Dishwasher not draining
Standing water in the dishwasher means something between the tub and the sink drain is blocked. It's a short path you can check yourself, and the filter in the bottom is the easiest place to start.
Where the water goes
Water leaves a dishwasher through the filter in the bottom, into a small drain pump, then up a hose to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Some kitchens also have an air gap, a small chrome cap on the sink next to the faucet, in that line. A blockage at any of those points leaves water sitting in the tub.
Start with the filter. It's easy to check, doesn't require any tools, and a clogged one can leave water sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher. A lot of people don't know it's there, and plenty of dishwashers have never had it cleaned.
What stops it draining
Food, labels and grease build up until water can't get through.
The dishwasher drains through the disposal, so a clogged disposal blocks it.
Pushing the dishwasher back after cleaning can crimp the hose.
You'll hear humming but no water moves.
| What you see | Likely cause | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| Murky water after every cycle | Clogged filter | Clean the filter, then once a month. |
| Water in the dishwasher and the sink drains slowly too | Kitchen sink or disposal clog | Run the disposal. Clear the sink drain. |
| Water spills from the little cap by the faucet | Clogged air gap or hose | Pull the cap off and clean it out. |
| Hums at the end but doesn't drain | Drain pump jammed | Check for glass or a pit under the filter. If it's clear, the pump may have failed. |
| Brand-new disposal, dishwasher stopped draining | Knockout plug still in the disposal | Tap the plug out of the disposal's dishwasher inlet. |
| Drains slowly after being pushed back in | Kinked drain hose | Pull it out and straighten the hose. |
Clean the filter and drain path
- Turn it off and bail the waterSwitch off the dishwasher, then scoop out standing water with a cup and sponge into a bowl. Put towels on the floor.
- Pull the filterRemove the lower rack. Twist the cylindrical filter counterclockwise and lift it out, along with any flat mesh screen under it. Your manual shows the exact layout for your model.
- Clean it in the sinkRinse under warm water and scrub gently with a toothbrush and a little dish soap. Check the opening below for glass, bones or fruit pits, which can jam the drain pump.
- Check the disposal and air gapIf the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal. A clogged disposal backs water into the dishwasher. If the disposal is brand new, the knockout plug inside the dishwasher inlet may still be in place. If you have an air gap cap by the faucet, pull the cover off and clear any gunk.
- Reassemble and run a short cycleLock the filter back in, run a rinse cycle, and check that it drains.
If water is still sitting in the tub
If it hums but doesn't drain after cleaning the filter, something may be stuck in the drain pump. With the power off, look into the opening under the filter with a flashlight and pull out anything you find.
If the drain hose is kinked from being pushed back into its space, straighten it. Check that the hose also loops up high under the counter before dropping to the drain. That high loop keeps dirty sink water from flowing back in.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): An appliance repair visit is usually $100–$200. Drain pump replacement typically costs $150–$350.
Other dishwasher problems
Dishwasher drain questions
How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
Every month or two. More often if you don't scrape plates or your dishwasher runs daily.
Is some water in the bottom of a dishwasher normal?
A small amount near the filter, less than a cup, is normal on many models. Water covering the floor of the tub isn't.
Why does my dishwasher smell?
Trapped food in the filter is the usual source. Clean it, then run an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
Why is water coming out of the little cap next to my faucet?
That's the air gap. It overflows when the hose between it and the drain or disposal is clogged. Pull the cap off, clean it out, and run the disposal.
Will baking soda and vinegar unclog a dishwasher?
They help with odors and light buildup, but they won't clear a real clog. Cleaning the filter and checking the disposal and hose does the actual work.
Can I run it again to see if it drains?
Not with a tub full of water, since it can overflow. Bail it out and clean the filter first, then run a short rinse cycle to test it.
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