Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Although it’s never a pleasant sight to open a machine and realize it is still full of water, don’t panic just yet. You might manage solve the error by yourself, without having to call a repair person or acquire a new machine.

Standing water in your machine can be bought about by any number of components a number of which are simple to fix. So, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service try this selection of probable issues you can correct on your own. A proportion of which aren’t even caused by the dishwasher itself.

Check the dishwasher wasn’t interrupted mid-cycle

It is possible that there is nothing preventing your dishwasher from emptying. Alternatively, the program could have been stopped mid-way.

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

If you suspect this could be the situation, or you think it could be a good idea to check start the machine again on a short program.

A few appliances could have an empty program meaning it’s worthwhile checking your owners manual or doing a quick internet search to check.

Check the disposal

If you have a waste disposal examine this before you do anything else as a blocked disposal will stop the dishwasher from draining. Turn on the waste disposal using plenty of water to check there are no issues.

If you do discover an obstruction drain cleaner or a plunger could be used to clear the blockage and so this may fix the problem.

Examine the plumbing for clogs

If you kitchen sink is emptying inefficiently this may indicate an issue with the drains as opposed to a fault with your machine.

If the sink is emptying reluctantly you may attempt putting some bicarb and vinegar down the plughole, letting it sit for a few minutes and subsequently flushing it away with hot water.

A sink plunger could also be employed to try and remove the blockage.

This may be all you need to do to permit your machine to empty so start a short cycle to check. If not you may remove the dirty water by hand using a bowl and also a sponge and check the next few possible issues.

At this point make certain to disconnect the machine to prevent electrocution.

If while you are carrying out one of these examinations you suspect you have detected and repaired the issue you don’t have to go through the rest of the issues. Just run an empty cycle to check the machine is fixed.

Check and clean the filters

Popcorn, paper from food jars, film covers and smashed glass, plus food debris, could all obstruct the machine filter. Clear film may also be hard to see if you aren’t looking for it.

Remove the filter then give it a good clean before putting it back in place. Not all filters are obvious and easy to remove so you may need to consult the instruction manual for this.

Is the drain pipe obstructed?

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

Subject to the location of the waste hose (generally the ribbed one) you might manage view it simply by lifting away the base or you might have to move the machine out from the wall.

Look at the pipe first to discover if it has been squashed or kinked. You could be able to fix these issues by hand which should resolve the issue, however, be aware that when this has occurred the probability of it happening again is significantly increased so you could need to purchase a replacement hose.

If you are unable to find any obvious kinks or obstructions you can disconnect the waste water pipe from the pump and blow through it to discover any blockages. Be sure to line the floor with newspaper or towels before you remove the hose as even if you have emptied the machine there could still be waste water in the hose.

If you can’t blow air through the pipe this could be the issue.

Disconnect the other end of the hose and then give it a thorough clean to clear the blockage. If you can’t shift the blockage or the hose is slit or worn acquire a new one. If you can get rid of the obstruction then put the hose back and start a short cycle to check that you have solved the issue.

You may also examine where the waste pipe attaches under your sink as well. This is a likely spot for debris to build up so if you do take off the waste hose give this connection a thorough clean as well.

Inspect the drain valve

You can inspect the drain valve by hand to ensure it isn’t got stuck. The drain valve will often be found in the bottom of the dishwasher on the valve bracket. Consult your manual if you can’t see it.

Pushing down on the valve or giving it a wiggle should be adequate to let you know if it’s stuck. If you are able to see an object stopping it from moving remove this. If you can’t, this could be when you should get in touch with a plumber unless you are confident in procuring and repairing the valve on your own.

Examine your pump is not broken

Your appliance pump uses impellers that can get blocked by broken glass or other objects. Check your pump isn’t blocked by taking off the cover and checking that the impellers are free to move.

Run your machine and listen for any unusual sounds

If the dishwasher sounds unusual your pump or motor could 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 suspect the pump, pump valve or motor are damaged, it could be the right time to call in the professionals.

This way though you will at least be able to give them more information and have prevented having to pay a hefty repair fee for a blocked drain.