Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Draining and How to Fix It

You just ran the dishwasher after a long day, expecting sparkling clean dishes — but instead, you’re greeted with a pool of dirty water at the bottom. If you’re dealing with a dishwasher not draining, don’t panic. This is a common problem, and most of the time, it’s something you can handle without calling in a pro.

Let’s walk through the most likely reasons your dishwasher isn’t draining properly — and how to fix each one step by step.

First Things First: Cut the Power

Before you poke around in your dishwasher, safety comes first. Unplug it or turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Water and electricity? Not a combo you want to mess with.

1. Check the Dishwasher Filter

One of the most common causes of a dishwasher not draining is a clogged filter. The filter’s job is to catch food particles, but over time, it can get gunked up and stop the water from draining properly.

How to Fix It:

• Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, usually under the lower spray arm.
• Remove it (you may need to twist or lift it, depending on your model).
• Rinse it under warm water and scrub away debris with a soft brush or sponge.
• Pop it back in place and try running a cycle again.

If that solves it — congrats, that was an easy win!

2. Inspect the Drain Hose

The drain hose carries wastewater from the dishwasher to the sink or garbage disposal. If it’s kinked, clogged, or installed incorrectly, you could be left with standing water after every cycle.

How to Fix It:

• Pull the dishwasher out gently so you can see the hose (usually located at the back).
• Check for any kinks or bends that might block water flow.
• Disconnect the hose and run water through it to check for clogs.
• Reattach the hose securely.

Tip: If you notice debris inside, a wire hanger or pipe cleaner can help clear the blockage.

3. Clean Out the Air Gap (if You Have One)

Some kitchen sinks have a small device on the back edge called an air gap. It prevents dirty water from siphoning back into your dishwasher — but it can also get clogged.

How to Fix It:

• Twist off the cap and look inside for gunk or food buildup.
• Clean it out with a brush, rinse with water, and replace the cap.

Many homeowners overlook the air gap entirely — don’t be one of them!

4. Check the Garbage Disposal Connection

If your dishwasher drains into the garbage disposal, a clog there can send water backing up into the dishwasher. Especially if you’ve just installed a new disposal, and forgot to remove the knockout plug.

How to Fix It:

• Run the disposal to make sure it’s clear.
• Shine a flashlight down the drain — if you see buildup, use tongs (never your hands!) to pull out debris.
• If the dishwasher is newly installed, check that the knockout plug inside the disposal inlet has been removed.

5. Test the Drain Pump

If none of the above steps fix the issue, your dishwasher’s drain pump might be to blame. This small motor-driven component pushes water out of the appliance. Over time, it can fail or become blocked with debris.

How to Fix It:

• Listen for a humming or grinding sound during the drain cycle — that’s a sign the pump is struggling.
• Accessing the pump usually requires removing the lower panel and possibly some disassembly — only attempt this if you’re comfortable working with appliance parts.
• If the pump is broken, it may need to be replaced. At this point, you might consider calling in a pro.

Don’t Forget Regular Maintenance

We get it — nobody wakes up excited to clean their dishwasher. But a little routine care goes a long way in preventing drainage issues.

Here are some quick home maintenance tips to keep your dishwasher running like new:

• Clean the filter monthly.
• Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner once a month.
• Scrape off large food scraps before loading dishes.
• Avoid overloading — it messes with water flow and drainage.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all the above and you’re still stuck with a dishwasher not draining, it might be time to bring in a technician. Electrical issues, faulty sensors, or damaged internal components aren’t always visible to the untrained eye. Plus, trying to repair something complicated could make the problem worse (and more expensive).

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a dishwasher not draining isn’t exactly fun, but in most cases, the fix is simpler than you’d think. Whether it’s a clogged filter, a blocked hose, or just a missed maintenance step, there’s a good chance you can get it draining again without too much trouble.

So before you start Googling new dishwashers or calling repair services, grab a sponge, roll up your sleeves, and give these steps a shot. You might just save yourself a couple hundred bucks — and earn some serious DIY bragging rights while you’re at it.