Dishwasher Not Draining? 8 Checks Before Calling a Pro
Dishwasher not draining? Clear the filter, check the disposal and air gap, straighten the hose, test the pump and learn which fixes are safe to do yourself.
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Dishwasher not draining is usually a clog you can reach: a dirty filter at the bottom of the tub, a blocked disposal inlet, a kinked drain hose or a clogged air gap. Unplug the machine, remove the standing water, and check these in order.
If the drain pump hums but does not move water, or the pump is silent, the pump or its motor probably needs replacing.
Dishwasher not draining: the quick answer
Most drainage problems begin with food debris. Clean the filter and sump first, because that fixes more dishwashers than anything else. Then check the path water takes out of the machine: the drain hose, the disposal connection and the air gap. Only after that does it make sense to suspect the drain pump or a control fault.
| Quick facts: dishwasher not draining | |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 20 to 60 minutes |
| Tools | Towels, shallow dish or cup, screwdriver, flashlight, pliers |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Safety | Disconnect power at the plug or breaker before reaching into the tub or pump area |
Eight checks, in order
- Cut the power and bail out standing water with a cup, then mop up with towels.
- Remove and rinse the filter. Lift out the lower rack, twist out the filter assembly in the bottom of the tub, and rinse it under warm water. Clear the sump hole beneath.
- Look for broken glass or debris around the drain opening and the pump inlet.
- Run the garbage disposal if the dishwasher drains through it. A packed disposal blocks the outlet. If the disposal is new, check that the knockout plug has been removed.
- Clean the air gap, the small cylinder on the sink or counter, if you have one.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or a clog. It should rise in a high loop before it meets the disposal or tailpiece.
- Check the check valve at the pump outlet, which can stick and stop water leaving.
- Listen to the drain pump during a short drain cycle. A hum with no flow or a grinding noise points to a blocked or failed pump.
What each symptom usually means
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water, dirty filter | Clogged filter or sump | Clean the filter and sump |
| Water in the sink too | Blocked disposal, air gap or branch drain | Clear the disposal and air gap |
| Hum but no draining | Pump jammed with debris | Remove debris, or replace the pump |
| No sound during the drain cycle | Failed pump motor, control or wiring | Replace the pump or have it diagnosed |
| Drains slowly or partly | Partly clogged hose or check valve | Clean or replace the hose or valve |
Why the dishwasher fails to drain
Food, labels, seeds, glass shards and soap residue collect in the filter and sump, then move to the pump. Hard water adds scale to the check valve. A new disposal installed without removing the knockout plug stops the drain completely, and a drain hose without a high loop lets sink water run back in. If your dishwasher not draining problem began right after a plumbing or disposal job, start with those connections.
What not to do
- Do not use chemical drain cleaner in the dishwasher or the sink, which can damage seals and leave harsh liquid in the tub.
- Do not run another cycle on top of standing water.
- Do not reach into the pump area with the power on.
When to call a professional
Call if the pump is noisy or silent after you clear the filter, if the control panel shows an error code you cannot clear, if there is a smell of burning, or if the drain line itself is clogged beyond the trap. A technician can test the pump and replace it, which is often cheaper than replacing the machine.
Keeping it draining
Scrape plates before loading, rinse the filter monthly, run the disposal before starting a cycle, and clean the air gap every few months. A hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner now and then dissolves grease and soap film.
Related reading
- Dishwasher Water Backing Up Into Sink: Causes and Fixes
- Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? 9 Causes and Fixes
- Why Is My Dishwasher Leaking? 9 Sources and How to Fix Them
- Dishwasher Smells Bad? How to Remove Odors and Find the Cause
Browse all appliance repair guides, or find an appliance repair technician in your city from the appliance repair directory.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dishwasher not draining?
The most common cause is a clogged filter or sump. Others are a blocked garbage disposal or air gap, a kinked drain hose, a stuck check valve, or a failed drain pump. Cleaning the filter and checking the hose solves most cases.
How do I clean a dishwasher filter?
Unplug the machine, lift out the lower rack, twist and remove the filter assembly at the bottom, rinse it in warm water with a soft brush, and clear the sump hole beneath. Refit it firmly before the next cycle.
Why is there standing water at the bottom of my dishwasher?
Standing water means the drain path is blocked or the pump is not working. Check the filter, the disposal connection, the air gap and the hose, and listen for the pump during a drain cycle.
Can a garbage disposal stop a dishwasher draining?
Yes. Most dishwashers drain through the disposal inlet, so a packed disposal or a knockout plug left in a new unit blocks the outlet. Clear the disposal and remove the plug, after turning the power off.
Is it safe to run a dishwasher that will not drain?
It is better not to. More water on top of the standing water can overflow or push dirty water back into the machine. Fix the cause first, then run a short rinse cycle to check that it drains.
How do I know if the dishwasher drain pump has failed?
A pump that hums with no flow may be jammed, and one that makes no sound during the drain cycle may have a failed motor or no power. A technician can test it, and replacing a pump is often cheaper than a new machine.
Does the dishwasher drain hose need a high loop?
Yes, in most installations. The hose should rise to the underside of the countertop before dropping to the disposal or tailpiece. This stops sink water flowing back into the dishwasher and helps prevent cross-contamination.
When should I call a pro for a dishwasher not draining?
Call if cleaning the filter, disposal, air gap and hose does not help, if the pump hums or is silent, if there is an error code, or if you notice burning smells. A technician can diagnose the pump and controls safely.
Why does my dishwasher drain slowly rather than not at all?
A partial clog in the filter, hose or disposal connection slows draining. Clean the filter, check the hose for kinks and make sure the disposal knockout plug has been removed if one is fitted.
Can a power cut leave water in the dishwasher?
Yes. If the cycle stopped mid-way, water may remain in the tub. Restart the machine or run a drain cycle. If water stays after that, check the filter and drain hose for a clog.
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