Dishwasher Will Not Drain? Common Causes And Fixes

Dishwashers can be a wonderful convenience when we lack the time or energy to wash dishes by hand. It’s great to wake up and open the door to pristinely clean dinnerware. However, this isn’t always the reality. Too often, we open the door to find the water hasn’t drained completely. So, why is your dishwater not draining properly, and what can you do about it?

Drainage issues could originate in any of the different parts of the drainage system. We’re looking at any of the following potential problems:

The more you know about your machine’s drainage system, have the right tools, and the more you do to maintain it, the lower the risk of dishwasher drainage problems. This will keep your machine running smoothly, stop dirty water from building up in the wrong places, and make your cycles more efficient.

Understanding Your Dishwasher's Drainage System

It helps to get to know the inner workings of your dishwasher drainage system. That way, you have a better chance of locating problems and understanding when something seems to be malfunctioning.

Underneath the basket and rotating parts, you will find a filter and drain pump. This sends waste water out of the machine and towards the drain hose. The hose carries the water away to the garbage disposal and wastewater pipes via an air gap near the sink. This air gap stops water going back into the machine.

This should be a simple system that allows for the efficient removal of dirty water. The water should drain away inside the machine efficiently, leaving nothing behind but clean dishes. When one of these elements fails, the whole drainage system is in jeopardy.

Common Reasons Why Dishwashers Fail to Drain

As you can see, there are many different elements to your dishwasher, and each one has the potential to develop faults. Here are the five most common reasons why dishwashers don’t drain properly.

Clogged Drain Filters It is really easy for food particles to end up in the drain filter after a washing cycle. This can quickly block the flow of water.
Blocked Drain Hose There may also be blockages down in the drain hose, making it difficult for water to drain effectively. The worse the blockage, the bigger the problem.
Malfunctioning Drain Pump Again, it doesn't take much for foreign objects to end up here, causing problems. The pumps can also develop faults over time, limiting their effectiveness.
Issues with the Air Gap The air gap is a small device by the kitchen sink that stops contaminated water from re-entering the machine. Misalignments and blockages here can cause drainage issues in the machine.
Garbage Disposal Related Draining Blockages The hose between your dishwasher and garbage disposal system allows water to exit through a safe route. Yet, this isn't possible if there are blockages around the disposal system. A build-up of food waste and grease could cause water to flow back into the machine.

Our Draining Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

So now you know where the problems could lie, you have a bit of a road map for troubleshooting dishwasher drainage issues. Work through the system piece by piece to locate the culprit.

Start by Checking the Filter. You will find it under the revolving part of the lower tray. Check the specifications for your model online if you aren't sure. If it is clogged, you can clean it out and hopefully fix the issue.
Then, inspect the Drain Hose for Blockages. Feel along the hose for any obvious clogs, kicks, or other problems that might affect drainage. If this is the root of the problem, decide if you can handle it yourself or try and get a new part.
Next, test the Drain Pump for Functionality. You will find the pump under the filter. Set the timer to the drain part of the washing cycle and see what the pump does. Can you hear it but see it isn't pumping, or can you not hear it at all? Clean it out and reset it to see if that helps.
Evaluating the Air Gap and Garbage Disposal. From there, you might need to go deeper and take a look at the air gap or garbage disposal. The air gap can overflow onto the drainer when it gets clogged, so watch out for that sign. If not, it is still a good idea to open it up and clean it out. Once you've exhausted all other options, it is time for the messy job of checking the garbage disposal.

DIY Fixes for Common Clogged Dishwasher Issues

The good news is that once you have located the problem along the dishwasher drainage system, you might be able to fix it yourself. Most of the removable parts are relatively easy to clean and readjust. You can do this in your kitchen and hopefully have the machine draining in no time. Here are three common fixes.

Cleaning a clogged filter You might get lucky and find the problem is the filter, not something deeper within the system. All you need to do is unlock the filter unit, pull it out, separate the pieces, and clean it. You can use a brush under tap water to remove clogs with ease. Then, just reassemble and lock it back into place.
Cleaning a clogged filter This one could be more messy. Straighten out the hose to remove any kinks. Then, run the drain programme with the hose draining into a bucket to catch the water. Use hot water to dislodge bigger problems and other appropriate cleaning agents as desired. If it's too dirty or there are leaks, you need a new hose.
Resetting or replacing a faulty drain pump If you need to check the pump, carefully remove the cover and check for foreign objects. You can then realign the pump, make sure the pump cover is secure, and try again. If nothing happens, there may be a bigger fault, and you might need to replace the pump entirely.

When to Call a Professional

The tips here are designed to help you get to grips with your own dishwasher and tackle drainage problems that may arise. However, there may be times when a quick DIY fix isn’t the right call. Don’t worry. There could still be a simple solution, just in expert hands.

If you have gone through all the steps here, checking and cleaning everything you can locate, but the machine still doesn’t drain, you need to call the professionals. The same goes for any severe malfunctions and replacements you can’t handle yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to call for help if you simply aren’t confident about locating or handling these parts alone. It is better to get it done right than end up stressed with lots of parts and water everywhere.

Choosing the right dishwasher repair service is essential, whatever the problem you’re dealing with. You need a company with years of experience with a wide range of different models. They should be able to locate the parts and how to fix them in no time at all. Run a little background check by looking at their company history and user testimonials online. Look for any ratings and accreditations too.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Drainage Problems

Once you have fixed this drainage problem, you must be careful not to let it happen again. A regular cleaning and maintenance schedule can help reduce the risks of clogs in the system. Make sure to clean out the filter once a month. This can reduce the risks of clogs within the machine, while also increasing the effectiveness of the machine and reducing odour. Some homeowners like to give it a good rinse with vinegar and baking soda for the best results. After doing this, make sure to wipe down the rest of the machine, including the seals and arms. You can also check the air gap for any signs of it overflowing.

On top of this, you can think about some of the best practices for dishwasher use and what you could do differently.

An obvious starting point is cleaning off the worst food waste before a cycle so it doesn't wash into the filter or further down the drainage system.
Some people recommend only doing full loads for maximum efficiency.
It also helps to use the right detergent. Some machines are made for powder detergent, not liquid. Liquid can produce too many suds, making it harder for water to drain

Find Out Why Your Dishwasher Won't Drain

Don’t delay when you find your dishwasher failing to drain properly. The sooner you find and fix the issue, the sooner you will have clean and fresh dishes. The dishwasher drainage system is complex. Still, if you work piece-by-piece through the filter, pump, hose, air gap, and garbage disposal unit, you should be fine.

Remember to stay on top of those maintenance tips to avoid future dishwasher drainage problems and that an expert dishwasher repair service is only a phone call away when you need them.