Dishwasher Not Draining? 5 Fixes Before Calling a Repair Service
Water sitting at the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle is a common problem with easy fixes. Try these 5 steps first.
Check the Filter First
Modern dishwashers have a filter at the bottom of the tub that catches food debris. If this filter is clogged, water cannot drain. Remove the bottom rack, find the filter (usually in the center or back, covered by a twist-off cap), and pull it out. Clean it under running water with a soft brush. This single step fixes about 40 percent of dishwasher drainage problems. Check and clean the filter monthly.
Check the Drain Hose
The drain hose runs from the dishwasher to either the garbage disposal or the drain under your sink. Pull the dishwasher out slightly and check the hose for kinks or bends that might be restricting flow. Also disconnect the hose from the disposal or drain tailpiece and check for clogs inside. Blow through the hose to confirm it is clear. A kinked hose is a common cause after a kitchen renovation or appliance repositioning.
Check the Garbage Disposal
If your dishwasher drains into the garbage disposal, run the disposal for 15 seconds with cold water to clear any debris. If you recently installed a new garbage disposal, check that the knockout plug was removed from the dishwasher drain port. This is a small plastic disc inside the disposal where the dishwasher hose connects. Not removing it during installation is one of the most common causes of dishwasher drainage failure.
Check the Air Gap
If your sink has a small chrome cylinder on the countertop next to the faucet, that is the air gap. It prevents dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged, water backs up. Remove the cap and the inner cover and clean out any debris. If you do not have an air gap, check that the drain hose has a high loop under the countertop — it should rise to near the underside of the counter before going down to the disposal.
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