How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain

A dishwasher that won’t drain is one of the most common appliance issues in any household—and one of the most frustrating. If you open your dishwasher to find standing water at the bottom, don’t panic. With the right steps, you can often identify and fix the issue yourself. Here’s a breakdown of how to troubleshoot and potentially repair a dishwasher that refuses to drain.

Step 1: Check for a Clogged Filter

Start by inspecting the dishwasher filter located at the bottom of the machine, beneath the spray arm. Over time, bits of food, grease, and soap scum can clog the filter, blocking water from draining.

What to do:

• Remove the bottom dish rack

• Twist and lift the filter out

• Rinse it under warm water

• Use a soft brush to scrub away debris

If your filter is full of gunk, this could be your culprit.

Step 2: Inspect the Drain Hose

The drain hose connects your dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain. If it's kinked or clogged, water won’t escape.

Check for:

• Obvious kinks behind the dishwasher

• Clogs at the connection points

You can disconnect the hose and blow through it or run water through to test for obstructions. Be sure to place a towel or shallow pan underneath in case water is trapped inside.

Step 3: Clean the Air Gap (if present)

Some dishwashers use an air gap to prevent dirty water from siphoning back into the appliance. It’s usually a small cylinder mounted near the sink.

How to clean it:

• Remove the cap

• Clear any debris from the inside with a stiff brush or compressed air

Step 4: Test the Drain Pump

If you've ruled out clogs, the drain pump might be malfunctioning. You’ll typically hear a humming or grinding sound if the pump is trying (and failing) to run.

Note: Testing or replacing a drain pump usually requires removing the bottom access panel and may be best left to professionals unless you’re experienced with appliance repairs.

Step 5: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Sometimes, the issue is just buildup from soap residue or hard water. Try running a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner or a cup of vinegar placed on the top rack.

Bonus Tips

• Avoid pre-rinsing dishes too clean—modern dishwashers rely on some grime to activate detergent.

• Use a dishwasher cleaning solution monthly to prevent grease and mineral buildup.

• If the problem persists after troubleshooting, it may be time to consult a certified appliance technician.

Still not draining? Upload a photo or describe the issue, and let Repairo’s AI-powered assistant help you troubleshoot in seconds.We’ll guide you step by step—or connect you with a certified repair pro if needed.

To get personalized diagnostics and repair suggestions, visit:👉 https://app.repairo.ca