causing either some siphoning, and then allowing gas back into the house (since I'm behind the P trap) or something is causing the washer to not properly drain at all initially and leaving some dirty water behind.

What is the relative height of the output of the disposal and the trap adapter (where the drain pipe goes into the wall)? You could use a long level, or you could fill some clear tubing mostly with water, and use that as a level.

That drain is not the cause of your smelly dishwasher, probably, but still you can improve that.

 

[Stuff]

Also would verify the dishwasher check valve is intact.

 

[Wade G]

I've looked up the manual and cleaned all the filters bits, plus the whole interior anyways while I was in there..helped some. I'll check for a check valve, I'll have to look into that. Just a cup full if bleach in the rack?

The waste pipe and disposal pipe are basically the same height (I'll check when I get home). Could that be a problem if the disposal is lower and I'm losing the fight to gravity? I don't notice anything funky with the sink draining.

 

[Reach4]

The waste pipe and disposal pipe are basically the same height (I'll check when I get home). Could that be a problem if the disposal is lower and I'm losing the fight to gravity? I don't notice anything funky with the sink draining.

I don't think that would cause the smelly DW.