Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

No-one is happy to open their machine and discover standing water but, don’t panic just yet. You may be able to figure out the issue without having to call a plumber or buy a new machine.

Your dishwasher declining to drain could have multiple of causes a number of which are simple to solve. Therefore, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service here is a list of potential components you could troubleshoot by yourself. A number of which aren’t even caused by the machine itself.

Check the dishwasher wasn’t interrupted mid-cycle

It is probable that there is nothing stopping your dishwasher from emptying. Rather, the program may have been cut short.

The program may have been interrupted for multiple of reasons. Little fingers pressing controls, inadvertently leaning against the buttons, a power cut or opening the dishwasher mid-program may all interrupt the program and mean your machine doesn’t empty.

If you think this could be the situation, or you feel it might be a good idea to check start your dishwasher again on a quick program.

Some appliances could have an empty program so it’s worth checking your instructions or doing a quick internet search to make sure.

Examine the disposal

If your dishwasher is connected to your disposal inspect this before you move on as a blocked waste disposal will block your dishwasher from draining. Run the waste disposal using fast running water to ensure there are no blockages.

If you do uncover a blockage drain un-blocker or a natural alternative may be sought after to remove the obstruction and so this might solve the error.

Check the sink waste for clogs

If you kitchen sink is draining slowly this might suggest a plumbing issue instead of an issue with your dishwasher.

In the case that the kitchen sink is draining inefficiently you could try putting some bicarb and vinegar down the drain, leaving it for a while and subsequently flushing it away with boiling water.

A sink plunger may also be used to attempt to dislodge the obstruction.

This might be sufficient to allow your dishwasher to drain so start a short cycle at this point. If not you may manually get rid of the water using a jug and a towel and troubleshoot the next few possible issues.

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

If in the process of one of these checks you believe you may have discovered and fixed the issue there is no need to continue to the next step. Just complete an empty program to ensure the dishwasher is once again emptying as it should.

Check and rinse the filters

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

Take out the filter then clean it thoroughly before putting it back in place. Not all filters are obvious and simple to remove so you may need to refer to the owners manual for this.

Is the waste pipe blocked?

The next area to inspect is the waste hose. Stuck food, a kink in the hose or a crushed hose can all stop your machine from draining.

Depending on the position of the waste pipe (normally the corrugated one) you could have the means to view it simply by removing the base or you may need to pull the machine away from the wall.

Have a look at the hose first to discover if it has been squashed or kinked. You might have the means to fix these issues by hand which should rectify the issue, however, it’s worth noting that once this has happened the chance of it occurring again is greatly increased so you may wish to buy a spare hose.

If you can’t see any obvious kinks or obstructions you can take off the waste hose from the machine and blow into it to discover any blockages. Make sure you line the floor with newspaper or towels first as there might still be dirty water in the hose.

If you are unable to blow through the hose this could be the problem.

Disconnect the hose at the sink end and then give it a thorough flush through to clear the blockage. If you are unable to dislodge the obstruction or the waste pipe is cracked or damaged invest in a new one. If you could remove the blockage then put the hose back and start a quick program to find out if you have solved the error.

You could also checkthe point where the pipe attaches to the waste disposal as well. This is a typical place for blockages to occur so if you happen to take off the pipe give this point a thorough clean as well.

Check the drain valve

You may check the drain valve by hand to make sure it isn’t stopped working. The drain valve will often be situated at the base of the dishwasher on the valve bracket. Check your owners manual if you can’t see it.

Pressing down on the valve or wiggling it a bit will likely be sufficient to let you know if it’s stuck. If you are able to see an object stopping it from moving carefully extract this. If you are unable to, this may be a good time to call a plumber unless you are undaunted by ordering and replacing the valve on your own.

Check your pump is not blocked

Your appliance pump uses impellers that may be obstructed by broken china or other objects. Check your impellers aren’t obstructed by taking off the safety cover and making sure the impellers are free to move.

Run your machine and listen for any unusual noises

If the dishwasher doesn’t sound right your dishwasher pump or motor could be broken and need to be repaired.

Call a plumber

If you have been through the above list and the error persists, or you have reason to believe the pump, pump valve or motor are damaged, it may 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 prevented needing to pay a hefty call-out charge for a clogged filter.