Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining Properly?

At a Glance

Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Draining

Fixes for a Dishwasher Not Draining

When to Call a Professional

6 Good Dishwasher Replacement Options

FAQ

Why Trust Us?

Nothing is more frustrating than opening your dishwasher and finding standing water at the bottom, leaving your dishes wet and unclean. Experiencing water not draining from a dishwasher can disrupt your daily routine, create unpleasant odors, and raise concerns about hygiene in your kitchen.

The good news is that a dishwasher not draining is a (surprisingly) common issue, and it doesn’t always mean you need a replacement. Multiple factors, from simple clogs to more complex mechanical problems, can cause drainage issues. Let's go through some practical steps to understand your dishwasher not draining situation, explore easy fixes you can try at home, and also highlight situations where calling a professional is the best approach.

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Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Draining

Many homeowners wonder, "Why is my dishwasher not draining?" Understanding the causes can make troubleshooting much easier. Here's a list of reasons how a dishwasher not draining can happen:

• Clogged filter: Food particles and debris can build up over time. They may block water from exiting the dishwasher.
• Blocked or kinked drain hose: Hoses can become twisted, bent, or filled with debris. This issue prevents proper drainage.
• Faulty drain pump: Though less common, a broken or malfunctioning pump can stop water from being pumped out.
• Obstructed air gap: If your dishwasher has an air gap, it can get clogged and interfere with water flow.
• Garbage disposal connection issues: For dishwashers connected to a garbage disposal, a clog in the disposal can affect drainage.

Some brand-specific issues can also cause a dishwasher not draining. Some examples are as follows:

• Bosch dishwasher not draining: Often related to blockages in the circulation pump or spray arms.
• LG dishwasher not draining: Frequently caused by a clogged or misaligned float switch.
• Samsung dishwasher not draining: Can result from food trap clogs or a faulty sump assembly.

Identifying the root cause is the key to fixing the problem efficiently. Knowing the exact source, such as a simple clog or a more complex mechanical issue, can save time and prevent further damage.

Fixes for a Dishwasher Not Draining

For any situation involving dishwasher not draining, there are several DIY solutions you can try at home. These steps are designed for those who feel confident with basic tools and home maintenance.

However, if you’re a complete beginner or not comfortable handling small appliances, attempting these fixes could make the problem worse, so proceed cautiously.

Here are some practical steps to fix dishwasher not draining:

1. Check and clean the filter: Remove the bottom rack and take out the filter. Rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove food particles and debris.
2. Inspect the drain hose: Look for kinks, bends, or clogs in the hose. Disconnect it carefully and flush it with water if necessary.
3. Examine the air gap: If your dishwasher has an air gap, remove the cover and check for blockages. Clean it with a brush or running water.
4. Clear the garbage disposal connection: If your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, make sure the knockout plug is removed and the disposal is free of clogs.
5. Test the drain pump: If accessible, check for debris in the pump area. Small obstructions can often be removed to restore drainage.
6. Check the float switch: Make sure the float moves freely. A stuck float can prevent the dishwasher from draining properly.

Following these steps can often resolve minor issues when your dishwasher is not draining. Take your time identifying and clearing simple clogs or misalignments to get your dishwasher running smoothly again.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, a dishwasher not draining can’t be fixed with simple DIY solutions. Knowing when to bring in a professional can solve your dishwasher's errors more rapidly and avoid further damage. You should consider calling a professional if:

• DIY solutions haven’t worked: Filters, hoses, and pumps are clear, but the dishwasher still won’t drain.
• Persistent or unusual noises: Grinding, humming, or clicking sounds could indicate a mechanical problem.
• Electrical or motor issues: Signs of sparks, burning smells, or a malfunctioning control panel require expert attention.
• Repeated clogs or leaks: Frequent blockages might signal a more serious internal problem that needs professional inspection.

These steps will help you better understand the situation of the dishwasher not draining completely and take necessary steps, such as calling for a professional. You can browse for "dishwasher repairs near me" to find a repair expert. If you've bought your dishwasher from a reliable source like WDC Bath & Kitchen Center, chances are you can ask the store for repair recommendations.

While WDC does not actually provide a repair service, we still provide professional installations for new dishwasher purchases. Installing a dishwasher properly the first time can ward off many drainage and operational issues.

Unfortunately, in some cases, it may also be time to buy a new dishwasher, especially if your appliance is old or repeatedly failing. For reliable options, check out the full selection of dishwashers available at WDC.

6 Good Dishwasher Replacement Options

If the issues with your dishwasher not draining keep coming back despite repairs, it may be cheaper to replace it entirely. We have some excellent dishwasher models worth considering for long-term peace of mind.

Bosch® 500 Series 24" Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher

Shop this Bosch® Dishwasher

This Bosch 500 Series built-in dishwasher blends refined style with practical features like PrecisionWash®, which senses and adapts to food levels for a consistently thorough clean. It includes the clever AutoAir® drying system that gently opens the door at the end of the cycle to let in fresh air for noticeably drier dishes. The generous 16-place-setting capacity, combined with a Flexible 3rd Rack designed for utensils and adjustable tines, offers versatile loading options and thoughtful organization. Besides its performance, this unit's remarkable noise level brings peace to the environment, running silently at around 44 dBA.

GE Profile™ 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher

Shop this GE Profile™ Dishwasher

This 24-inch, top-control dishwasher with a stainless-steel interior performs quietly at a 44 dBA rating. The standout cleaning tech includes Dry Boost for better plastic drying, four Bottle Wash Jets, Deep Clean Silverware Jets, a Piranha™ hard food disposer to help prevent clogs, and built-in Wi-Fi via SmartHQ for remote control and updates. Meanwhile, the stainless tub and Microban® Antimicrobial Technology on high-touch points add durability. If your GE dishwasher not draining headaches keep recurring, this model’s filtration and hard-food disposer can reduce buildup that contributes to blockages. Plus, it’s backed by a 1-year limited GE Appliances warranty.

Whirlpool® 24" Finger Print Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher

Shop this Whirlpool® Dishwasher

This built-in dishwasher features a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel front and top-mounted controls that give it a refined, polished vibe while concealing smudges nicely. It holds up to 12 place settings and includes three 5″ cup shelves for clever small-item storage and extra organizational flexibility. The Boost cycle tackles tougher messes efficiently, while its Triple Filtration Wash System and Heated/Extended Dry options contribute to consistently clean, dry dishes even in a compact design. When your Whirlpool dishwasher not draining situation becomes a worry, this model’s robust filtration and drying features can solve the problem by preventing buildup.

KitchenAid® 24" Stainless Steel with Printshield Built In Dishwasher

Shop this KitchenAid® Dishwasher

So you found your KitchenAid dishwasher not draining properly? Perhaps it’s time to consider this model, backed by a standard one-year limited warranty, featuring a quiet operation (39 dBA), a spacious 3-rack design with a third-level utensil rack, and more than 30 total wash jets for complete cleaning action. The durable stainless-steel interior resists streaks, stains, and odors while retaining heat for improved drying, and the PrintShield™ finish keeps the exterior looking fresh with just a wipe of a soft cloth. With adaptive wash performance via the ProWash™ cycle that adjusts to soil levels, plus options like Express Wash, Heat Dry, and Sani-Rinse, this model delivers exceptional, high-quality washing.

Frigidaire Gallery® 24" Smudge-Proof™ Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher

Shop this Frigidaire Gallery® Dishwasher

A Frigidaire dishwasher not draining correctly can be a pain. Luckily, this Gallery model is ready to replace it with reliable filtration, sensor-driven leak protection, and a robust build. And it's a beauty: a smudge-proof stainless-steel front and an elegant touch panel that resists fingerprints, elevating aesthetics and making it easy to clean. Its CleanBoost™ mixture system challenges baked-on food by premixing detergent with water for a powerful clean, and the 30-minute Quick Wash option saves time when you're in a hurry. With a tall stainless tub, adjustable racks, and a third-level utensil rack, it can fit up to 14 place settings and handle everything from dinner plates to utensils.

Samsung 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher

Shop this Samsung Dishwasher

This Samsung model boasts a minimalist design that sports a smart LED display with Wi-Fi control. It fits up to 15 place settings across three adjustable racks, including a sturdy third rack, and features the Linear Wash system with corner-to-corner AquaBlast™ jets, plus Zone Booster™ for tackling stubborn pots and pans. The near-silent operation at 39 dBA and the AutoRelease™ door that opens at the end of a cycle enhance drying performance and quiet efficiency. Samsung proves its dependability by making available a one-year limited warranty, giving you reassurance to replace parts and labor with extended coverage on select internal components.

FAQs: Dishwasher Not Draining

How do you fix a dishwasher that is not draining?

Start by checking and cleaning the filter, as food particles often block water flow. Make sure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged. You can also run the garbage disposal to clear any connected drain blockage. If those steps don’t work, the issue may be with the pump or motor, which usually requires professional repair.

Why is there water at the bottom of my dishwasher?

A small amount of water is normal to keep the seals from drying out, but excess water usually signals a drainage problem. This could be caused by a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or faulty pump. Leftover debris from dishes is the most common culprit.

How do you unclog a dishwasher with standing water?

Turn off the power, remove the bottom rack, and check for debris in the filter and drain area. Use a sponge to remove as much standing water as possible. Then, inspect the drain hose for blockages. If the clog is deeper, you may need to use a plumber’s snake or call a technician.

How do you trigger a dishwasher to drain?

Many dishwashers have a “Cancel” or “Drain” button you can press during a cycle. Check your owner’s manual for the exact process for your model. If it still won’t drain, there may be a mechanical or electrical problem with the pump or control board.

Where to buy a new dishwasher near me?

If your old unit can’t be saved, shop locally at WDC Bath & Kitchen Center. We offer a wide selection of dishwashers from top brands and can handle professional installation.

Why Trust WDC?

At WDC Kitchen & Bath Center, we’ve been proudly serving Southern California since 1981. What began as a small family business has grown into one of the largest independently owned kitchen and bath showrooms in the region, rooted in family values and exceptional service. With locations throughout Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties, our team of knowledgeable professionals is dedicated to helping you bring your dream kitchen or bath to life. 

Our expansive showrooms feature live kitchens, beautifully curated displays, and products from the industry's most trusted brands. At WDC, we believe every customer deserves personalized attention, high-quality products, and a trusted partner every step of the way.

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Have questions about choosing the right kitchen appliance for your home? The WDC team is here to help! When you're browsing for dishwashers or planning a full remodel, our friendly staff is ready to guide you. Visit one of our showrooms or call us at 888-487-2298.

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