Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?
John Turpin is our resident home service repair expert here at Service Direct. He’s got the knowledge and experience to help homeowners like you make sense of most home repair issues. And with Service Direct, we connect you with top-tier service professionals to help with any repairs needed.
Don’t Panic If You Discover Standing Water in Your Dishwasher
The modern convenience of a dishwasher makes it easy to clean the dishes after a meal. So, when something goes wrong with the dishwasher, homeowners start asking important questions to diagnose the problem and fix it as soon as possible.
This article provides suggestions for DIY diagnosis and repair ideas and can help you be more educated to have a conversation with a repair professional. There are a few common reasons why a dishwasher does not drain, so you can work through specific troubleshooting steps to diagnose and fix the problem. Or reach out to a local plumber for immediate assistance.
Dishwasher drainage issues might seem like a minor inconvenience. But it can result in expensive restoration costs if the water starts leaking out of the dishwasher. Act fast to avoid costly problems in the future.
DIY Dishwasher Repair vs. Calling a Pro
If you are asking why is my dishwasher not draining, then you have the option to search online for tutorials or call a local contractor. A DIY approach might be cheaper, but it can result in costly complications if something goes wrong. On the other hand, a trustworthy dishwasher repair pro near you can help solve the problem quickly and effectively.
What To Do If Your Dishwasher Is Not Draining
When there is water pooling in the dishwasher, it’s important to be proactive about addressing the issues before it causes a flood in your kitchen.
Dishwasher drainage issues might seem like a minor inconvenience. But it can result in expensive restoration costs if the water starts leaking out of the dishwasher. Additionally, you won’t be able to wash a new load of dishes because of stagnating water at the bottom of the dishwasher.
If your dishwasher will not drain, the first step is to turn it off. Don’t try to run the cycle again. Most of the time, standing water in the dishwasher is a minor issue that can be fixed.
Common Reasons: Why Would a Dishwasher Not Drain?
Why is my dishwasher not draining? Here are some of the most common reasons why these issues happen:
Blockages or clogs are the most common reason why a dishwasher is not fully draining. Food particles from the dishes can block the drainage pathways and cause the water to back up. You’ll need to clear the hoses and pipes of debris. Avoid this issue by rinsing the dishes before they go into the dishwasher.
Broken parts could be another reason why the dishwasher will not drain. If these parts wear out, then it’s important to hire a licensed contractor to avoid a problem with your warranty.
Troubleshooting Tips: Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?
How to fix a dishwasher not draining? There are several areas to investigate if you find a dishwasher not draining completely:
Blockages or clogs are the most common reason why a dishwasher is not fully draining. Food particles from the dishes can block the drainage pathways and cause the water to back up. You’ll need to clear the hoses and pipes of debris. Avoid this issue by rinsing the dishes before they go into the dishwasher.
Drain Hose
Food particles might be stuck in the drain hose, blocking the flow of water. This clog is most common when the hose connects with the garbage disposal or is attached to the main household drain line. If you are having problems with the dishwasher and sink not draining, then try removing the drain hose to clear any debris.
Pump Assembly
There are several parts to the pump assembly. When my dishwasher will not drain, then you’ll want to focus on the drain impeller, which is the part that moves the water toward the drain port. First, clean the pump assembly and clear any debris. Also, look for defective or worn parts that need to be replaced.
Motor
The dishwasher’s motor plays a key role in helping water to drain. If the motor isn’t working correctly, then you will have a problem with the dishwasher not draining properly. The motor needs to be tested for continuity and possibly replaced if this test fails.
Timer
The dishwasher cycles work on timers, which means that a faulty timer could have a negative impact on the function of the dishwasher. Depending on the issue, you might need to replace the timer’s motor or the full timer assembly.
Belt
This issue isn’t common, but the belt should be one part that you look at when other repairs aren’t working. If you have tried everything you can do and you are still wondering, “why is my dishwasher not draining,” then check the drive belt within the pump assembly.
Filter
Check the dishwasher filter to see if any debris is collecting in the filter. Then, wash and clean this filter, or replace it if necessary.
What causes the dishwasher to not drain?
Usually, if a dishwasher does not drain, it’s caused by a blockage in the drainage hoses or a malfunctioning motor. Before you replace the entire unit, check these important parts of the dishwasher system to see if a repair is possible. Repairing a dishwasher is much more affordable than replacing it.
What dishwasher brands can be serviced?
When you call a local plumber because your dishwasher is not fully draining, the contractor can service all major dishwasher brands, including Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool, Bosch, Samsung, Kitchenaid, Kenmore, Maytag, LG, and more. Share information about your brand of dishwasher when you call the contractor for a service appointment.
How does an air gap affect a new dishwasher not draining?
The air gap (sometimes called the air cap) is a small device that keeps dirty water from going back into the dishwasher. The purpose is to ensure that only clean water is used for your dishes.
How can I clear standing water in the bottom of a dishwasher?
If water is pooled and you can’t open the drain, you will need to manually remove the standing water. First, prepare by putting towels down under the dishwasher. Then, use a cup or large ladle to scoop as much water as possible from the dishwasher into the sink. When you can’t scoop water anymore, then use towels to soak up the remaining water.
What preventive steps can I follow to avoid the issue of a dishwasher not draining?
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you are using the right type of dishwasher soap. Certain types of soap can cause the drains to clog. Other preventive steps include regular maintenance, running the garbage disposal regularly, and rinsing all dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.