A clogged dishwasher can be a big surprise and a tremendous nuisance. Recognized by water pooling at the base or an abnormal noise or odor, if not resolved, a clogged dishwasher can throw off your whole routine.

As always, consulting the user's manual is a good practice to arm yourself with basic knowledge of your machine. You'll want to acquaint yourself with the various parts and their functions in order to make the most of your appliance and treat it well.

If the manual doesn't help you resolve the problem, we're here to help. We consulted appliance experts to learn the best ways to unclog a dishwasher and keep it running efficiently.

Before getting started, first be sure that a clog is the culprit behind your dishwasher running improperly. "Common indicators include water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher and dishes coming out dirty or still soapy," says appliance expert Forrest Webber.

If you have garbage disposal, be sure it also run it and ensure that it's not the source of the clog. "In most cases, the dishwasher empties into the disposal," explains Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance.

To identify a clog, Lewis recommends inspecting the drain hose coming from your dishwasher. If you see a dark spot, that could be a clog. If this is the source of the clog, you'll need to disconnect the hose and use a drain snake to remove it. (Depending on how comfortable you are with plumbing, you may or may not want to call in a professional.)