dishwasher

[Jasmine]

I have a '89 Fleetwood and the dishwasher drain is next to the faucet, where a sprayer would go. The garbage disposal is dead and when the dishwasher drains, the water accumulates in the sink. If I replace the dishwasher, can it be installed to drain the regular way, so I can replace the drain head with a sprayer? Should that water be backing up in the sink, or is it due to the broken disposal? I have seen ants in the sink and dread plunging my hand into the disposal to see if food has gotten down there. The last owner was an elderly lady and did not have it plugged up to keep food out.

[rmurray]

The thing next to the faucet is NOT a drain line...It is a vent to allow air in the line behind the draining water...It is supposed to stop what is happening...You are right..Your disposal is probably clogged..BUT NEVER put your hand in it...Sure do not want your finger to be disposed of....There is a safe trick to unclogging clogged (or stuck) disposals...To fix it you will need a large Allen wrench, you may have to borrow one...On the bottom of the disposal is a place to put the wrench in and turn the motor and blades backward (counterclockwise)..Be sure the power is off. Put the wrench in the receptacle and turn about 1/2 turn...It is an awkward working position and will require some muscle..But you can do this without a plumber involved...Once you feel it turning...run water and run the disposal...It will flush anything out and probably solve your problem...