Standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher is unpleasant, but the cause is often a clog you can clear in a few minutes. This guide covers the usual reasons a dishwasher stops draining, the safe checks and when to call a technician. It is written for homeowners in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and nearby towns.
Safety first
- Turn off the dishwasher and switch off its breaker, or unplug it, before reaching in or working on any part.
- Wear gloves when clearing the filter, because broken glass and food waste can hide there.
- Use towels and a shallow pan to handle leftover water.
Quick checks
- Run a short drain cycle. Some models need the cycle to finish or a cancel and drain command.
- Check the filter. Remove the lower rack, take out the filter, rinse it and clear any debris from the sump.
- Check the sink. If the kitchen sink is slow or backed up, the dishwasher may be draining into the same clog.
- Check the garbage disposal. A dishwasher drain hose usually joins the disposal. A knock-out plug that was never removed on a new disposal blocks drainage.
- Check the drain hose. Look for a kink under the sink and a high loop or air gap that is working properly.
Common reasons it happens
Clogged filter or sump
Food, labels and small items collect in the filter and sump area. Cleaning them often restores drainage. Many manufacturers suggest cleaning the filter regularly.
Garbage disposal clog or knock-out plug
Because the dishwasher drains through the disposal on many homes, a clog in it can back water into the tub. Run the disposal with water, and check that the knock-out plug has been removed if it was recently installed.
Kinked or clogged drain hose
A bent or blocked hose stops water leaving. Slide the dishwasher out only if you are comfortable doing so, and keep water and power safety in mind.
Faulty drain pump or check valve
If the filter, hose and disposal are clear and you hear humming or nothing at all, the drain pump or check valve may have failed.
Air gap or high-loop problems
Some installations use an air gap on the sink. If it is clogged with debris, cleaning it can help.
When to call a professional
- Water remains after you clear the filter, hose and disposal
- You hear a humming sound without water leaving
- Water leaks under the dishwasher
- The breaker trips when it runs
- An error code keeps returning
Our dishwasher repair page explains how to book a visit. You can also read the appliance repair guide, check the repair cost guide and see the areas we serve. After storms, see our power outage checklist.
What to have ready when you call
Note the brand and model number (usually on the door edge), what the dishwasher does at the end of a cycle, any error code and whether the kitchen sink and disposal drain normally.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
The usual causes are a clogged filter or sump, a blocked disposal connection, a kinked drain hose or a failed drain pump.
Is a little water at the bottom of the dishwasher normal?
Many dishwashers leave a small amount of water in the sump to keep seals moist. Large pools of dirty water are not normal.
Can baking soda and vinegar fix a clogged dishwasher?
It may freshen odors, but it will not clear a solid clog. Mechanical cleaning of the filter and drain path is more reliable.
Why does my dishwasher drain into the sink?
If the dishwasher drain hose connects to the sink drain or disposal, a clog there can push water back. This is why checking the sink is part of the process.
Should I use chemical drain cleaner in my dishwasher?
It is generally not recommended. Harsh chemicals can damage seals and hoses and are unsafe to handle.
Need a hand? Call ElectricAppliance at (539) 281-3311 or email info@electricappelance.com for dishwasher repair in Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Why won’t my dishwasher drain?
The usual causes are a clogged filter or sump, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a garbage disposal knock-out plug that was never removed, a clogged air gap, or a failed drain pump. Start with the filter, because it is the easiest check and the most common cause.
What causes a dishwasher to not drain?
Most drain problems come from food debris and grease building up in the filter, the drain hose or the disposal connection. Less often the drain pump or check valve has failed. If the dishwasher hums but the water does not move, a blockage or a failed pump is likely.
Why is my dishwasher still not draining after I cleaned the filter?
Check the drain hose for kinks, run the garbage disposal if the dishwasher is connected to it, and look at the air gap for a clog. If standing water is still there after those checks, the drain pump may be at fault, and that is a job for a technician.