Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

If you open your dishwasher after a cycle and find standing water in the bottom, start with the filter and anything you can see around the drain area. Food debris, a restricted drain path, a kinked hose, or an installation problem can keep water from leaving the dishwasher.

If those areas look clear, the problem may involve the drain pump, controls, hose connection, or another component that requires further diagnosis. A failed drain pump, control problem, or another internal part requires professional dishwasher repair.

Is a Small Amount of Water in the Dishwasher Normal?

Some dishwashers are designed to keep a small amount of water in certain areas after a cycle. Check your owner's manual if you are unsure what is normal for your model.

A pool of water covering the bottom of the dishwasher is different. If visible standing water remains after the cycle has finished, something may be keeping the dishwasher from draining completely.

Check the Dishwasher Filter

Food particles and other debris can collect in the filter and slow down drainage. If your dishwasher has an accessible removable filter, follow the manufacturer's instructions for taking it out and cleaning it.

Check the area around the filter for visible food or debris while it is removed. Do not take apart the pump or other internal components underneath the filter.

If the dishwasher drains normally after the filter is cleaned, buildup was likely restricting the flow of water.

Check for an Obvious Drain-Hose Problem

The drain hose carries water out of the dishwasher. A visible kink or sharp bend can restrict that flow and leave water behind after a cycle.

Look at the accessible part of the hose for anything obviously out of place. If the dishwasher was recently installed or moved and the problem started afterward, the hose position or drain connection may need to be checked.

Do not disconnect plumbing or pull apart appliance connections unless the manufacturer provides safe instructions for your model.

Common Reasons a Dishwasher Will Not Drain

Clogged Filter or Drain Path

Food debris can block the path water takes out of the dishwasher. A dirty accessible filter is one place to check, but restrictions can occur farther inside the drainage system too.

Drain-Hose Restriction

A kink, blockage, or incorrect hose setup can slow or stop water from leaving the dishwasher. Problems that are not visible from the accessible hose area need further inspection.

Drain Pump Problem

The drain pump moves water out of the dishwasher at the end of the cycle. If the pump fails or becomes damaged, water can remain in the tub.

Pump testing and replacement require access to internal appliance components.

Control or Sensor Issue

The dishwasher controls when the drain pump runs. A control or sensor problem can interrupt that part of the cycle even when the pump itself is still able to operate.

Electrical and control testing should be left to a technician.

Installation or Connection Problem

A dishwasher that starts draining poorly after installation or after it has been moved may have a problem with the drain hose or connection.

If everything worked before the dishwasher was installed or moved, we check how the drain was set up.

Why Does My Dishwasher Drain Slowly but Not Completely?

A partial restriction can let some water out while leaving the rest behind. Filter buildup, a restricted hose, or a problem farther along the drain path can all slow the flow.

A drain pump that is no longer moving water normally can create a similar symptom. If slow draining returns after the accessible filter and hose have been checked, the dishwasher needs to be diagnosed.

What Should You Avoid Doing?

Do not keep running the dishwasher if water is backing up or leaking. Repeated cycles will not clear a failed pump or internal drainage problem.

Avoid pouring harsh drain chemicals into the dishwasher. Do not open electrical compartments, dismantle the drain pump, or attempt internal repairs without the proper training.

When Should You Call for Dishwasher Repair?

Call for service when:

• Standing water remains after safe checks
• The drainage problem keeps returning
• Water leaks from the dishwasher
• An error code appears
• You hear new or unusual pump noises
• The dishwasher stops before completing the cycle

Dishwasher Repair in Des Moines

Greens Appliance, Heating & Cooling works on dishwashers and other household appliances for Des Moines homeowners. Our appliance repair technicians can check the drainage system, pump, controls, and other components involved in the problem.

We work on other kitchen and laundry appliances too, including refrigerator repair and washing machine repair, so you can call Greens when another appliance stops working.

If standing water remains in your dishwasher after the safe checks above, schedule appliance service with Greens.