A dishwasher that won’t drain properly can be frustrating and messy. If you’re standing in front of a pool of water at the bottom of your machine wondering what went wrong, don’t worry — this is a common issue with several possible causes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most frequent reasons your dishwasher isn’t draining, how to troubleshoot them, and what to do if you can’t solve the problem on your own.
Common Causes of a Dishwasher Not Draining
-
Clogged Filter
-
What it is: Over time, food debris can build up in the filter, which is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
-
What to do: Remove the bottom rack, twist and lift out the filter, and clean it thoroughly under running water. Use a soft brush if needed.
-
-
Blocked Drain Hose
-
What it is: The hose that carries water from the dishwasher to the drain may be kinked or clogged.
-
What to do: Disconnect the drain hose and check for obstructions. You can run water through it or use a straightened coat hanger to gently push out blockages.
-
-
Garbage Disposal Issues
-
What it is: If your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, a blockage or an unremoved disposal knockout plug could prevent proper drainage.
-
What to do: Make sure the knockout plug has been removed if the dishwasher is newly installed. Also, run the disposal to clear any clogs.
-
-
Clogged or Faulty Air Gap
-
What it is: Some setups include an air gap on the sink to prevent backflow. This can get clogged.
-
What to do: Remove the cap and clean the air gap with a brush or cloth.
-
-
Faulty Drain Pump
-
What it is: The drain pump pushes water out of the dishwasher. If it’s malfunctioning, water won’t drain.
-
What to do: Listen for a humming noise when the dishwasher is in drain mode. If the pump isn’t running, it may need to be replaced.
-
-
Float Switch Problems
-
What it is: The float switch monitors water levels and can prevent draining if stuck.
-
What to do: Make sure the float moves freely up and down. If it's stuck or damaged, it may need attention.
-
-
Electrical or Control Board Malfunction
-
What it is: In rare cases, the dishwasher’s control board or wiring may be faulty.
-
What to do: If all mechanical parts seem functional, the issue could be electrical. Diagnosing this usually requires a technician.
-
How to Check and Fix It Yourself
- Step 1: Turn off power to the dishwasher for safety.
- Step 2: Inspect and clean the filter and drain basket.
- Step 3: Check the drain hose and air gap.
- Step 4: Test the drain pump and float switch (if you’re comfortable).
- Step 5: Run a short cycle to test drainage.
If after these steps the problem isn’t resolved, it may require professional repair.
Still Not Draining? We Can Help!
If your dishwasher still isn’t draining after trying these troubleshooting steps, it’s time to call in the experts. Ignoring the issue can lead to bigger problems like mold growth, flooding, or appliance failure.
✅ Let us take care of it — Our experienced technicians can diagnose and fix your dishwasher quickly and reliably.
📅 Book a repair service here and we’ll come to your home to get your dishwasher running like new again.