Dishwasher Won’t Drain: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes (With Video!)

Is a stubborn dishwasher hindering your chore routine with standing water and piled-up dishes? No need to panic—discover how to troubleshoot and fix a dishwasher that won’t drain in no time. Watch the step-by-step video below to get started on bringing your kitchen back to life!

When you have a dishwasher that won’t drain, it can put your entire kitchen on pause. Dishes can stack up and you will have remove the water from the dishwasher to diagnose the problem. There are five main dishwasher parts that can create this problem. Follow this easy guide to diagnose a dishwasher that won’t drain and get it fixed quickly yourself.

When you have identified the part needed for your dishwasher, search below using your specific dishwasher model number to identify the exact part needed:

1. Drain Pump

Your dishwasher will have a drain pump helps to drain the machine. Although models vary on the exact type of pump and drain system used, most models include a single pump unit with one motor and two compartments. One compartment will circulate water while the other drains it. Some will have a separate drain pump, while others will use a diverter valve and flapper. 

If your dishwasher has a separate drain pump, or if you aren’t getting any circulation or draining in your dual-compartment pump, there may be an obstruction, or the unit might not be getting adequate power. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply and locate the dishwasher pump. You can usually find it by removing the lower access panel. Inspect it for damage, including the impeller and check valve if there is one present. If the impeller is damaged or if the check valve cannot be replaced separately, the entire pump will need replaced.  

The multimeter should be set to Rx1 mode. Touch the terminals of the pump to the probes on the multimeter and make sure that you get a reading of zero or close to it. Then, put one probe on the metal housing and leave one on the terminal. This should result in no reading at all. If you get any other results, the pump may need to be replaced. 

2. Pump Seal & Impeller Kit

There are several models of pump seals and impeller kits, but if they are faulty, they could be the cause of the drain issue. The pump seal is responsible for sealing the bottom of the pump motor and can be located underneath the appliance. Yours may come with seals, screens, and/or a motor. Make sure that you replace the entire piece if that is the cause. Some units don’t have a separate drain pump and the main impeller does the job of both pumps. 

You may have to access the impeller from inside, under the spray arm and screens, rather than from underneath. Make sure that you clean the impeller and the area surrounding it and inspect all seals for damage or signs of wear. If there are any signs of damage, you’ll need to replace the parts. 

3. Check Valve 

There are some models of dishwashers that use a check valve in the outlet of the drain. This ensures that the water can flow out of the dishwasher when it is draining, but no dirty water will flow into the appliance. In the event that you notice the drain is blocked or dirty water is finding its way back into the tub, the problem is likely the check valve. 

Unplug the dishwasher from the wall to ensure safety, and then locate the check valve flapper on your unit. This is typically going to require you to take off the lower access panel, since the check valve is usually found on the outlet port of the drain housing or pump. 

Perform a visual inspection on the valve, the flapper itself, and the area around it. Look for dirt and debris that may be preventing freedom of movement. Remove any debris and inspect for other types of damage, including cracks or wear. If the check valve is damaged or defective, you will want to replace it immediately. 

4. Filters

These filter the water as it circulates through the dishwasher. They’re usually made of plastic or metal and mounted in the bottom of the dishwasher or mounted within the sump. Locate the filters and clean them if they are dirty. If there are signs of damage, the filters will need to be replaced. Depending on your model, you may have one or more types of filters present so feel free to consult your tech sheet to be sure that you inspect them all. 

5. Drain Hose

The dishwasher drain hose will be important to check for problems when you are having issues with the dishwasher draining. The hose should not be restricted, kinked, or clogged in any way. Check the hoses near the connections, specifically, which is commonly where kinks are found. Also check for food debris or other blockages. 

Once you’ve disconnected the water supply and power, you’ll want to remove the drain house from the appliance and inspect it carefully. If you find any blockages, you will need to remove them. Other damage may indicate the need for a replacement drain hose. 

Although it’s not directly related to the dishwasher, you may have another issue if you have recently installed a garbage disposal—you may have forgotten to remove the knockout plug. This is the plug in the disposal that comes with the unit and needs knocked out with a screwdriver to allow the drain hose to flow freely from the dishwasher.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

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