Is your dishwasher looking more like a mini swimming pool lately? Don’t freak out just yet – we’re going to tackle some super common reasons why your dishwasher might be holding onto water, and what you can do about it, DIY style!
Okay, so picture this: you’ve loaded up your dishwasher after a totally delicious dinner, hit start, and walked away, expecting sparkling clean dishes in a few hours. But, gasp, you come back to find a pool of murky water chilling at the bottom. A dishwasher not draining is a major bummer, and definitely puts a damper on your kitchen vibes.
Don’t worry, this doesn’t automatically mean you need to shell out big bucks for a repair just yet. Many times, a dishwasher won’t drain because of something super simple that you can totally fix yourself. We’re going to walk through some easy-peasy troubleshooting steps, so grab your rubber gloves, and let’s get this show on the road!
Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Draining
So, your dishwasher is full of water – yuck! Let’s get to the bottom of this mystery. There are a few usual suspects when it comes to dishwasher problems like this, and most of them are related to blockages or issues with water flow. It could be anything from a simple food clog to a slightly more involved issue with the dishwasher drain pump.
Think of your dishwasher like a mini water park (minus the fun slides). Water comes in, sprays around to get everything squeaky clean, and then it needs a way to exit, right? When that exit path is blocked, you end up with dishwasher standing water, which, let’s be honest, is nobody’s idea of a good time. That’s why is critical to do frequent dishwasher cleaning and dishwasher maintainance. We’re about to dive into the most common culprits behind a dishwasher not draining completely, so you can get back to having sparkling dishes and stress-free evenings!
Checking the Dishwasher Filter
Okay, so you’ve rolled up your sleeves and are ready to tackle this dishwasher not draining situation head-on. Before we get into anything too complicated, let’s start with the most common (and often easiest to fix) issue: a dishwasher filter clogged with gunk. Seriously, you might be surprised at what you find down there! This is a super vital part of dishwasher maintenance.
Locating and Removing the Filter
First things first, you’ll need to find the filter. Most dishwashers have their filter located at the bottom of the tub, usually under the lower spray arm. It might look like a round or rectangular grate, and sometimes there’s a cylindrical filter underneath that.
To get to it, you’ll probably need to remove the bottom dish rack. Just pull it all the way out – it should come off its tracks pretty easily. Once the rack is out, you should be able to see the filter assembly. Some filters just twist and pull out, while others might have a small latch or tab you need to release.
Cleaning the Filter
Now for the (potentially gross) part: cleaning the filter! Once you’ve got the filter out, give it a good rinse under hot, running water. Use an old toothbrush or a scrub brush to really get into all the nooks and crannies. You might be amazed (and slightly horrified) at the amount of food debris, grease, and other gunk that’s built up in there.
If the filter is super clogged, you might want to soak it in hot, soapy water for about 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. This will help loosen up any stubborn debris. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly after soaking and scrubbing, getting rid of any lingering soap residue.
Reinstalling the Filter
Once your filter is sparkling clean, it’s time to put it back. Simply reverse the steps you took to remove it – usually, it’s just a matter of twisting it back into place or securing the latch. Make sure it’s seated properly and securely. Then, slide the bottom dish rack back onto its tracks, and you’re good to go! Try running a short cycle to see if that fixed the dishwasher not draining problem.
Inspecting the Dishwasher Drain Hose
If cleaning the filter didn’t do the trick, the next thing to check is the dishwasher drain hose. This is the flexible hose that carries the dirty water from your dishwasher to the garbage disposal or the sink drain. A kinked, clogged, or improperly installed drain hose can definitely cause dishwasher problems and leave you with a dishwasher full of water.
Think of the drain hose like a water slide – if there’s a bend or a blockage, the water can’t flow smoothly, and it backs up. Sometimes, fixing a dishwasher not draining is as simple as straightening out a kink or clearing a clog in this hose.
Accessing the Drain Hose
To inspect the drain hose, you’ll likely need to pull your dishwasher out from under the counter. Important: Before you do this, make sure to turn off the power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker! Safety first, always!
Once the power is off, you should be able to carefully slide the dishwasher out. The drain hose is usually located at the back of the dishwasher, connected to the drain pump. It’s typically made of flexible plastic and might be white, gray, or clear.
Checking for Kinks and Clogs
With the drain hose exposed, carefully run your hand along its entire length, feeling for any kinks or sharp bends. If you find a kink, gently try to straighten it out. Sometimes, the hose can get pinched or twisted during installation or if the dishwasher has been moved.
If you don’t find any kinks, the next step is to check for clogs. You can try to visually inspect the hose by shining a flashlight into it. If you see a blockage, you can try to dislodge it with a long, flexible object like a coat hanger or a plumbing snake. Be gentle, though – you don’t want to puncture the hose!
Disconnecting and Cleaning the Drain Hose
If you suspect a stubborn clog, you might need to disconnect the drain hose to clean it thoroughly. Usually, the hose is secured to the dishwasher and the drain connection with clamps. You’ll need a pair of pliers or a screwdriver to loosen these clamps.
Once the hose is disconnected, you can flush it out with hot water from your sink or tub. You can also use a garden hose for a more powerful flush. If you find a lot of gunk in the hose, it’s a good idea to clean it thoroughly to prevent future dishwasher problems.
Reconnecting and Testing
After cleaning or straightening the dishwasher drain hose, make sure to reconnect it securely to both the dishwasher and the drain connection. Tighten the clamps firmly to prevent leaks. Once everything is reconnected, carefully slide the dishwasher back into place, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker, and run a short cycle to see if the dishwasher won’t drain issue is resolved. If not, there’s probably other dishwasher problems afoot. Contact your local appliance repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dishwasher not draining completely?
There are several reasons why your dishwasher is not draining completely. The most common culprits are a dishwasher filter clogged with food debris, a kinked or clogged dishwasher drain hose, a malfunctioning drain pump, or a clogged dishwasher air gap. It is also possible something more serious is occuring.
It’s also possible that there’s an issue with your garbage disposal, if your dishwasher drains into it. If the disposal is clogged, it can prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. Regular dishwasher cleaning can decrease the odds of this. Running the disposal before starting the dishwasher can often help.
How do I fix a dishwasher that won’t drain?
First, try the simple fixes, like cleaning the filter and checking the drain hose for kinks or clogs. These are often the cause of a dishwasher not draining, and addressing them can save you a call.
If those steps don’t work, you might need to check the dishwasher air gap (if you have one) or investigate the drain pump. If you’re not comfortable with these more advanced troubleshooting steps, it’s best to call a professional. Remember, safety is paramount when dealing with appliances!
How do I know if my dishwasher drain pump is bad?
If you’ve tried cleaning the filter and drain hose, and your dishwasher is still not draining, the drain pump might be the issue. The drain pump is responsible for pushing the water out of the dishwasher and is a key to many dishwasher problems.
One sign of a faulty drain pump is if you hear a humming noise but no water is being pumped out. You might also notice that the dishwasher is not draining at all, or that it’s draining very slowly. It is also possible the pump is just clogged. If you suspect a problem with the drain pump, it’s usually best to contact a qualified technician from Surrey Appliance Repair Pros.
Wrapping Up
Dealing with a dishwasher not draining can be a real pain, but hopefully, these tips have empowered you to tackle the problem like a pro! Remember, starting with the simple stuff like the filter and drain hose can often solve the issue without needing to call in local appliance repair.
By following these steps, and keeping up with common dishwasher cleaning and dishwasher maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of the machine.
