Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Troubleshooting Tips and Expert Repair Solutions:

Clogged Filter
Over time, food particles and grease can obstruct the dishwasher filter, preventing the water from draining. This usually comes in the form of a removable filter at the bottom of the tub.

DIY Fix:
Take out the bottom rack and unscrew the filter. Run it under warm water, and scrub off any gunk with a soft brush.

Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose
The drain hose attaches your dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain. A kinked or clogged hose may block water from leaving.

DIY Fix:
Look for kinks in the hose behind the dishwasher. Unhook it and rinse it with water to clear obstructions.

Disposer Plug Not Removed
If this is a recent installation or was just connected to a new garbage disposal, the knockout plug inside the disposal may not have been removed.

DIY Fix:
Remove the drain hose from the disposal and see if the plug is still there. If it is, use a hammer and screwdriver to drive it out.

Malfunctioning Drain Pump
A drain pump pushes water out of the dishwasher. If it does not, the water will not escape.

DIY Fix:
If you hear humming but no draining, the pump may be stuck. If this is the case, try removing any stuck debris or glass piece. If not, you’ll have to call a technician.

Dirty Air Gap
This air gap keeps dirty water from backflowing into the dishwasher. It can become blocked up with grease and debris.

DIY Fix:
Unscrew the cover from the air gap (most commonly located next to your faucet) and scrub it out.

Brand-By-Brand Considerations:

Whirlpool & Maytag: Commonly have drain pump or clogged filter problems.
Bosch: Extremely sensitive to small obstructions in the filter or pump; they require regular cleaning.
May display errors such as OE or 5E for drain failure.
GE & KitchenAid: Most common failures are of worn-out check valves or stuck float switches.

When You should call Viga Appliance Repair

And if your dishwasher still won’t drain after you do this, it’s time to call in the pros. Hiding from the problem opens the door for:
* Water damage in your kitchen
* Standing water leading to mold and mildew
* Expensive future repairs

We cover all major brands and offer same-day service at Viga Appliance Repair. From a top-of-the-range Bosch or Miele to a solid Whirlpool, our certified technicians are trained to rapidly diagnose and resolve drainage problems.