Dishwasher Not Draining?

Dishwashers are an essential part of modern kitchens, saving us time and effort. However, like any appliance, they can develop issues over time. One of the most common problems is when your dishwasher won’t drain. This can be frustrating, but don’t worry, in most cases, you can solve this problem yourself without needing to call in a professional. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the common causes of a dishwasher not draining and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.

Common Causes and Solutions – Dishwasher Not Draining

1. Clogged Drain Basket

The drain basket is often the source of a clogged dishwasher. It’s found at the base of your dishwasher, usually below the bottom rack. Its cover often resembles an upside-down basket, which either snaps off or is held in place by one or two screws.

To check if this is the issue, remove the cover and check for food buildup in the basket beneath. Use your hand or a spoon to remove any debris, replace the cover, and run the dishwashing cycle again. If you find a lot of food debris in the drain basket, prevent future clogs by pre-rinsing your dishes.

2. Clogged Dishwasher Drain Hose

The dishwasher drain hose, the lightweight, ribbed plastic hose that connects from the dishwasher’s drain pump to the garbage disposal (or to an air cap), can prevent water from draining if it is kinked or clogged.

To check for a clog, you’ll need to remove the lower front panel of the dishwasher and locate the spot where the ribbed hose attaches to the drain pump. Disconnect the hose from the pump and blow through it. If air won’t pass through, you’ve got a clog. If the clog is lodged deeper, you’ll probably have to replace the entire hose.

3. Detergent Mishaps

Dishwashers are designed for use with automatic dishwasher detergents that clean without producing suds. If regular dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent is used by mistake, it can easily create enough suds to prevent proper draining. If this is the case, drain the water in your dishwasher and run the cycle again, this time using the correct dishwasher detergent.

4. Faulty Dishwasher Pump, Timer or Control board

If you have tried all these tips to no avail, the problem could lie in a faulty dishwasher pump, or in the dishwasher’s timer or control board. These components are crucial for the proper functioning of your dishwasher. If they are faulty, they could prevent the dishwasher from draining. In such cases, it’s best to call a professional for help.

Detailed Steps to Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain

Now that we’ve covered the common causes, let’s dive into the detailed steps on how to fix a dishwasher that won’t drain.

Step 1: Check Under The Sink

The drain hose from your dishwasher empties into the drain pipe on your kitchen sink in most cases. If the plumbing contains food, or food sludge has settled in the drainpipe, it can prevent even the best dishwasher from draining properly. Sometimes, running hot water is all it takes to get the dishwasher draining again.

Step 2: Remove Standing Water in the Bottom of the Dishwasher

If cleaning the plumbing doesn’t help, it’s time to drain the water in your dishwasher so that you can take a closer look at what could be causing the problem. Place absorbent towels around the base of the dishwasher and then remove the bottom dish basket by simply sliding it out. With the basket out of the way, use a plastic cup to scoop the dirty, foul-smelling water into a bucket for disposal. When the water level is too low to scoop, use towels to sop up the last bit in the bottom of the machine.

Step 3: Clean Your Dishwasher Air Gap

In some cases, an air gap can become clogged with debris, which can prevent the dishwasher from draining correctly and leave standing water in the dishwasher. To investigate, twist the air gap counterclockwise to remove it, and check the inside for gunk. Clean the air gap with water and a stiff brush, replace it, and run the dishwasher cycle again.

Step 4: Clear Up Detergent Mishaps

If you’ve accidentally used the wrong detergent, bail out the tub and run the cycle again, this time using the correct dishwasher detergent.

Step 5: De-Gunk the Drain Basket

Remove the cover of the drain basket, and check for food buildup in the basket beneath. Use your hand or a spoon to remove any debris, replace the cover, and run the dishwashing cycle again.

Step 6: Check the Dishwasher Drain Hose for Kinks

If something large or heavy was shoved under the sink it might have hampered the dishwasher hose, so explore the area and locate the hose. If it is kinked, try straightening it out manually.

Step 7: Examine the Drain Hose for Clogs

If the hose isn’t kinked, it could still be clogged with food sludge or debris. Disconnect the hose from the pump and blow through it. If air won’t pass through, you’ve got a clog. If the clog is not located near the end connected to the pump, remove the hose where it connects to the garbage disposal or air cap to check for a clog on that end. If the clog is lodged deeper, you’ll probably have to replace the entire hose.

First, you have to unplug the dishwasher and slide it out from under the countertop. Next, disconnect the old hose from both the pump and the garbage disposal (or the air gap), and attach the new one in the same manner.

Step 8: Dishwasher Stil Not Draining? Call The Experts

If all else fails, it’s time to call in a professional.

Remember, regular maintenance and proper use can prevent many common dishwasher not draining issues. Always use the correct detergent, pre-rinse your dishes to prevent food buildup, and regularly check and clean your dishwasher’s drain basket and hose.

Dishwasher Not Draining And Yorkshire Appliances

For more detailed guides on appliance repair and maintenance, check out our other blog posts on Yorkshire Appliances. If you need professional help with your dishwasher not draining or any other appliance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced appliance repair engineers are always ready to help.

Disclaimer: This guide is intended to provide general information and tips for common dishwasher issues. Always take necessary safety precautions and consult with a professional if you are unsure about performing these tasks yourself. Yorkshire Appliances is not responsible for any damages or injuries caused by attempting these repairs.

As Amazon, AO, Eco-Mate & Planetcare Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links provided in our articles are affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through these links. You are under no obligation to use these links when making a purchase and it won’t cost you any more money. We rely on these commissions to fund our small business and enable us to continue sharing our knowledge with our readers.