Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Although it’s always irritating to open your dishwasher and realize the machine hasn’t drained properly, don’t panic just yet. You might be able to rectify the error before you have to call a plumber or acquire a brand-new dishwasher.

Standing water in your machine can have a number of of causes a number of which can be straightforward to figure out. So, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service try this list of probable issues you may correct by yourself. Some of which are not even related to the machine itself.

Ensure the dishwasher wasn’t interrupted mid-program

If you’re lucky the standing water you have discovered may not be a problem at all. Instead, the program could have been interrupted.

The program might have been interrupted for multiple of reasons. Children pressing controls, accidentally pushing on the control panel, a power outage or opening the dishwasher mid-program might all prevent the program from completing and mean your dishwasher doesn’t drain.

If you suspect this could be the case, or you just want to be sure it’s not the issue run the machine again on a short cycle.

Some dishwashers could have a drain cycle so it’s worth consulting your manual or doing a quick internet search to check.

Inspect the waste disposal

If your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal inspect this before you move on as a blocked garbage disposal will stop your machine from emptying. Turn on the garbage disposal with fast running water to make sure there are no obstructions.

If you do find an issue drain cleaner or a plunger can be used to remove the obstruction and so this might deal with the fault.

Check the plumbing for issues

If you sink is emptying reluctantly this may suggest an issue with the plumbing as opposed to an issue with your machine.

In the case that the sink is emptying inefficiently you may attempt putting some bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar down the drain, letting it sit for a while and then flushing it through with hot water.

A plunger may also be utilized to attempt to dislodge the obstruction.

This may be enough to permit the appliance to drain so run a short cycle to check. If this hasn’t worked you can remove the dirty water by hand using a bowl as well as a sponge and troubleshoot the next few possible issues.

At this point make certain to unplug the machine to prevent electrocution.

If during one of these checks you believe you may have discovered and fixed the problem there is no need to continue to the next issue. Just run an empty cycle to check your machine is once again draining as it used to.

Check and clean the filters

Any number of things could block the filters including popcorn, labels from food jars, film covers and smashed glass. Clear film may also be hard to spot if you don’t look carefully.

Remove the filter then scrub it thoroughly before putting it back in place. Not all filters are obvious and easy to remove so you may need to look at the owners manual for this.

Is the drain hose obstructed?

The next component to inspect is the drain hose. Many things could cause an obstruction including a build up of food debris, a kink in the hose, or a crushed hose. All of which may all stop your machine from emptying.

Contingent upon the location of the hose (normally the corrugated one) you could manage view it simply by taking off the kick plate alternatively you may need to pull the dishwasher out from under the counter.

Have a look at the hose in the first instance to see if it has been squashed or kinked. You could manage manually straighten out any kinks which will most likely resolve the issue, but it’s worth noting that once this has happened it is significantly more likely to happen again so you could need to buy a spare hose.

If you can’t find anything you may take off the waste pipe from the dishwasher and blow into it to check for any blockages. Be sure to line the floor with newspaper or towels before you remove the hose as there could still be water in the hose.

If you can’t blow through the waste hose this may be the problem.

Remove the hose at the sink end and then give it a thorough flush through to remove the blockage. If you can’t get rid of the obstruction or the waste hose is cracked or degraded purchase a brand-new one. If you could clear the obstruction then put the hose back and start a quick program to find out if you have fixed the issue.

You could also examine where the waste hose connects to the sink as well. This is a typical place for blockages to occur so if you do take off the pipe give this area a good scrub as well.

Inspect the drain valve

You can examine the drain valve by hand to make sure it hasn’t got stuck. The drain valve will often be situated at the base of the dishwasher on the valve bracket. Check your instruction manual if you’re not sure.

Pushing down on the valve or giving it a jiggle should be adequate to let you know if it’s seized. If you are able to see an object stopping it from moving get rid of this. If you can’t, this might be the right time to ring a repair person unless you are happy in ordering and repairing the part yourself.

Check your pump is not broken

Your dishwasher pump uses impellers that can become blocked by broken glass or other objects. Check your impellers aren’t broken by taking off the cover and ensuring that the impellers are free to move.

Listen to your dishwasher while it’s running

If it sounds unusual your dishwasher pump or motor might be broken and need replacing.

Call a plumber

If you have been through the above list and the fault remains, or you have reason to believe the pump, pump valve or motor are not working, it may be the moment you need to get the professionals.

This way though you will at least be able to give them more information and have managed to avoid needing to pay a hefty call-out fee for a blocked drain.