A dishwasher that won’t drain properly can quickly become a frustrating—and smelly—problem. But before you call in a technician, there are several quick and simple fixes you can try at home. Many drainage issues stem from blockages or maintenance oversights that you can resolve with basic tools and a little time.

1. Start your search by looking for standing water.

Actions to take:

Take a moment to look at your dishwasher to see if water is pooled at the bottom. When it comes to diagnosing an issue, check for possible signs of problems, like whether the water seems excessively above a normal threshold level. Use a cup or towel to remove any residual liquid that may obstruct clear examination of the filter, the drain and other parts, which might contain blockages that prevent the flow of water where it needs to go.

Step 1: Inspect the area where water collects, and determine whether it is standing water. If the water sits at the bottom or is devoid of any movement, then it is ‘a-normal’ condition. On the other side, if there is excess water forming pools, then this is a condition that requires further intervention.

Tip: Check for clogs by removing or bypassing them with a cup or cloth.

2. Clean Out the Filter

Why it is important:

The bottom of the dishwasher is equipped with a filter meant to capture food particles. Clogged filters result in a failure to properly drain water.

Solution:

1. Gather the bottom rack and remove it.

2 . Untwist the filter—check your instruction manual if required.

3 . Accurately scrub it with a brush and wash it in hot water.

3. Check the Drainage Pipe

Your dishwasher’s drain hose moves wastewater to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Incorrect connections, kinks, or clogs can all prevent proper drainage. Inspect the hose for blockages, remove any kinks, and flush it with water if needed .

Free flowing pipes that are not filled with bends or portions that are filled with stuck debris help facilitate the smooth flow of water out of the machine.

What actions to take:

If reachable, remove the dishwasher from its set up position in the wall.

Inspect it for hooks, bends, or blockages.

Remove any clogs from the hoses by rinsing them under clean, running water with a pipe constructor.

4. Look at the Sink or Garbage Disposal Connections:

If the waste disposal for the dishwasher comes from the sink.

Ensure there are no blockages within the drains.

Check if the knockout plug is removed, especially if placed recently.

Professional tip: Food accumulation in the sink or disposal may stop the dishwasher from draining properly. 

5. Remove the Air Gap (If You Have One) 

What’s That? 

An air gap is a small cylindrical structure on top of the sink usually made of chrome or plastic. It keeps dirty water from overflowing backwards into the system.

FAQ

1. Why do I still have water left in my dishwasher after running a cycle?

This typically means the dishwasher is having trouble draining. Some of the most common reasons are a no clean filter, a blocked drain hose, or issues with the garbage disposal or air gap.

2. Is it possible to run my dishwasher when it is not draining?

Not recommended. Running it when clogged could lead to overflowing water, leaking water, and damage to internal parts such as the drain pump.

3. When is the best time to clean the filter of the dishwasher?

In an ideal situation, cleaning the dishwasher filter should be done once every month, this increases if the dishwasher is used on a daily basis and dishes are not pre rinsed before putting them in the washer.

4. Explain the air gap, and do all dishwashers come equipped with one?

The air gap is simply a small device placed on the sink. It prevents dirty water from back siphoning into the dishwasher. Not all systems use one, some use one through a high loop in the drain hose.

5. How can I tell if the dishwasher drain pump is damaged?

Remove the filter, hose and the air gap. If the appliance doesn’t drain, listen closely during the draining cycle for strange sounds. If the pump is quiet or you just hear humming, it is probably gone, and a replacement is necessary.

6. Is it okay to use drain cleaner on a dishwasher?

You shouldn’t. Cleaners that use harsh chemicals will harm parts of your dishwasher and are not safe for food. Clean the appliance yourself or use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

Conclusion

A dishwasher that won’t drain might seem like a major hassle, but in many cases, it’s a problem you can solve yourself with a few simple steps. From clearing the filter and checking the drain hose to inspecting the garbage disposal and air gap, most drainage issues stem from basic clogs or blockages. By taking the time to troubleshoot these areas, you can often get your dishwasher back to full working order without needing to call in a technician.

Remember, regular maintenance—like cleaning the filter and running dishwasher cleaner—goes a long way in preventing future problems. If DIY efforts don’t fix the issue, don’t hesitate to contact a professional to avoid damaging your appliance further.

With a bit of effort and know-how, your dishwasher will be running smoothly again in no time.