A dishwasher usually won't drain because of a clogged filter, a clogged garbage disposal or drain hose, a new disposal with the knockout plug still in, or a failed drain pump. Clean the filter and run the disposal first. If water still sits in the bottom, call a technician.
Why Dishwashers Stop Draining
Clogged filter
Food, labels and glass bits collect in the filter at the bottom. A clogged filter slows or stops draining.
Clogged garbage disposal
Most dishwashers drain through the disposal. If it's full of food, water backs up into the dishwasher.
New disposal knockout plug
When a new disposal is installed, a small plug must be knocked out. If it isn't, the dishwasher can't drain.
Kinked or clogged drain hose
A bent or clogged hose under the sink can stop water from leaving.
Failed drain pump
If you hear humming but no draining, the pump may be jammed or failing.
Check valve stuck
A small valve keeps dirty water from flowing back. If it sticks, draining stops.
Dishwasher Drain Checks to Try
- Turn off the dishwasher and switch off power at the breaker.
- Scoop out standing water with a cup and towel.
- Twist out the filter at the bottom, rinse it in the sink, and put it back.
- Run your garbage disposal with cold water for 30 seconds.
- Look under the sink for a kinked drain hose.
- Run a short rinse cycle to test it.
How to Prevent Dishwasher Drain Problems
- Scrape plates before loading. You don't need to rinse, just scrape.
- Clean the filter about once a month.
- Run the disposal before starting the dishwasher.
- Run hot water at the sink before starting a cycle.
Brands like Bosch appliance repair customers may see E24 or E25 codes for drain problems. These codes help us pinpoint the cause.
When to Call for Dishwasher Repair
Call a technician if water still won't drain after cleaning the filter, if you hear humming with no draining, or if water leaks onto the floor. We'll test the pump, valve and hose and fix the real cause. See our dishwasher repair page or call us. If your disposal is the problem, we also offer garbage disposal repair.
Standing water won't go away?
We repair dishwashers and disposals across Apex, often in one visit. Call our 24-hour line for leaks.
We also serve appliance repair in Raleigh, appliance repair in Salem Village, appliance repair in Green Level and areas we serve across the Triangle. See all appliance repair services and brands we repair.