Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

No-one is happy to open their machine and discover it hasn’t drained fully but, try not to panic just yet. You might manage fix the fault by yourself, without having to call a repair person or acquire a new dishwasher.

Your machine refusing to empty may be bought about by multiple issues some of which can be simple to figure out. So, before you call a dishwasher repair service here is a list of probable components you may troubleshoot yourself. Some of which are not even related to the machine itself.

Check the dishwasher wasn’t stopped mid-program

If you’re fortunate the fact your dishwasher hasn’t drained may not be an issue at all. Instead, the cycle could have been interrupted.

The program might have been stopped mid-way for a number of of reasons. Little fingers pressing buttons, inadvertently pushing against the buttons, a power cut or opening the machine mid-program may all stop the cycle from completing and mean your dishwasher doesn’t drain.

If you suspect this may be the situation, or you just want to be sure it’s not the issue run the machine again on a quick program.

Some dishwashers could have an empty capacity so it’s well worth having a look at your instructions or checking online to find out.

Inspect the garbage disposal

If you have a garbage disposal check this first as a blocked disposal will block your dishwasher from draining. Turn on the waste disposal using lots of water to ensure there are no blockages.

If you do discover an issue drain un-blocker or a plunger can be used to clear the blockage and so this could rectify the problem.

Examine the sink waste for clogs

If you sink is emptying reluctantly this might indicate a plumbing issue as opposed to a problem with your dishwasher.

If the sink is draining slowly you could try putting some bicarb and vinegar down the plughole, letting it sit for a while and then rinsing it away with hot water.

A sink plunger may also be utilized to attempt to remove the obstruction.

This may be enough to allow the dishwasher to drain so run a quick rinse and empty cycle now. If this hasn’t sorted the issue you could remove the water by hand using a cup as well as a towel and have a look at a few more possible issues.

Make certain to disconnect the dishwasher to stay safe.

If in the process of any of these checks you believe you have detected and fixed the fault there is no need to continue to the next step. Just complete an empty cycle to make sure your machine is fixed.

Inspect and scrub the filters

Popcorn, paper from tupperware, plastic lids and broken glass, as well as scraps of food, could all block the machine filter. Clear glass could also be difficult to spot if you don’t look carefully.

Take out the filter and wash it thoroughly before putting it back in place. Not all machines have their filter in the same place so you could need to consult the instructions for this.

Is the waste pipe blocked?

The next area to examine is the drain hose. Many things could cause a blockage including a build up of food debris, a kink in the hose, or a crushed hose. All of which could all impede your machine from emptying.

Subject to the location of the waste hose (normally the corrugated one) you might have the means to look at it by lifting away the base alternatively you might be required to pull the machine out from the wall.

Look at the hose first to find out if there are any kinks or it’s been squashed. You could manage fix these issues by hand which should rectify the issue, however, it’s worth noting that when this has happened it is much more inclined to happen again so you may need to purchase a replacement hose.

If you are unable to see anything you can disconnect the waste water hose from the dishwasher and blow through it to check for any blockages. Be sure to put down newspaper or towels first as there may still be waste water in the hose.

If you can’t blow through the hose this may be the reason your dishwasher isn’t emptying.

Take off the other end of the hose and then give it a thorough flush through to clear the blockage. If you can’t get rid of the obstruction or the pipe is split or degraded buy a brand-new one. If you can get rid of the obstruction then put the hose back and start a quick program to make sure you have fixed the error.

You could also inspect where the hose attaches under your sink. This is a likely place for blockages to occur so if you happen to take off the waste hose give this point a thorough clean as well.

Inspect the drain valve

You may check the drain valve by hand to ensure it isn’t got stuck. The drain valve will most often be situated in the bottom of the machine on the valve bracket. Check your instruction manual if you’re unsure.

Depressing the valve or giving it a wiggle will likely be enough to let you know if it’s seized. If you are able to see anything blocking it get rid of this. If you can’t, this might be the right time to ring a repair person unless you are happy in ordering and replacing the part on your own.

Examine your pump is not blocked

Your appliance pump makes use of impellers that may get obstructed by broken glass or other debris. Check your pump isn’t broken by taking off the safety cover and making sure the impellers can be easily rotated.

Run your dishwasher and listen for any unusual sounds

If it doesn’t sound normal your dishwasher pump or motor might be faulty and need to be repaired.

Call a repair person

If you have been through the above list and the fault persists, or you suspect the pump, pump valve or motor are damaged, it may be the right time to get the professionals.

This way though you will at least be able to give them more information and have avoided needing to pay a big call-out fee for a blocked hose.

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