Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

No-one is happy to open their machine and discover standing water but, don’t overreact just yet. You may be able to solve the fault before you have to call a plumber or acquire a brand-new dishwasher.

Your dishwasher declining to drain could be induced by multiple things a few of which can be simple to fix. Therefore, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service try this list of probable things you could identify by yourself. Some of which are not even caused by the machine itself.

Check the program wasn’t interrupted

If you’re lucky the fact your dishwasher hasn’t drained may not be a problem at all. Rather, the cycle might have been stopped mid-way.

The cycle may have been stopped mid-way for a number of of reasons. Little fingers pressing buttons, accidentally pushing against the buttons, a power cut or opening the dishwasher mid-cycle might all stop the program from completing and mean your dishwasher doesn’t drain.

If you suspect this could be the case, or you feel it may be a good idea to check run the machine again on a short program.

A proportion machines could have a drain cycle so it’s well worth consulting your instruction manual or checking online to check.

Examine the disposal

If your dishwasher is plumbed into your garbage disposal check this before you move on as an obstructed disposal will block the machine from emptying. Run the disposal using lots of water to check there are no issues.

If you do uncover a blockage drain un-blocker or a plunger can be sought after to clear the blockage and this might fix the issue.

Check the sink waste for clogs

If you sink is emptying slowly this may signify a plumbing issue rather than an error with your dishwasher.

In the case that the kitchen sink is emptying slowly you could attempt putting some bicarb and white vinegar down the plughole, letting it sit for a few minutes and subsequently flushing it through with hot water.

A sink plunger may also be used to try and shift the blockage.

This may be sufficient to allow your machine to empty so start a quick rinse and drain cycle at this point. If this hasn’t sorted the issue you can manually get rid of the water using a bowl and a towel and check the next few possible issues.

Make sure you turn off the dishwasher to avoid electrocution.

If in the process of any one of these examinations you suspect you have discovered and repaired the error there is no need to continue to the next issue. Just start an empty program to make sure the dishwasher is fixed.

Examine and clean the filters

Any number of things could block the filters including popcorn, labels from containers, plastic covers and smashed glass. Clear film could also be difficult to see if you aren’t looking for it.

Remove the filter then give it a good wash before replacing it. Not all dishwashers have their filter in the same place so you might need to look at the manual for this.

Is the drain hose blocked?

The next component to check 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 could all prevent your machine from draining.

Subject to the position of the hose (normally the ribbed one) you could be able to look at it by means of taking off the base alternatively you may have to move the dishwasher away from the wall.

Have a look at the hose in the first instance to see if it has been crushed or kinked. You could manage fix these issues by hand which should fix the issue, however, it’s worth noting that when this has happened it is much more inclined to happen again so you could wish to purchase a spare hose.

If you are unable to see an issue you can take off the waste hose from the machine and blow into it to figure out if there are any blockages. Make sure you put down newspaper or towels first as even if you have emptied the machine there might still be water in the hose.

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

Take off the other end of the hose and give it a thorough flush through to clear the obstruction. If you are unable to remove the obstruction or the waste pipe is slit or worn invest in a new one. If you may clear the blockage then replace the hose and start a quick program to check that you have fixed the fault.

You could also examine where the waste pipe connects under your sink. This is a typical place for blockages to occur so if you do remove the pipe give this point a good scrub as well.

Examine the drain valve

You may manually check the drain valve to ensure it isn’t got stuck. The drain valve will often be located at the base of the dishwasher on the valve bracket. Consult your manual if you can’t see it.

Depressing the valve or giving it a jiggle should be sufficient to let you know if it’s stuck. If you are able to see anything stopping it from moving carefully extract this. If you are unable to, this might be when you should get in touch with a plumber unless you are confident in procuring and replacing the valve yourself.

Inspect your pump is not blocked

Your water pump makes use of impellers that may get blocked by pieces of china or other debris. Check your impellers aren’t broken by taking off the safety cover and ensuring that the impellers are free to move.

Listen to your dishwasher while it’s running

If your dishwasher is making funny noises your dishwasher pump or motor may be faulty and need to be repaired.

Call a repair person

If you have been through the above list and the problem remains, or you think the pump, pump valve or motor are damaged, it might be the right time to get the professionals.

This way though you will at least have the means to give them more information and have managed to avoid needing to pay a big call-out charge for a blocked hose.