How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won't Drain
Standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle is almost always one of a few simple causes — often not the dishwasher's fault at all.
Before you start: this is general information, not a diagnosis of your specific situation. Shut off water where instructed, take your time, and stop if anything looks different than described here. If you're not comfortable at any point, stop and call us — that's what we're here for.
- 1If the dishwasher drains into the garbage disposal, check the disposal first — a clogged or never-broken-out knockout plug (on a new disposal) is one of the most common reasons a dishwasher won't drain, and it's not the dishwasher's fault at all.
- 2Run the disposal briefly with water to confirm it's clear and draining fine on its own.
- 3Check the dishwasher's air gap if it has one (small cylinder on the sink deck or countertop) — unscrew the cap and clear out any visible debris.
- 4Pull out the bottom dish rack and check the drain filter/basket at the bottom of the tub for food debris, then rinse it clean.
- 5Check the drain hose under the sink for a kink, especially if the dishwasher or sink base was recently moved or serviced.
If the disposal, air gap, and filter are all clear and it's still not draining, the issue is likely inside the dishwasher itself (drain pump or valve) — that's appliance repair territory, not plumbing, and worth calling an appliance tech rather than us. If clearing the disposal or air gap doesn't do it and you suspect the drain line itself is blocked, that's when to call us.
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If this isn't a DIY day, call, text, or book online — same flat-rate honesty either way.