Dishwasher Not Draining: How To Check And Unclog A Dishwasher

Skip to main content How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar 5 Minute Fix for a Dishwasher That Won't Drain What to Do When Water Is Coming Out of Your Dishwasher Air Gap Why Is Your Dishwasher Leaking From the Bottom of the Door? Basement Drain Backing Up? Here's How to Unclog It How to Clean and Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain How to Install a Dishwasher How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won't Drain How To Fix a Front-Loading Washing Machine That Won't Drain How to Repair a Dishwasher That's Not Cleaning Dishes How To Unclog a Kitchen Sink Why Is My Fridge Water Dispenser Not Working? How to Clean a Dishwasher and Eliminate Smells How To Fix a Dishwasher That Doesn't Dissolve the Soap Watch What Happens Inside Your Dishwasher When You Run It How to Unclog a Sink Drain Without Using Chemicals Slow-Filling Washer? How To Check (and Replace) the Water Fill Valve How To Check, Clean and Replace Pressure Washer Filters Dishwasher Dos & Don’ts: Loading, Detergent & Cycle Tips 10 Ways You're Loading Your Dishwasher All Wrong Home House & Components Appliances Dishwasher

Dishwasher Not Draining? How to Check and Unclog a Dishwasher

Total Time:A few hoursComplexity:IntermediateCost:$51–100

By Family Handyman

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Sep. 25, 2024

Three simple things to check if your dishwasher won't drain completely

Time

A few hours

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

$51–100

Introduction

Does your dishwasher not drain or not drain completely? You might need to call a repairman, but try these three simple tests first.

Does your dishwasher drain completely, or is there always about an inch of water left in the bottom? Before you call a repair service, here are three simple things you can try when your dishwasher won’t drain.

Watch this video for more dishwasher repair tips:

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Disconnect Power and Remove Toe-Kick

• Disconnect the power by either unplugging the dishwasher or turning off its circuit breaker.
• Remove the toe-kick (the panel near the floor).
  • Note: The toe-kick is held in place by two or four small screws.

Step 2

Check the Filter

• Find the filter either in the bottom of the tub, surrounding the base of the lower spray arm, or at the back.
  • Note: Although most new dishwashers now have small built-in grinders, pieces of food (like popcorn) and even paper (like labels washed off jars) can still clog the filter.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Sign up Do It Right, Do It Yourself! Step 3

Clean Away the Crud

• Clear any trash away from the filter.
• If necessary, remove the two screws holding the filter cage, clean it and check inside for debris.

Step 4

Check the Drain Hose

• Loosen the dishwasher drain hose clamp and disconnect the drain hose (usually it’s the one with ridges) from the pump.
• Try to blow through the hose to make sure it’s clear.
  • Note: If the hose is blocked, look for any kinks in the hose and straighten them.
• Check the disposer inlet or pipe where the dishwasher drain hose connects under your sink, and clear any corrosion with a small screwdriver.

Step 5

Check for a Valve Bracket

• • Note: Most, but not all, dishwashers have a drain valve that keeps water from draining back into the dishwasher. If you have a valve bracket (see photo), your dishwasher has a drain valve.
• Test the valve by pushing on the valve bracket to make sure it moves freely.
  • Note: If the valve’s frozen, the electrical solenoid that controls it is burned out and needs replacing. New manufacturer parts are usually available from appliance parts sources. Sometimes you can get a much less expensive used part from a used-appliance dealer.

Check out more helpful information on dishwasher repair and maintenance. Also, find out what to do when water comes from your dishwasher air gap.