Dishwasher Not Draining? 5 Things to Check First
Standing water in your dishwasher after a cycle is frustrating. Before calling a technician, try these five checks — many homeowners can fix this themselves.
Finding a pool of dirty water at the bottom of your dishwasher is never a good sign. But before you panic or call for service, there are a few things you can check yourself that often solve the problem completely.
1. Check the Drain Filter
Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom of the tub. If it's clogged with food debris, water simply can't drain.
What to do: Remove the filter (usually by twisting and lifting), rinse it under running water, and scrub away any buildup with a soft brush. Reinstall and run a short cycle.
2. Inspect the Drain Hose
The drain hose runs from the dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal. If it's kinked, clogged, or incorrectly looped, water backs up.
What to do: Pull the dishwasher out slightly and check the hose. Ensure it has a high loop (goes up under the counter before coming back down) to prevent backflow.
3. Check the Garbage Disposal
If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, a clogged disposal — or a new disposal with the knockout plug still in — will prevent draining.
What to do: Run the disposal to clear it. If you recently installed a new disposal, make sure the knockout plug on the dishwasher inlet was removed.
4. Look at the Air Gap
Some installations include an air gap (a small chrome fitting on the countertop). If this gets clogged with debris, it blocks drainage.
What to do: Remove the cap, clean out any buildup inside, and replace it.
5. Test the Drain Pump
If all of the above check out, the drain pump itself may be faulty. The pump pushes water out through the drain hose — if it fails, water stays put.
Signs of a failed pump: You might hear the motor hum but no water moves, or hear nothing at all during the drain cycle.
What to do: This requires professional repair. The pump is inside the dishwasher and must be accessed by a technician.
Still Not Draining?
If you've worked through this list and the dishwasher still isn't draining, it's time to call in a professional. 316 Appliance Repair provides dishwasher repair throughout Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, and the surrounding area. Book a repair and we'll diagnose it fast.