Amana Dishwasher Not Draining? Fix Guide (2026)
Amana dishwashers are built by Whirlpool Corporation and share the same drain components as Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Kenmore. If your Amana has standing water after a cycle, the fix is almost always one of four things: a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose, an un-removed garbage disposal knockout plug, or a failed drain pump. We’ll cover all four in order, starting with the 5-minute free fix first.
Pretty simple.
For context on how Amana fits into the broader brand picture, start at the Dishwasher Brand Drain Guide: Find Your Brand’s Fix (2026).
Quick answer for this brand’s owners
Amana dishwashers run on Whirlpool’s control and drainage platform. There are no display-based error codes on standard Amana models (unlike Samsung’s 5C/5E or Bosch’s E24). Instead, drainage failure shows up as standing water in the tub after a cycle.
The fastest diagnostic: press and hold the Cancel or Cancel/Drain button for 3 to 5 seconds. The dishwasher will attempt a forced drain cycle. If you hear the pump running and water exits, the original failure was intermittent (likely a partial clog now partially dislodged). If the pump runs and no water exits, you have a hose blockage or pump impeller jam. If nothing happens at all, the pump motor may have failed.
Brand-specific drainage symptoms and error codes
Amana’s most common drainage symptom is straightforward: water sits at the bottom of the tub after the cycle ends. Some Amana models display a blinking light pattern or a fault code on the control panel. But most residential Amana units show no codes. Track these symptoms instead:
- Water remains in tub after complete cycle: Start with the filter.
- Drain pump runs but water level doesn’t drop: Hose blockage or impeller jam.
- Drain pump is silent during drain phase: Pump motor failure or control board issue.
- Water drains but returns within 10 minutes: Check valve failure.
- Gurgling sounds during drain: Partial hose blockage or air gap issue.
Because Amana shares parts with Whirlpool, the diagnostics from Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining? Easy Fix Guide (2026) apply directly to Amana units. We recommend reading both guides together.
How to access the drain components
On most Amana residential dishwashers (ADB models), the drain components are accessible from inside the tub. No service panel or full pull-out is needed for filter cleaning or basic pump inspection.
To access the filter: First, remove the lower dish rack completely. Next, locate the filter assembly at the bottom center of the tub, directly below the lower spray arm. Then, twist the cylindrical outer filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it lifts free. After that, lift out the inner flat mesh filter underneath; both pieces should be rinsed under warm water for at least 10 minutes if they are heavily soiled.
To access the drain pump impeller: Inspect the pump impeller by shining a flashlight into the filter well; debris like glass or food can get lodged in its blades. Use needle-nose pliers to gently extract any obstructions without rotating the impeller, being meticulous. After cleaning, reinstall the filter and run a test cycle to verify proper operation.
For pump replacement: You’ll need to pull the dishwasher out from the cabinet and access the pump from underneath (or tilt the unit). This is a 60 to 90 minute job.
Step-by-step DIY fix (45 min)
Work through these steps in order. Most Amana drainage issues resolve at step 1 or 2.
Step 1: Clean the filter (5 min) Remove the lower rack; then unscrew the cylindrical filter in a counterclockwise direction before lifting it free. Use a gentle scrub with hot water to wash away mineral buildup. Reattach the filter and test the system by running a brief cycle to ensure no further clogging occurs.
Step 2: Inspect the drain hose (10 min) Open the cabinet door beneath your sink. Next, find the corrugated drain hose linking the dishwasher to the disposal or standpipe. Inspect for kinks, tight bends, or visible pinching; straighten any kinks gently. Replace the hose if it shows signs of cracking or brittleness. Ensure both hose clamps are securely tightened at each connection.
Step 3: Check the garbage disposal connection (5 min) First, check if the dishwasher’s drain goes into a garbage disposal and ensure that the disposal isn’t clogged; next, run the disposal for 30 seconds with cold water to clear any debris. If the disposal was recently installed, verify that the knockout plug has been fully removed from the dishwasher inlet port, this is typically the number-one cause of drainage issues in new installations.
Step 4: Run the Cancel/Drain function (2 min) First, press and hold Cancel or Cancel/Drain for 3 to 5 seconds. The unit will then run a forced drain cycle; next, listen for the pump motor. If it runs and you hear drainage, the clog has cleared. Otherwise, proceed to step 5 once this check is done.
Step 5: Check the pump impeller (10 min) Remove the lower rack and filter; then, with a flashlight, examine the pump well for obstructions. If debris is evident, employ needle-nose pliers to extract it methodically. Afterward, reattach the filter and verify that the system operates correctly without hindrance.
Step 6: Test the pump with a multimeter (10 min) Test for continuity on the pump motor by setting your multimeter to ohms mode and connecting leads across terminals. A robust motor will show a resistance between 5 and 30 ohms; otherwise, if you see infinite resistance or zero ohms, the pump has failed. Ensure safety first: turn off power at the breaker before delving into wiring inspections.
Parts by model (pump, hose, filter part numbers)
Amana dishwashers use Whirlpool Corporation parts. The drain pump is the same across most Amana ADB-series models:
| Part | Part number | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drain pump | W10876537 | $70.66 |
| Drain hose (standard) | W10542302 | $18-$25 |
| Filter assembly | W10872845 | $22-$35 |
| Check valve | W10195039 | $8-$15 |
The W10876537 drain pump is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars across multiple appliance part retailers and is also compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Kenmore, and Jenn-Air models of the same era. Ordering from a parts-specific retailer (RepairClinic, AppliancePartsPros) typically yields the lowest price and fastest shipping.
Same again.
When to call service vs. DIY
DIY is appropriate if:
- The issue is a clogged filter, kinked hose, or debris in the pump impeller
- The pump tests bad on the multimeter and you’re comfortable with appliance disassembly
- The dishwasher is out of warranty and repair cost is under 50% of replacement cost
Call an Amana-authorized technician if:
- The pump fails the multimeter test and you’re not comfortable with disassembly
- The control board may be involved (pump doesn’t respond to Cancel/Drain at all)
- The dishwasher is within its 1-year limited warranty (DIY repairs may void coverage)
- Water is leaking from the unit during the drain cycle
Amana offers budget-friendly appliances; expect to pay between $400 and $600 for an average Amana dishwasher straight from the retailer. Replacing a drain pump typically costs around $70 for the part but can see labor fees balloon to as much as $300, making total repairs anywhere from $220 to $370. For units less than 8 years old, this might be more economical than repair; however, in older models with several failing parts, it’s often smarter to consider a full replacement.
Larger drainage problems that involve LG Dishwasher Not Draining? Fix OE Error Code (2026) or Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? Fix Guide (2026) follow similar decision trees if you’re comparing across brands.
If you’ve confirmed drainage failure and want to assess cost options, see Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining? Quick Fixes (2026) for a full repair-vs-replace framework, or Dishwasher Drain Clogged? How to Unclog It (2026) for extended troubleshooting if simple fixes haven’t resolved the issue.
Maytag Dishwasher Not Draining? Easy Fix Guide (2026) is worth reading in parallel since Maytag and Amana use nearly identical components.
Frequently asked questions
Does Amana make its own dishwashers?
No. Amana is a brand owned and manufactured by Whirlpool Corporation. Amana dishwashers use the same control systems, drain pumps (W10876537), and filters as Whirlpool-brand models. The primary difference is price point: Amana targets the budget segment, Whirlpool targets mid-range.
What error code means my Amana dishwasher won’t drain?
Most standard Amana residential dishwashers don’t display a text-based drain error code. If your unit has a display and shows a numerical fault, a “9-1” or “F9E1” code on some models indicates a drain failure. Check your owner’s manual for the specific code list for your model number. The quickest diagnostic is the Cancel/Drain forced cycle: if it runs and water exits, the pump is functional.
Where is the filter on an Amana dishwasher?
The filter assembly sits at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub, directly below the lower spray arm. The cylindrical outer filter twists out counterclockwise about 1/4 turn and lifts free. The flat mesh inner filter lifts straight up. Both pieces should be rinsed monthly under hot running water to prevent drainage problems.
How much does it cost to fix an Amana dishwasher that won’t drain?
If the fix is a dirty filter: $0, takes 5 minutes. A replacement drain hose costs $18 to $25 plus 30 to 45 minutes of labor (DIY). A drain pump costs $70.66 for the part; professional installation adds $150 to $300 in labor. Total professional repair cost for a pump failure is $220 to $370. If this exceeds 50% of what a comparable new unit costs, replacement is worth considering.
Can I use a Whirlpool drain pump in my Amana dishwasher?
Yes. The Whirlpool W10876537 drain pump is compatible with Amana dishwashers of the same generation. Amana and Whirlpool use the same pump assembly because both brands are manufactured by Whirlpool Corporation. Always verify compatibility by matching your Amana model number with the RepairClinic or AppliancePartsPros compatibility list before ordering.