Why a Dishwasher Leaves Water at the Bottom
The drain path has several points where it can fail.
At the end of a cycle, a drain pump pushes water out through a hose. The hose leads to a garbage disposal inlet or an air gap, and then to the household drain. A blockage or fault anywhere along that route can leave water in the tub.
A small amount of water in the base is normal in some models, held in the sump. A deep pool that remains after a cycle is not.
The pump itself can also be the problem. It can be clogged by debris or failed in its motor.
Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker before reaching inside. Bail out standing water with a cup and towel first.
Common Causes of a Dishwasher Not Draining
From the simple to the technical.
A clogged filter or sump
Food, glass, and labels collect in the filter and block the pump inlet.
A kinked or blocked drain hose
A bend behind the dishwasher, or a buildup inside, restricts flow.
The disposal knockout plug
A new disposal has a plug that must be removed to open the dishwasher drain connection.
A clogged disposal or air gap
If the disposal or air gap is full of debris, the dishwasher cannot drain.
A clogged drain pump
Small objects such as a glass shard or a bone can jam the pump impeller.
A failed drain pump motor
The pump may hum or stay silent, and the water never leaves.
A faulty check valve
A stuck valve can let dirty water flow back in.
A control or sensor fault
A fault in the board or the sensor may stop the drain cycle.
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Will Not Drain: Six Safe Steps
Work through these in order.
Remove the standing water
Unplug the dishwasher. Bail water out with a cup and mop the rest with towels.
Clean the filter and sump
Take out the lower rack, twist out the filter, and clean it. Remove any debris from the sump.
Run the disposal
If a disposal is connected, run it with water to clear its inlet. Then try a drain cycle.
Check the high loop or air gap
Make sure the hose rises under the counter before dropping to the drain. If an air gap is fitted, clear it.
Inspect the drain hose
Pull the dishwasher out carefully and check for kinks or a crushed hose. Straighten any bends.
Test the drain cycle
Plug in, run a drain or short cycle, and watch for water leaving.
Have ready
- A cup and towels
- A flashlight
- A soft brush
- A screwdriver for removing the cover
Dishwasher Drain Symptoms and Likely Causes
Match what you notice to the likely cause.
| What you notice | Likely cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water, nothing else wrong | Clogged filter or hose | You |
| Water returns after a disposal is used | Disposal knockout or air gap | You or a plumber |
| Pump hums but water stays | Blocked pump | You, then technician |
| No sound at drain time | Failed pump or board | Technician |
| Gurgling and dirty backflow | Drain line or check valve issue | Technician or plumber |
Dishwasher Drain Problems: What to Try and When to Call
Safe to try at home
- Cleaning the filter and sump
- Running the disposal
- Straightening the drain hose
- Clearing an air gap
- Bailing out the water
Leave to a technician
- Testing or replacing the drain pump
- Replacing the check valve
- Diagnosing the control board
- Pressurized drain cleaning
- Any repair that needs panels removed with power on
What We Find on Dishwasher Drain Calls
We start with the filter and the hose, then test the pump with a meter. Many drain complaints are solved by clearing a clogged disposal connection or a blocked pump. When the pump has failed, we explain the repair and the price first.
If the problem is in the home plumbing, we say so and point you to a plumber. For a dishwasher that drains but does not clean, read our guide on a dishwasher that is not cleaning dishes.
Dishwasher Still Not Draining? Call Now
If the filter and the hose are clear, the pump may need testing.
Tell us what the dishwasher does and we will offer the first opening.
Dishwasher Not Draining FAQs: Quick Answers Before You Call
Short answers to the questions we hear most. If yours is missing, call and ask.
Why is my dishwasher full of water after a cycle?
A clogged filter, a blocked hose, a disposal connection problem, or a failed pump are the usual causes.
Is a little water in the bottom normal?
A small amount in the sump can be normal on some models. A deep pool is not.
Can a garbage disposal stop a dishwasher draining?
Yes. A knockout plug that was never removed or a clogged disposal can block the drain.
Can I pour drain cleaner into the dishwasher?
No. Harsh or pressurized drain cleaners can damage parts. Use the safe steps above.
How do I know if the drain pump is bad?
If the filter and hose are clear and the pump is silent or only hums, it may be blocked or failed. A technician can confirm.
Where can I read more about dishwasher repair?
See our dishwasher repair and garbage disposal repair pages.
