Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

No-one wants to open their machine and discover standing water but, try not to panic just yet. You could manage solve the fault without having to call a plumber or invest in a new dishwasher.

Your dishwasher failing to drain could have multiple of causes a few of which are easy to solve. So, before you call a dishwasher repair service try this selection of probable issues you may identify on your own. A few of which aren’t even caused by the dishwasher itself.

Ensure the cycle wasn’t stopped mid-way

It is probable that there is nothing preventing your machine from draining. Alternatively, the cycle could have been stopped mid-way.

The cycle might have been stopped mid-way for a number of of reasons. Kids pushing controls, mistakenly leaning against the buttons, a power surge or opening the machine mid-program could all interrupt the cycle and mean your machine doesn’t drain.

If you believe this might be the circumstance, or you just want to be sure it’s not the issue start the machine again on a quick program.

A few machines might have a drain program meaning it’s worthwhile checking your instruction manual or doing a quick internet search to find out.

Inspect the disposal

If your dishwasher is plumbed into a waste disposal check this first as a blocked disposal will prevent your dishwasher from draining. Turn on the disposal with lots of water to ensure there are no issues.

If you do find an obstruction drain cleaner or a plunger can be used to clear the blockage and this could resolve the problem.

Examine the sink waste for clogs

If you sink is draining reluctantly this could signify a plumbing issue as opposed to an issue with your machine.

If the kitchen sink is draining reluctantly you can attempt putting a little bicarbonate of soda and vinegar down the drain, letting it sit for a few minutes and subsequently flushing it through with hot water.

A plunger could also be utilized to attempt to shift the obstruction.

This may be enough to allow your appliance to empty so start a quick cycle now. If this hasn’t solved the problem you could remove the water by hand using a jug as well as a towel and troubleshoot a few more possible issues.

At this point make sure you disconnect the machine to prevent electrocution.

If during any of these checks you think you have discovered and repaired the fault you don’t have to go through the rest of the issues. Just start an empty cycle to ensure your machine is now emptying as it should.

Inspect and rinse the filters

Any number of things could block the filters including corn kernels, paper from jars, plastic film covers and smashed glass. Clear plastic lids could also be difficult to see if you don’t look carefully.

Take out the filter and give it a good clean before replacing it. Not all machines have their filter in the same place so you could need to consult the owners manual for this.

Is the waste pipe blocked?

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

Contingent upon the position of the hose (normally the corrugated one) you may manage look at it simply by taking off the base alternatively you may need to move the machine away from the wall.

Look at the hose in the first instance to discover if it has been squashed or kinked. You might manage fix these issues by hand which is likely to deal with the issue, however, be aware that once this has happened the chance of it occurring again is greatly increased so you could wish to order a new hose.

If you are unable to see any obvious kinks or obstructions you could take off the waste water hose from the dishwasher and blow into it to discover any blockages. Be sure to put down newspaper or towels first as even if you have emptied the machine there may still be water in the hose.

If you can’t blow through the waste pipe this may be the problem.

Disconnect the hose at the sink end and give it a good flush through to get rid of the blockage. If you can’t remove the obstruction or the waste pipe is split or damaged buy a brand-new one. If you may remove the obstruction then put the hose back and run a short cycle to double check that you have solved the problem.

You can also examine the point where the waste hose connects to the waste disposal. This is a likely point for blockages to occur so if you happen to remove the pipe give this connection a thorough clean as well.

Inspect the drain valve

You could manually inspect the drain valve to check it isn’t seized. The drain valve will often be situated at the base of the machine on the valve bracket. Examine your owners manual if you can’t see it.

Depressing the valve or giving it a jiggle should be enough to let you know if it’s stuck. If you can see something blocking it remove this. If you are unable to, this may be when you should call a repair person unless you are confident in procuring and swapping out the valve yourself.

Check your pump is not blocked

Your dishwasher pump makes use of impellers that may get obstructed by broken glass or other debris. Check your impellers aren’t obstructed by removing the cover and ensuring that the impellers are free to move.

Run your machine and listen for any unusual sounds

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

Call a repair person

If you have been through the above list and the problem remains, or you have reason to believe the pump, pump valve or motor are broken, it might be a good time to get the professionals.

This way though you will at least have the means to give them more information and have avoided having to pay a big call-out charge for a blocked hose.