Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Although it’s never a welcome sight to open a dishwasher and realize the machine hasn’t drained fully, try not to lose it just yet. You might have the means to rectify the error without having to call a plumber or buy a brand-new dishwasher.

Standing water in your machine could have multiple of causes some of which can be simple to figure out. So, before you call a dishwasher repair service try this list of possible issues you may identify on your own. A number of which aren’t even related to the dishwasher itself.

Ensure the dishwasher wasn’t interrupted mid-cycle

It is probable that there is nothing stopping your machine from draining. Instead, the cycle may have been interrupted.

The cycle may have been stopped mid-way for multiple of reasons. Little fingers pushing buttons, accidentally pushing against the control panel, a power cut or opening the machine mid-program may all interrupt the program and mean your dishwasher doesn’t drain.

If you suspect this might be the situation, or you feel it might be worthwhile checking run the dishwasher again on a quick cycle.

A proportion dishwashers may have an empty function so it’s worthwhile checking your manual or checking online to make sure.

Inspect the disposal

If you have a waste disposal inspect this first as an obstructed garbage disposal will prevent your machine from draining. Run the garbage disposal with plenty of water to make sure there are no issues.

If you do uncover a blockage drain un-blocker or a plunger can be sought after to remove the obstruction and this may rectify the problem.

Check the sink for issues

If you sink is draining reluctantly this might suggest a plumbing issue rather than a fault with your dishwasher.

In the case that the sink is draining inefficiently you can attempt putting a little bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar down the plughole, letting it sit for a few minutes and subsequently flushing it away with hot water.

A plunger may also be utilized to attempt to shift the blockage.

This could be all you need to do to allow your appliance to drain so run a short rinse and empty cycle now. If this hasn’t solved the problem you could manually drain the dishwasher using a jug and also a sponge and check the next few possible issues.

At this point make certain to unplug the dishwasher to stay safe.

If during any of these examinations you believe you have discovered and repaired the fault there is no need to continue to the next step. Just start an empty cycle to check your dishwasher is repaired.

Check and rinse the filters

Popcorn, labels from containers, film lids and smashed glass, plus scraps of food, could all obstruct the dishwasher filter. Clear plastic lids can also be hard to see if you aren’t looking for it.

Remove the filter and give it a good wash before putting it back in place. Not all filters are obvious and easy to remove so you could need to consult the owners manual for this.

Is the waste pipe obstructed?

The next area to check is the drain pipe. Stuck food, a kink in the hose or a crushed hose may all stop your dishwasher from emptying.

Contingent upon the location of the hose (usually the ribbed one) you may manage inspect it simply by taking off the kick board or you might be required to move the machine away from the wall.

Have a look at the pipe first to find out if it has been crushed or kinked. You may manage fix these issues by hand which will most likely resolve the issue, however, it’s worth noting that when this has occurred it is much more inclined to happen again so you might wish to purchase a new hose.

If you are unable to see an issue you can disconnect the waste water pipe from the dishwasher and blow through it to discover any blockages. Make sure you line the floor with newspaper or towels first as there could still be waste water in the pipe.

If you can’t blow air through the hose this might be the reason your dishwasher isn’t draining.

Disconnect the hose at the sink end in order to give it a thorough flush through to remove the blockage. If you can’t dislodge the blockage or the hose is cracked or degraded purchase a brand-new one. If you could get rid of the blockage then put the hose back and start a short cycle to find out if you have fixed the problem.

You may also check the point where the pipe attaches under your sink. This is a typical place for blockages to occur so if you do take off the hose give this connection a good scrub as well.

Inspect the drain valve

You can check the drain valve by hand to make sure it hasn’t stopped working. The drain valve will generally be situated in the bottom of the dishwasher on the valve bracket. Consult your instruction manual if you can’t see it.

Pushing down on the valve or giving it a jiggle should be adequate to tell you if it’s stuck. If you can see an object blocking it get rid of this. If you can’t, this may be the right time to call a repair person unless you are confident in purchasing and replacing the valve on your own.

Inspect your pump is not blocked

Your dishwasher pump makes use of impellers that can become blocked by pieces of glass or other debris. Check your pump isn’t obstructed by taking off the cover and ensuring that the impellers can be easily rotated.

Run your dishwasher and listen for any unusual sounds

If it doesn’t sound right your dishwasher pump or motor may be faulty and need replacing.

Call a plumber

If none of the above examinations has solved the problem, or you have reason to believe the pump, pump valve or motor are broken, it may be the right time to call in the professionals.

At least having attempted to troubleshoot you have prevented needing to pay a hefty repair fee for a blocked drain.