Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

5 common reasons your dishwasher won’t drain

When your dishwasher won’t drain, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only do you have to deal with the mess of dirty water, but you also can’t use your dishwasher until the problem has been fixed. Fortunately, there are 5 common reasons for this breakdown. Knowing them can help you figure out what’s wrong and fix your unit quickly so you can get back to washing dishes as normal.

Reason #1: Blocked dishwasher filter

There are two filters in the dishwasher – the mesh filter and the microfilter – both of which can become clogged with food debris or other items that have been washed in the machine. If either of these filters becomes blocked, water cannot drain properly.

To determine if your dishwasher’s filter is blocked, first remove all dishes from inside and locate the filter system underneath the bottom rack. On most models, you can unscrew or pop open this unit by hand; otherwise, you may need to use a screwdriver. Once opened, check for any blockages, such as bits of food or large pieces of debris (e.g., coins).

Reason #2: Problem with the pump

If your dishwasher does not drain completely, the issue could be caused by the pump. It plays an important role in the draining process, as it powers the water out of the machine and down into the drain hose. If the pump fails to work properly due to damage or wear, water will be left stuck at the bottom of your dishwasher after each cycle. This can cause flooding in your kitchen and potentially lead to costly repairs.

To diagnose this issue, you may want to inspect for any visible signs of damage on the motor or pump housing. If this does not appear to be a problem, then it could be that something is clogging up its impeller blades – making it impossible for it to generate enough suction power needed for draining.

Reason #3: Float switch malfunction

The float switch works by sensing the water level in the tub and triggering drainage when the water reaches a specific high point. If too much soap or grease has accumulated around the switch over time, it can become jammed and unable to perform its essential operation.

Additionally, this critical component can simply wear down and stop functioning with prolonged use. So, if you’re having trouble getting your appliance to properly drain, checking the float switch is a wise idea.

Reason #4: Detergent buildup

Liquids and solids that are left behind in your dishwasher can mix with the soap used to wash dishes, creating a slimy residue that builds up over time. This residue can eventually clog the pipes and drain system of your machine, leading to water not draining from the dishwasher.

To avoid detergent buildup, regularly check under the sink for any clogs or blockages that may have developed due to detergent settling into crevices. Additionally, use a soft brush to scrub away any residue from the walls and floors of your dishwasher once every few weeks.

Reason #5: Improper Installation

Incorrectly installing a dishwasher can cause numerous issues that prevent it from draining correctly. If the connection between the sink drain and the dishwasher drain is too tight or too loose, it won’t be able to remove water fast enough as it cycles through each washing cycle.

First and foremost, all of the hoses must be connected properly in order for the unit to drain. If any of these hoses become loose or disconnected, water can’t properly flow out of the appliance. Additionally, when installing a new dishwasher, make sure that it is secured tightly into its cabinet so that it doesn’t move around while running or vibrate off its mounting brackets, as this can cause damage over time.

How to fix the dishwasher that is not draining?

The first step is to unplug the dishwasher from its power source before attempting any repairs. This will prevent accidental electrocution or equipment damage while you work on the appliance.

Next, you need to clear out any debris that may be clogging up the drain hose of your dishwasher. To do this, take off the plastic hose clamp located at the back of your appliance and pull out the drain hose from beneath it. Then, use a broom handle or other long object to reach inside and remove any debris, such as food scraps or small items that may have fallen into it.

You should also check and clean out your dishwasher drain filter if necessary. This filter is usually located at the bottom of your appliance and can easily become blocked with food particles over time. To clean it out, simply unscrew it from its housing and rinse away all debris before replacing it back in place.

If after doing all of these things, your dishwasher is still not draining fully then you may need to replace any faulty parts, such as worn-out hoses or broken pumps etc., which can be done yourself or by a professional depending on your level of expertise.

Finally, plug in your dishwasher again once everything has been checked and repaired. Then reset it by pressing its power button for five seconds until you hear a clicking sound coming from inside the machine.