SAN ANTONIO — We all know them. Most of us use them.
Dishwasher pods.
But even though those pods may be convenient, a post circulating on social media says they could cause trouble.
"PSA to anyone using dishwasher pods with the packed powder like this one. (Cascade, etc) Our kitchen sink backed up this weekend, and we had no luck with DIY methods," the post reads. "One call to the plumber and several hundred dollars later, turns out it was our dishwasher pods that have been gumming up our pipes over time."
THE QUESTION
Is it true that dishwasher pods with packed powder can clog up pipes over time?
THE SOURCES
- Tyler Marks, residential division plumbing manager with Shafer Services
- Melanie Powers, president of Goodberlet Home Services
THE ANSWER
FALSE
WHAT WE FOUND
Marks says that in 10 years as a plumber, he's never had a call where dishwasher pods were the culprit.
"(Not) with just that small little piece of plastic," he says. "I mean, there would have to be hundreds of those piling up, and really you'd have to have another external problem... like a belly in a pipe, which could cause a traffic jam of the drain system."
Powers added that the only way they could clog up pipes is if the pod is placed in the dishwasher improperly, where the hot water hits it at the wrong time.
"Then they they dissolve too early, and then your dishes don't get clean," she said. "So the best thing to do is either put them in your designated spot for the pod or to consult your manufacturer's directions as to where to place the pod."
So it is false: Dishwasher pods with packed powder will not clog up your pipes over time, if used correctly.
Both of our experts also told us it shouldn't matter if you use liquid pods or packed powder. Both should work just fine as long as you use them the exact way they were intended.