How To Fix A Dishwasher That Is Not Draining

Identifying the cause of a draining problem in your dishwasher is the first step in resolving a draining issue in your dishwasher. It could be a faulty pump or timer. Changing these parts will require the assistance of a licensed plumber to handle this type of appliance.

Blocked Filters

To answer the question, why won’t my dishwasher drain? The answer may be this: a dishwasher that is not draining may not be able to drain due to a blocked filter. First, remove the bottom dish rack and cutlery basket to clean the filter. Then, open the dishwasher door. Next, remove the spray arm. Sometimes, the component may be attached to the dishwasher by a loose screw. You can also unscrew the spray arm and clean it using a soft toothbrush. Once this is done, reinstall the dishwasher’s filters.

Another cause of a non-draining dishwasher is a clogged supply line. The water supply line for the dishwasher is located under the sink. To unclog the pipe, use a snake to remove the clog and reconnect the plumbing line. Next, try running an empty cycle in the dishwasher. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it’s likely a clogged filter. If you still cannot drain the dishwasher, check the air gap. The air gap between the dishwasher and the sink is designed to minimize the amount of dirt backing into the dishwasher. If the air gap becomes clogged, the water may not drain properly, causing standing water in the dishwasher.

Unplugged Motor

If you find standing water and your dishwasher isn’t draining correctly, the problem may be with the drain pump and motor assembly. They are made up of an electric motor and a pump. If the pump fails, the water will remain in the bottom of the dishwasher,, and you will need to replace it. Another common cause is a clogged drain hose. This limits the water flow and makes the electric motor work harder. Eventually, this overworked motor will fail.

If you can’t locate the motor, your next step should be to test the dishwasher’s element. This can be done with a voltage meter (VOM) set to the RX1 scale. Connect a probe to each element terminal and put it to read between 15 and 30 ohms. If the meter reads over 30, the element is probably faulty. Sometimes, this may be a faulty solenoid, which controls the valve. Usually, the solenoid is attached to the side of the dishwasher. If it is not functioning correctly, try tapping it with a screwdriver. After ensuring that the solenoid is free of obstructions, test it with a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM). Finally, you can use a multimeter to test the solenoid.

Replaced Hoses

If your dishwasher does not drain, you may need to replace the hoses. These are usually located under the sink or behind the dishwasher. Before attempting to replace these hoses, make sure they are debris-free. You can also buy a drain cleaner solution to clean them. A DIY vinegar and baking soda combination can be effective, but you might need a more potent cleanser if this isn’t working.

A dishwasher that won’t drain can result from a malfunctioning drain pump. The pump, which uses impellers to expel dirty water, may be clogged or broken. The pump motor may need to be replaced, so you should contact a professional dishwasher repair service to replace it. The drain hose connects to the drain pump under the lower spray arm. To check for clogs, you should first unplug the hose. Next, check for kinks. If the hose is kinked, you can try straightening it manually. However, replacing the hoses is probably a good idea if the waves continue.

Removed Filter

Your dishwasher may be causing a clogged filter. The filter assembly is located at the bottom of the basin and may be covered by a cage. Run warm water through your filter to remove debris and clean it. After cleaning, run a quick cycle to test drainage. If you cannot drain the water from your dishwasher, check the drain hose for blockages. It connects to the garbage disposal and air cap and can get clogged. If this is the case, remove the air cap and brush it to remove debris. If this does not work, you might need to replace the drain pump. If you still can’t get the water to drain, try cleaning the filter with baking soda and vinegar. The mixture will break up any clogs. Then, flush out the clog by running a rinse cycle on the dishwasher.