A clogged filter or food trap
Food, grease, and labels collect in the filter at the bottom of the tub. When it clogs, water cannot reach the pump.
Troubleshooting guide
Dishwasher Not Draining: Causes, Safe Checks & When to Call
Standing water in the bottom of a dishwasher is one of the most common calls we get, and the cause is often a simple blockage. Check these items in order before you assume the pump has failed.
Already know you need a technician? Call 850-769-8021 or request service.
Common causes
What usually causes it
A kinked or clogged drain hose
The hose under the sink can kink when the unit is pushed back into place, or it can clog where it meets the disposal or drain.
The disposal knockout plug
When a new disposal is installed, a plastic plug in the dishwasher inlet has to be removed. If it was not, the dishwasher cannot drain into the disposal.
A failed or jammed drain pump
A pump that hums but does not move water may be jammed by glass, bone, or debris. A pump that is silent may have failed.
A missing high loop or a clogged air gap
The drain hose needs a high loop or an air gap so sink water cannot flow back into the dishwasher. A clogged air gap can also stop drainage.
Safe checks
What you can check yourself
These steps are safe for most homeowners. If a step feels beyond your comfort level, skip it and call.
- Cancel the cycle and let the dishwasher sit for a few minutes. Then remove standing water with a cup and towels.
- Remove the lower rack and clean the cylindrical filter and the area around it. Twist it out and scrub it under warm water.
- Run the garbage disposal to clear it, since many dishwashers drain through it.
- Look under the sink for kinks in the drain hose and make sure it rises in a high loop before it connects.
- If your sink has an air gap on the countertop, remove the cap and clean it.
Safety first. Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker before reaching into the tub or disconnecting any hoses, and watch for broken glass in the filter area.
When to call
When it is time to call a technician
Call if water remains after the filter, hose, and disposal checks, if the pump hums but nothing drains, if the display shows a drain error code, or if the problem keeps coming back.
Appliance Doctor repairs and installs dishwashers across Panama City and Northwest Florida, including premium brands.
Service visit
$150 service visit & diagnostic fee
The fee covers the technician's trip, diagnosis, and basic repairs that take under 30 minutes. The fee is not credited toward a larger repair. If a repair needs more time, parts, or specialized work, we give you a repair quote before proceeding. Repairs carry a 30-day labor & diagnostic warranty. See warranty terms.
Local factors
Coastal Florida factors and what technicians look for
Mineral buildup depends on your water supply, since well water and some areas are harder than others, but humidity affects every kitchen. Moisture left in the tub between cycles encourages grime and mold in the filter and drain area, and salt air can corrode pump connections and electrical contacts over time.
Technician insight
Most calls for a dishwasher that will not drain end up being a filter, a hose, or the disposal connection, which is why we recommend checking those first. When the cause is the pump, it becomes a paid repair, and the blockage checks will already have ruled out the simple fixes. Rinsing large food scraps and cleaning the filter weekly with daily use prevents most repeats.
Questions
Common questions
Why is there water in the bottom of my dishwasher after a cycle?
A small amount of water at the bottom of some models is normal. Standing water after a complete cycle that smells or is full of debris usually means a blockage in the filter, hose, or disposal connection.
Can a new garbage disposal cause a dishwasher not to drain?
Yes. If the knockout plug in the disposal inlet was not removed during installation, the dishwasher cannot drain into the disposal. It is a common new-install mistake.
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Weekly is a good habit if you run it daily. It takes a couple of minutes and prevents many drain problems. See also dishwasher not cleaning.
Next step. If the dishwasher still will not drain after the safe checks in your manual, contact us with the model number and any error code on the display.
“They came out to do warranty work on new Bosch dishwasher. Steve, the owner, couldn't have been nicer and more helpful. I definitely recommend.”
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Call during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM) or send a service request online. We reply within one business day.