Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining? (7 Fixes)

Dealing with a dishwasher that won’t drain is incredibly frustrating. You load it up, run a cycle, and come back to a pool of dirty water at the bottom. It’s a common issue that affects many households, with thousands of users reporting drainage problems on forums and review sites every year. Whether it’s a clogged filter or a more serious pump issue, this problem can disrupt your daily routine and even lead to unpleasant odors or leaks.

This guide is here to help you get your dishwasher back to normal. Based on real user experiences and expert advice, we’ve compiled the most common causes and actionable fixes for a dishwasher that won’t drain. You’ll learn how to troubleshoot the issue step-by-step, starting with quick checks and moving to more involved repairs. We’ll also cover when it’s time to stop fixing and start shopping for a replacement. By the end, you’ll have 7 practical solutions to try, plus tips to prevent this headache from happening again.

Quick summary of solutions: Check for blockages, clean filters, inspect hoses, reset the unit, and more—ordered from easiest to hardest. Let’s dive in and get that water draining!

Common Causes

• Clogged filter or food trap
• Blocked or kinked drain hose
• Garbage disposal blockage (if connected)
• Faulty drain pump
• Air gap or high loop issue preventing proper drainage

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check for Obvious Blockages in the Dishwasher

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

What to do: Open your dishwasher and inspect the bottom area for large food debris, utensils, or items blocking the drain. Remove anything you find with gloved hands or tongs.

Why this works: Food scraps or small objects can easily obstruct the drain opening, preventing water from escaping.

What you should see: After clearing debris, run a short cycle. If the water drains, you’ve solved the issue! If not, move to the next step.

Warning signs: If water still pools at the bottom, the blockage might be deeper in the system or unrelated to debris.

Tools needed: Gloves, Tongs (optional)

2. Clean the Filter or Food Trap

Difficulty: easy | Time: 10 minutes

What to do: Locate the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher (consult your manual if needed). Remove it, rinse it under warm water, and scrub off food particles with a soft brush. Reinstall it securely.

Why this works: A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons for poor drainage, as it traps debris that can build up over time.

What you should see: After cleaning and running a cycle, water should drain normally. If it doesn’t, the issue lies elsewhere.

Warning signs: If the filter was clean to begin with or cleaning doesn’t help, check for hose or pump issues next.

Tools needed: Soft brush, Gloves

3. Inspect and Straighten the Drain Hose

Difficulty: medium | Time: 15 minutes

What to do: Find the drain hose under the sink or behind the dishwasher (unplug the unit for safety first). Check for kinks, twists, or blockages. Straighten any bends and use a wire hanger to gently clear minor clogs if visible. Reattach securely.

Why this works: A kinked or clogged hose prevents water from flowing out, causing it to pool in the dishwasher.

What you should see: Water should drain after fixing the hose. Test with a short cycle.

Warning signs: If the hose is damaged or water still doesn’t drain, the problem might be with the pump or disposal connection.

Tools needed: Wire hanger, Screwdriver (optional)

4. Check the Garbage Disposal Connection (If Applicable)

Difficulty: medium | Time: 10 minutes

What to do: If your dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, ensure the disposal isn’t clogged. Run the disposal to clear any blockages. Also, check if the knockout plug (a small plastic piece) was removed during installation—if not, remove it.

Why this works: A blocked disposal or unremoved knockout plug stops water from draining through the system.

What you should see: After clearing the disposal, water should drain during a test cycle.

Warning signs: If the disposal is clear but drainage fails, the issue may be internal to the dishwasher.

Tools needed: Screwdriver (optional)

5. Reset the Dishwasher

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

What to do: Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker for 1-2 minutes, then power it back on. Alternatively, press the reset button if your model has one (check the manual).

Why this works: A simple reset can clear minor electronic glitches that prevent the drain cycle from initiating.

What you should see: The dishwasher should drain after resetting and running a cycle.

Warning signs: If resetting doesn’t work, the issue is likely mechanical, not electrical.

6. Check the Air Gap or High Loop

Difficulty: medium | Time: 15 minutes

What to do: Locate the air gap (a small cylinder near the sink) or high loop (a raised section of the drain hose). Clean the air gap by removing the cap and clearing debris with a toothbrush. Ensure the high loop isn’t sagging below the recommended height (usually under the countertop).

Why this works: These prevent backflow but can cause drainage issues if clogged or improperly positioned.

What you should see: Water should drain properly after clearing or adjusting. Test with a cycle.

Warning signs: If this doesn’t resolve the issue, the drain pump might be faulty.

Tools needed: Toothbrush, Screwdriver (optional)

7. Test the Drain Pump for Functionality

Difficulty: hard | Time: 30-60 minutes

What to do: Unplug the dishwasher and access the drain pump (usually at the bottom—refer to your manual). Check for debris or damage. Manually spin the impeller if accessible (use gloves). If it’s stuck or you hear unusual noises, it may need replacement. Safety warning: Do not attempt this if you’re not comfortable with appliance repair; consider a professional.

Why this works: A broken or clogged pump can’t push water out, causing drainage failure.

What you should see: If the pump spins freely and has no debris, it’s likely fine. If replaced or cleared, test a cycle for drainage.

Warning signs: If the pump is damaged or burned out, repair costs may approach replacement costs—see 'When to Upgrade.'

Tools needed: Screwdriver, Gloves, Wrench (optional)

When to Upgrade

Sometimes, fixing a dishwasher that won’t drain isn’t worth the time or cost. If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and the issue persists—especially if the drain pump or internal components are faulty—it might be a sign of deeper, systemic failure. Other red flags include frequent breakdowns, unusual noises during operation, or visible corrosion inside the unit. If your dishwasher is over 8-10 years old, it’s likely nearing the end of its lifespan, and repair costs (often $150-$300 for a pump replacement) can rival the price of a new, more efficient model.

Consider warranty status before deciding. If your unit is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for a free or discounted repair. However, if it’s out of warranty and repairs exceed 50% of the cost of a new dishwasher, replacement is often the smarter choice. Safety is also a concern—leaks from poor drainage can cause water damage or mold, so don’t ignore persistent issues.

When to upgrade: If the cost of professional repair is high, if the dishwasher is old and inefficient, or if you’re dealing with recurring drainage problems despite maintenance, it’s time to shop for a new model. Modern dishwashers often have better drainage systems and energy efficiency, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

Prevention Tips

• Scrape food off plates before loading to minimize debris in the filter.
• Clean the filter monthly to prevent buildup that blocks drainage.
• Ensure the drain hose is installed with a proper high loop or air gap to avoid backflow.
• Run a vinegar rinse (1 cup in the bottom) every few months to clear minor clogs.
• Avoid overloading the dishwasher, as it can obstruct water flow to the drain.