Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining? (Quick Fixes + Complete Guide)

Quick Fix: The #1 cause of a dishwasher not draining is a clogged filter. Remove and clean the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher tub — this fixes most drainage problems in under 5 minutes.

Video Guide

Video: “How To Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain” by The BeefMaster

You opened your dishwasher expecting clean dishes. Instead, you found inches of dirty water sitting at the bottom. Your dishes are still grimy, and now you’re wondering if you need to call a plumber.

Good news: most dishwasher drainage problems are easy DIY fixes. In this guide, you’ll learn the six most common causes of water not draining from your dishwasher and exactly how to fix each one — no special tools required for most repairs.

What You’ll Need

Before you start troubleshooting, gather these basic supplies:

• Towels — For soaking up standing water
• Flashlight — To see inside the dishwasher tub and under the sink
• Flat-head screwdriver — For removing access panels if needed
• Dish soap and soft brush — For cleaning the filter
• Wet/dry vacuum (optional) — Makes removing standing water much faster
• Multimeter (optional) — Only needed if you’re testing the drain pump

Most fixes require nothing more than your hands and a flashlight. Don’t let the list intimidate you — the first thing you should try (cleaning the filter) needs zero tools.

Is Standing Water Normal?

Here’s something that surprises many people: a small amount of water at the bottom of your dishwasher is completely normal.

Dishwashers are designed to keep about 1/4 inch of water in the sump area. This water keeps the seals and gaskets moist, preventing them from drying out and cracking.

How to tell if you have a problem:

• Normal: Water barely covers the bottom of the filter area (about 1/4 inch or less)
• Problem: Water is 1 inch or deeper, visible above the filter housing
• Quick test: Stick your finger in the water. If it’s above your first knuckle, you have a drainage issue

If your dishwasher is not draining completely but you only see a thin layer of water, that’s likely normal operation — not a clog.

6 Common Causes (and How to Fix Each)

Let’s work through the most likely culprits, starting with the easiest fix.

1. Clogged Filter (Most Common)

The dishwasher filter catches food particles to prevent them from clogging your drain. When the filter gets too dirty, water can’t pass through.

Where to find it: Look at the bottom center of your dishwasher tub. You’ll see a cylindrical filter assembly — usually with a twist-lock mechanism.

How to clean it:

1. Remove the bottom rack
2. Twist the filter counterclockwise and pull up
3. Rinse under hot running water
4. Use a soft brush with dish soap to remove stubborn grease
5. Check the sump area (the hole where the filter sits) for debris
6. Replace the filter and twist to lock

Signs the filter is your problem:

• Visible food debris on the filter mesh
• Water drains slowly rather than not at all
• You can’t remember the last time you cleaned it

Prevention tip: Clean your filter monthly. Mark it on your calendar — a dirty filter is the cause of most dishwasher drainage complaints.

2. Blocked Drain Hose

The drain hose carries water from your dishwasher to either your garbage disposal or the sink drain. If it’s kinked or clogged, water has nowhere to go.

Where to find it: Open the cabinet under your sink. You’ll see a ribbed plastic hose connecting your dishwasher to the disposal or drain pipe.

Check for kinks first: This is the most common drain hose issue. The hose can get kinked when you push items under the sink or if it wasn’t installed properly. Straighten any kinks you find.

The high loop requirement: Your drain hose should loop up near the top of the cabinet before connecting to the drain. This “high loop” prevents dirty sink water from flowing back into your dishwasher. If your hose runs straight across the bottom of the cabinet, that’s an installation problem that can cause drainage issues.

For more details on proper installation, see our drain hose problems guide.

If you suspect a clog:

1. Turn off power to the dishwasher
2. Place a bucket under the hose connection
3. Disconnect the hose from the disposal or drain
4. Run water through the hose to check for blockages
5. Use a long brush or straightened wire hanger to clear debris
6. Reconnect and test

3. Garbage Disposal Connection

If your dishwasher drains through your garbage disposal (most do), problems with the disposal can prevent your dishwasher from draining.

The knockout plug problem: Did you recently install a new garbage disposal? Most new disposals come with a solid plastic plug blocking the dishwasher inlet. If nobody removed this plug during installation, your dishwasher has nowhere to drain.

To check: Shine a flashlight into the disposal. Look for the dishwasher inlet (a small hole on the inside wall). If it’s blocked by plastic, you’ll need to knock out the plug with a hammer and screwdriver, then remove the plastic piece from inside the disposal.

Quick disposal check:

1. Run your garbage disposal for 15-20 seconds
2. If the disposal drains slowly, clear it first
3. Always run your disposal before starting a dishwasher cycle

A clogged disposal backs up water into your dishwasher. Clear the disposal, and your dishwasher drainage may fix itself.

4. Air Gap Clog

Not every kitchen has an air gap, but if yours does and it’s clogged, your dishwasher won’t drain properly.

What is an air gap? It’s a small cylindrical fitting mounted on your sink or countertop, usually next to the faucet. It prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your dishwasher — a requirement under the Uniform Plumbing Code in many states.

How to clean it:

1. Remove the decorative cap (it usually twists or pops off)
2. Remove the inner protective cap
3. Clean out any debris with a bottle brush or paper towel
4. Check both the inlet and outlet tubes for blockages
5. Replace both caps

If water sprays out of your air gap during a dishwasher cycle, that’s a clear sign of a blockage somewhere in the drain path.

5. Drain Pump Failure

If you’ve checked everything above and your dishwasher still won’t drain, the drain pump may have failed.

Signs of pump failure:

• Humming sound but no drainage: The motor is trying to run but the impeller is stuck or damaged
• Complete silence: The pump motor may have burned out
• Intermittent draining: The pump works sometimes but not consistently

Where it’s located: The drain pump sits at the bottom of your dishwasher, beneath the tub. Accessing it typically requires removing the lower front panel.

When to suspect the pump: Only after you’ve ruled out the filter, hose, disposal, and air gap. Pump failure is less common than simple clogs.

For testing procedures and replacement guidance, see our complete drain pump issues guide.

6. Check Valve Stuck

The check valve is a small but important component that prevents water from flowing back into your dishwasher after it drains.

What it does: Think of it as a one-way door. Water goes out, but can’t come back in.

Where to find it: Usually located where the drain hose connects to the pump, or inside the drain hose itself near the disposal connection.

Signs of check valve failure:

• Water drains, then comes back into the dishwasher
• Standing water appears after the dishwasher has been sitting unused
• You hear gurgling sounds from the dishwasher when running the sink

How to check it:

1. Locate the check valve (check your owner’s manual for exact location)
2. Remove and inspect for debris or damage
3. The flapper should move freely in one direction only
4. Clean or replace if stuck or damaged

If you’ve checked everything else and there’s no visible blockage, a stuck check valve is often the hidden culprit.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Follow this order to diagnose your dishwasher drainage problem efficiently:

1. Cancel the cycle and remove standing water. Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as possible. This gives you access to check components.

2. Clean the filter. This fixes the majority of drainage problems. Even if you think it’s clean, remove it and rinse it thoroughly.

3. Check the drain hose for kinks. Open the cabinet under your sink and trace the hose. Straighten any bends or kinks.

4. Inspect the garbage disposal connection. Run the disposal to clear it. If you have a new disposal, check that the knockout plug was removed.

5. Clean the air gap (if you have one). Remove the cap and clear any debris from both tubes.

6. Run a test cycle. Start a short wash cycle and watch for proper draining at the end.

7. If still not draining, check the pump. Listen for humming or silence during the drain cycle. A multimeter can confirm if the pump motor has failed.

Brand-Specific Tips

Different dishwasher brands display error codes that can help you diagnose drainage problems:

Samsung: Error codes 5C, 5E, or SC indicate a drainage issue. These typically point to a clogged filter or kinked drain hose. See our Samsung-specific guide for model-specific troubleshooting.

Bosch: The E24 error code means water isn’t draining. Bosch dishwashers have a triple-filter system that requires regular cleaning. Check out our Bosch-specific guide for detailed instructions.

Whirlpool and KitchenAid: These brands share the same parent company and many components. Troubleshooting is nearly identical for both. The filter is usually a two-part system (upper filter and lower filter). See our Whirlpool guide for details.

GE: Filter location varies significantly between GE models. Some have a removable cylindrical filter, while others use a flat filter screen. Our GE guide covers the different configurations.

When to Call a Professional

DIY fixes work for most drainage problems, but some issues require professional repair:

• Burned-out pump motor — If the pump makes no sound and the motor has failed, replacement requires disassembling the dishwasher
• Control board problems — Error codes that won’t clear after troubleshooting suggest electronic issues
• Water leaking under the dishwasher — This could indicate a cracked pump housing or failed seal
• Tried everything and it still won’t drain — A technician has diagnostic tools to identify hidden problems

Cost expectations:

Repair Type	Typical Cost
DIY parts (hose, filter)	$10-30
DIY pump replacement	$50-80
Professional service call + repair	$150-300

If your dishwasher is over 10 years old and needs a major repair, compare the repair cost against replacing the unit. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, the average dishwasher lifespan is 9-12 years. A new entry-level dishwasher costs $400-600 — sometimes it makes more sense to upgrade.

How to Prevent Drainage Problems

Once you’ve fixed your drainage issue, these habits will help prevent future problems:

• Scrape dishes before loading — Remove large food particles. You don’t need to pre-rinse, but scrape solids into the trash.
• Clean the filter monthly — Set a recurring reminder. This single habit prevents most drainage issues.
• Run the garbage disposal first — Clear your disposal before every dishwasher cycle to ensure a clear drain path.
• Use the right amount of detergent — Too much detergent creates excess suds that can interfere with drainage. Follow the package directions. Energy Star recommends using only the amount specified for your water hardness level.
• Run hot water at the sink first — Before starting a cycle, run hot water at your kitchen sink until it’s hot. This ensures your dishwasher starts with hot water for better cleaning and drainage.

FAQ

How do you trigger a dishwasher to drain?

Most dishwashers have a manual drain function. Try pressing and holding the Cancel or Drain button for 3-5 seconds. This tells the dishwasher to stop the current cycle and pump out any remaining water. Some models have a dedicated “Drain Only” cycle — check your control panel or owner’s manual.

Can I run the dishwasher if there is standing water?

No. Running a new cycle with standing water will likely make the problem worse — you’ll end up with even more water that can’t drain. First, remove the standing water manually (towels or wet/dry vacuum), then diagnose and fix the drainage issue before running another cycle.

How much does it cost for a plumber to unclog a dishwasher?

Expect to pay $150-300 for a professional service call that includes diagnosis and repair. This covers most common fixes like clearing clogs, replacing a drain hose, or cleaning the pump. If the drain pump motor needs replacement, costs may run $200-400 total including parts.

Why is my dishwasher holding water in the bottom?

The two most common causes are a clogged filter and a blocked drain hose. Start by cleaning the filter — this solves most cases. If the filter is clean, check under your sink for a kinked or clogged drain hose. See the troubleshooting section above for step-by-step instructions.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain pump is bad?

Listen during the drain cycle. If you hear a humming sound but water doesn’t drain, the pump motor is trying to run but the impeller may be stuck or damaged. If you hear complete silence when the dishwasher should be draining, the pump motor may have burned out. A multimeter can test for electrical continuity. See our drain pump guide for testing instructions.