Free guides / Appliance
Dishwasher Not Draining? How to Fix It
Standing water usually means a clogged filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a clogged air gap or garbage disposal inlet, or a failed drain pump.
Safety first
- Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker before reaching into the sump or removing panels.
- Watch for broken glass in the filter area.
Tools
- Towels and a shallow pan
- Screwdriver set (Phillips, Torx)
- Pliers
- Bottle brush or old toothbrush
Parts
- Drain pump with your dishwasher's exact model part number, only if the pump is bad
Step by step
Clean the filter
Remove the bottom rack, twist out the cylindrical filter, and scrub it in hot soapy water.
Check the disposal and air gap
If it drains into a disposal, run the disposal. If you have a countertop air gap, pull the cap and clear it. On a new disposal, make sure the knock-out plug was removed.
Inspect the drain hose
Pull the kick plate, follow the hose to the sink and look for kinks. Disconnect it and blow through it or flush it to clear clogs.
Listen to the pump
Start a drain cycle. Humming with no water moving means a jam or a bad pump; silence may mean a failed pump or control.
Clear or replace the pump
With power off, remove the sump cover and check the pump impeller for glass or bones. Replace the pump with the model-specific part if it's seized.
Run a test cycle
Run a short rinse cycle and confirm the tub empties completely.
When to call a pro
Call an appliance tech if the control board shows an error code you can't clear, or water is leaking under the unit.
Not sure it's the same problem?
Snap a photo in DIYFixAI to identify your exact model and part, then get a step-by-step plan, the exact parts and the best videos.
Scan my repair →