Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Although it’s always annoying to open your machine and find out the machine hasn’t emptied properly, don’t lose it just yet. You could be able to deal with the problem without having to call a repair person or purchase a brand-new machine.

Standing water in your machine could be caused by multiple things some of which are simple to fix. So, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service try this lineup of possible components you can troubleshoot yourself. A proportion of which are not even caused by the machine itself.

Ensure the dishwasher wasn’t stopped mid-program

It is probable that there is nothing stopping your machine from emptying. Rather, the cycle could have been cut short.

The cycle might have been stopped mid-way for any number of of reasons. Kids pressing buttons, inadvertently leaning on the control panel, a power cut or opening the dishwasher mid-program could all interrupt the cycle and mean your machine doesn’t empty.

If you suspect this might be the circumstance, or you feel it might be worthwhile checking run the dishwasher again on a quick cycle.

A number dishwashers might have a drain cycle so it’s worth consulting your manual or consulting google to check.

Inspect the waste disposal

If you have a garbage disposal examine this before you do anything else as an obstructed garbage disposal will block your dishwasher from draining. Run the garbage disposal using fast running water to check there are no obstructions.

If you do uncover an issue drain cleaner or a plunger could be employed to remove the obstruction and so this could solve the fault.

Inspect the sink for clogs

If you kitchen sink is draining slowly this could signify a plumbing issue rather than a fault with your machine.

If the sink is draining reluctantly you may attempt putting a little bicarb and white vinegar down the plughole, letting it sit for a while and subsequently flushing it through with boiling water.

A plunger could also be employed to try and shift the blockage.

This could be sufficient to let the dishwasher to empty so start a quick rinse and empty cycle now. If not you can manually remove the dirty water using a jug and also a sponge and check a few more likely causes.

At this point make sure you disconnect the dishwasher to prevent electrocution.

If while you are carrying out one of these examinations you suspect you may have found and solved the fault there is no need to continue to the next issue. Just complete an empty cycle to check your machine is once again draining as it used to.

Inspect and scrub the filters

Popcorn, paper from tupperware, plastic film covers and smashed glass, as well as food debris, can all obstruct the dishwasher filter. Clear film can also be hard to see if you aren’t looking for it.

Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly before putting it back in place. Not all dishwashers have their filter in the same place so you may need to refer to the instructions for this.

Is the drain hose blocked?

The next area to examine is the waste pipe. 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 can all prevent your machine from draining.

Contingent upon the location of the waste pipe (usually the ribbed one) you might have the means to look at it simply by removing the kick plate alternatively you may have to pull the machine away from the wall.

Have a look at the hose first to find out if it has been crushed or kinked. You could be able to manually remove any kinks which should deal with the issue, but be aware that once this has occurred the chance of it occurring again is significantly increased so you might wish to order a spare hose.

If you can’t see anything you could take off the waste pipe from the pump and blow through it to figure out if there are any blockages. Be sure to put down newspaper or towels before you remove the hose as even if you have emptied the dishwasher there could still be dirty water in the hose.

If you can’t blow through the waste pipe this might be the issue.

Disconnect the hose at the sink end and then give it a good clean to clear the obstruction. If you are unable to get rid of the obstruction or the hose is slit or worn acquire a brand-new one. If you can get rid of the blockage then put the hose back and start a quick cycle to find out if you have repaired the issue.

You may also inspect where the waste pipe connects to the waste disposal as well. This is a common point for debris to build up so if you do take off the waste pipe give this area a thorough scrub as well.

Check the drain valve

You may examine the drain valve by hand to ensure it isn’t got stuck. The drain valve will usually be located at the base of the machine on the valve bracket. Check your instructions if you’re unsure.

Depressing the valve or wiggling it a bit should be sufficient to tell you if it’s seized. If you are able to see anything stopping it from moving get rid of this. If you can’t, this may be the right time to get in touch with a plumber unless you are undaunted by procuring and swapping out the valve yourself.

Check your pump is not blocked

Your appliance pump uses impellers that could become obstructed by broken china or other objects. Check your impellers aren’t obstructed by removing the cover and checking that the impellers can rotate freely.

Run your machine and listen for any unusual sounds

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

Call a plumber

If you have been through the above list and the error remains, or you suspect the pump, pump valve or motor are broken, it might be time to get the professionals.

At least having done your best to fix the problem yourself you have managed to avoid having to pay a big repair charge for a clogged filter.