Dishwasher Not Draining? Try These Steps First

Standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle is one of the most common complaints we hear. Before assuming the worst, there are a few checks worth running yourself, since the cause is often something simple.

Check the Filter First

Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom of the tub that traps food particles. If it hasn't been cleaned in a while, it can become clogged enough to block drainage entirely. Pull it out, rinse it under running water, and clear any visible debris before running another cycle.

Look at the Garbage Disposal Connection

If your dishwasher drains through your garbage disposal, a clog there can back water up into the dishwasher. If you recently installed a new disposal, check that the knockout plug inside the disposal's dishwasher inlet was actually removed, this is a surprisingly common installation mistake.

Inspect the Drain Hose for Kinks

The flexible hose connecting the dishwasher to the drain or disposal can develop kinks over time, especially if the dishwasher has been moved or the cabinet space is tight. A kinked hose restricts water flow even when everything else is working correctly.

Run the Garbage Disposal Separately

If you have a garbage disposal, run it on its own for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher again. This clears any blockage in the shared line that could be backing up into the dishwasher.

Consider the Drain Pump

If the filter is clean, the hose isn't kinked, and the disposal runs freely, the issue may be the drain pump itself, either a mechanical failure or a clog lodged inside it. This is where a professional diagnosis becomes worthwhile, since accessing the pump usually means partially disassembling the dishwasher.

If water is still pooling after trying these steps, we can check the drain pump, valve, and hose to find the exact cause.