Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Although it’s never a welcome sight to open the machine and find out the machine is still full of water, try not to lose it just yet. You might have the means to deal with the issue before you have to call a repair person or invest in a brand-new machine.

Your dishwasher failing to drain can be induced by a number of things a proportion of which are easy to deal with. Therefore, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service try this list of probable components you may identify on your own. Some of which aren’t even a fault of the machine itself.

Check the dishwasher wasn’t stopped mid-program

It is possible that there is nothing stopping your machine from draining. Rather, the cycle may have been stopped mid-way.

The cycle could have been stopped mid-way for multiple of reasons. Children pushing buttons, inadvertently leaning against the control panel, a power cut or opening the machine mid-program could all interrupt the program and mean your dishwasher doesn’t drain.

If you think this might be the situation, or you just want to be sure it’s not the issue start the machine again on a short program.

A number dishwashers could have an empty cycle meaning it’s well worth consulting your owners manual or consulting google to check.

Examine the waste disposal

If your dishwasher is attached to a waste disposal examine this first as a blocked garbage disposal will prevent the dishwasher from draining. Run the disposal with lots of water to ensure there are no obstructions.

If you do find an issue drain unclogger or a plunger could be used to clear the obstruction and so this could deal with the issue.

Examine the sink waste for blockages

If you kitchen sink is draining reluctantly this might suggest an issue with the plumbing rather than an issue with your dishwasher.

In the case that the kitchen sink is draining reluctantly you may try putting some bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar down the plughole, leaving it for a few minutes and then washing it through with hot water.

A plunger might also be employed to try and shift the obstruction.

This may be enough to let the dishwasher to drain so start a short cycle now. If this hasn’t solved the problem you can manually drain the dishwasher using a cup as well as a towel and check a few more possible issues.

At this point make certain to unplug the machine to stay safe.

If during any of these examinations you think you have detected and repaired the problem there is no need to continue to the next issue. Just complete an empty cycle to check the machine is repaired.

Inspect and wash the filters

Any number of things could block the filters including corn kernels, paper from containers, plastic film covers and smashed glass. Clear glass may also be hard to see if you don’t look carefully.

Take out the filter then give it a good clean before putting it back in place. Not all machines have their filter in the same place so you may need to refer to the instructions for this.

Is the waste water hose obstructed?

The next place to check is the waste hose. Stuck food, a kink in the hose or a crushed hose could all stop your dishwasher from draining.

Contingent upon the position of the hose (usually the corrugated one) you might manage inspect it by lifting away the base alternatively you may be required to move the machine out from under the counter.

Look at the hose first to see if it has been squashed or kinked. You could have the means to manually straighten out any kinks which is likely to solve the issue, however, be aware that when this has happened it is significantly more likely to happen again so you might need to order a spare hose.

If you can’t find an issue you can disconnect the waste water hose from the pump and blow through it to discover any blockages. Make sure you line the floor with newspaper or towels first as there might still be waste water in the pipe.

If you are unable to blow air through the hose this could be the issue.

Disconnect the hose at the sink end in order to give it a good flush through to remove the blockage. If you are unable to dislodge the obstruction or the waste pipe is cracked or damaged buy a brand-new one. If you may get rid of the obstruction then put the hose back and start a quick cycle to find out if you have solved the error.

You can also examine where the waste pipe attaches to the sink. This is a common point for debris to build up so if you happen to remove the hose give this connection a thorough scrub as well.

Inspect the drain valve

You could examine the drain valve by hand to check it isn’t stopped working. The drain valve will generally be situated at the base of the machine on the valve bracket. Check your instructions if you’re not sure.

Pushing down on the valve or giving it a jiggle will likely be adequate to let you know if it’s stuck. If you are able to see anything blocking it get rid of this. If you are unable to, this might be a good time to call a repair person unless you are confident in procuring and repairing the part yourself.

Check your pump is not blocked

Your water pump makes use of impellers that could be blocked by pieces of glass or other debris. Check your pump isn’t obstructed by removing the cover and ensuring that the impellers can be easily rotated.

Run your dishwasher and listen for any unusual noises

If it doesn’t sound right your dishwasher pump or motor could be broken and need to be repaired.

Call a plumber

If none of the above examinations has solved the problem, or you think the pump, pump valve or motor are broken, it may be a good time to call for help.

At least having tried to troubleshoot you have avoided needing to pay a hefty repair fee for a clogged filter.