When your dishwasher not draining, a common household appliance issue where water remains in the tub after a cycle ends. It’s not always a broken machine—often, it’s something simple you can fix yourself. Most people assume they need a new dishwasher, but 7 out of 10 times, it’s just a clogged filter, a kinked drain hose, or a dirty pump. You don’t need to spend hundreds—just know where to look.
The dishwasher drain pump, the component that pushes water out of the dishwasher during the drain cycle is the most common culprit. It gets clogged with food bits, plastic wrappers, or even broken glass. If you’ve noticed slow draining or gurgling sounds, start by pulling out the bottom rack and checking the filter. It’s usually under the spray arm, and cleaning it takes five minutes. Also, check the clogged dishwasher filter, a removable mesh screen designed to catch debris before it reaches the drain system. Many brands, like Bosch and Whirlpool, have filters that need monthly cleaning—yet most owners never touch them.
Another frequent problem? The drain hose. If it’s pinched behind the dishwasher, looped too high, or connected to a garbage disposal that’s clogged, water can’t escape. Some people install the hose in a loop higher than the sink trap, thinking it prevents backflow—but that’s actually what’s stopping the drain. Straighten it out. And if you have a garbage disposal, run it before starting the dishwasher—food chunks there can block the connection.
Don’t ignore error codes either. Modern dishwashers show codes like E1, E2, or UE when something’s wrong. These aren’t random—they point to specific issues like a blocked drain, faulty sensor, or motor failure. Check your manual or search your model number online. Most codes have clear fixes. If you’re seeing a code and the water won’t drain, it’s rarely the control board—it’s almost always a physical blockage.
And yes, sometimes the drain valve or solenoid fails. But that’s rare. Before you call a technician, try these three things: clean the filter, check the hose, and run the garbage disposal. If that doesn’t help, then it’s time to look deeper. Most repair techs will tell you the same thing: 80% of dishwasher drain issues are solved in under 30 minutes with basic tools.
Below, you’ll find real fixes from people who’ve been there—no guesswork, no fluff. Just what actually works when your dishwasher refuses to let water out.
Standing water in your dishwasher is usually caused by a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or faulty pump. Learn how to fix it yourself with simple steps and prevent it from happening again.
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