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.
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:
- Remove the lower dish rack completely
- Locate the filter assembly at the bottom center of the tub, directly below the lower spray arm
- Twist the cylindrical outer filter counterclockwise about 1/4 turn until it lifts free
- Lift out the inner flat mesh filter underneath
- Both pieces rinse under warm water; soak 10 minutes if heavily soiled
To access the drain pump impeller:
- With the filter removed, shine a flashlight into the filter well
- The pump impeller is visible at the base of the opening
- Look for debris (glass fragments, food chunks, twist ties) caught in the impeller blades
- Remove debris with needle-nose pliers without turning the impeller
- Replace filter and run a test cycle
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
- Twist the cylindrical filter counterclockwise and lift out
- Rinse under hot running water; use a soft brush for mineral deposits
- Reinstall, run a short cycle, check drainage
Step 2: Inspect the drain hose (10 min)
- Open the cabinet door under the sink
- Locate the corrugated drain hose connecting the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or standpipe
- Check for kinks, tight bends, or visible pinching
- Straighten any kinks gently; replace the hose if it’s cracked or brittle
- Verify both hose clamps are tight at each connection
Step 3: Check the garbage disposal connection (5 min)
- If the dishwasher drains to a garbage disposal, confirm the disposal is not clogged
- Run the disposal for 30 seconds with cold water to clear any debris
- If the disposal was recently installed, verify the knockout plug was fully removed from the dishwasher inlet port (this is the number-one cause of drainage failure in new installs)
Step 4: Run the Cancel/Drain function (2 min)
- Press and hold Cancel or Cancel/Drain for 3 to 5 seconds
- The unit will run a forced drain cycle
- Listen for the pump motor; if it runs and drains, the clog has cleared
- If it runs with no drainage, move to step 5
Step 5: Check the pump impeller (10 min)
- Remove the lower rack and filter
- Use a flashlight to inspect the pump well for debris
- Remove any visible debris with needle-nose pliers
- Reinstall the filter and test again
Step 6: Test the pump with a multimeter (10 min)
- Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker
- Access the pump wiring (requires pulling the unit out)
- Set the multimeter to resistance (ohms) mode
- Test across the pump motor terminals: reading should be 5 to 30 ohms for a healthy motor
- An open circuit (infinite ohms) or dead short (0 ohms) means the pump motor has failed
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.
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 is a budget-tier brand. The average Amana dishwasher costs $400 to $600 new. A drain pump replacement runs $70 (part) plus $150 to $300 (labor) if done professionally, for a total of $220 to $370. That’s still below replacement cost for a unit under 8 years old. For units over 10 years old with multiple failing components, replacement makes more economic sense.
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 do not 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.