Dishwasher Not Draining
Likely causes
- ✓Clogged drain filter or food debris trap
- ✓Failing drain pump or check valve
- ✓Kinked or clogged drain hose
- ✓Clogged air gap or garbage disposal knockout plug (on new installs)
- ✓Blocked garbage disposal backing up into the dishwasher
The short answer: standing water usually means a blockage, not a broken pump. Check the filter and the garbage disposal first.
A recently jammed disposal is a common, easy-to-miss cause.
What usually causes it
- Clogged filter or food trap. Debris collects at the base of the tub and blocks the drain.
- Failing drain pump or check valve. The pump may hum without pushing water out, or the valve may let it flow back.
- Kinked or clogged drain hose. A bend or buildup under the sink slows or stops the flow.
- Air gap or disposal knockout plug. A clogged air gap, or a plug left in a new disposal, blocks the water.
- Blocked garbage disposal. A full or jammed disposal can back up into the dishwasher.
What you can check yourself
- Run the garbage disposal. If the dishwasher drains through it, a clog or an unremoved knockout plug blocks the water.
- Clean the filter. Remove the bottom rack, lift out the filter, rinse off food and scale, and seat it fully.
- Check the drain opening. Bail out the water and look for glass, a bone or a label.
- Check the hose under the sink. Look for a kink or sag, and clear the air gap cap if you have one.
- Skip drain cleaner. It can damage seals and plastic parts.
How to prevent it
- Scrape plates and rinse large food scraps off.
- Clean the filter about once a month.
- Run the disposal before starting the dishwasher.
When to call a technician
Call us if:
- The filter, disposal and hose are all clear
- You hear the pump humming but nothing drains
- Water keeps coming back after you clear it
These repairs involve live voltage, gas or hidden parts, so we recommend leaving them to a professional.
Service call: $89, waived when you go ahead with the repair. Warranty: 90 days on every repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
It usually means the drain is blocked. The filter, the disposal and the hose are the first places to check.
Can a garbage disposal cause a dishwasher not to drain?
Yes. Many dishwashers drain through the disposal, so a clog or an unremoved knockout plug on a new install stops the water.
Is it safe to use drain cleaner in a dishwasher?
We recommend against it. It can damage seals and plastic parts, and it's a hazard if someone reaches in afterward.
This is one of the issues covered under our Dishwasher Repair service.