A dishwasher full of stagnant water is a frustrating sight, especially when you need clean dishes. Before you call a repair technician, there are a few things you can troubleshoot yourself to potentially save time and money if dishwasher wont drain. Let’s explore some common reasons why your dishwasher might not be draining and what you can do to fix it.

If your dishwasher wont drain, maybe you have a Clogged Drain:

The most common culprit for drainage issues is a clog. Food scraps, debris, or even broken glass can accumulate in the filter, drain hose, or garbage disposal, preventing water from flowing out.

Here’s what you can do:

• Check the filter: Locate the filter, typically at the bottom of the dishwasher under the lower dishwasher rack. Clean it thoroughly with warm water and soap, removing any trapped food particles.
• Inspect the drain hose: Look for kinks or blockages in the hose that might be hindering water flow. You might need a flexible flashlight (Click to buy on Amazon) to see inside the hose.
• Check the garbage disposal: If your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, ensure it’s not clogged. Run the disposal with cold water and some ice cubes to break up any jams.

Listen to the Pump if your dishwasher wont drain:

The drain pump is responsible for pushing water out of the dishwasher. If it’s not functioning properly, your dishwasher won’t drain.

Here’s what you can try:

• Listen for the pump: Start a cycle and listen for the sound of the pump running. If you hear no noise, or grinding noises it could indicate a faulty pump.
• Try the cancel/drain button: Press the cancel or drain button mid-cycle. If the pump kicks on and starts draining, the issue might lie with the control board, not the pump itself.

Advanced Troubleshooting (for the brave DIYer):

If the basic checks don’t solve the problem, you might need to delve deeper. Inspect the drain pump motor. You can visually inspect the motor for signs of damage or wear. An inspection mirror(Click to purchase on Amazon) might be helpful for examining hard-to-reach areas.

When to Call a Professional:

If you’ve exhausted all DIY options or feel uncomfortable with any of the troubleshooting steps, it’s time to call a qualified appliance repair technician. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix complex issues, including:

• Faulty drain pump: Replacing a faulty pump might require specific tools and knowledge.
• Control board malfunction: Diagnosing and repairing a control board issue is usually best left to professionals.

Remember: While some troubleshooting steps can be done at home, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure or uncomfortable proceeding. With a little effort and the right approach, you can get your dishwasher draining properly and back to sparkling clean dishes in no time.

Additional Tips:

• Invest in a drain pump motor specific to your dishwasher model if you’re comfortable replacing it yourself.
• Having an endoscope camera (click to buy on Amazon) on hand can be helpful for inspecting dark and narrow areas inside the dishwasher.

By following these tips and understanding the potential causes, you can hopefully diagnose and fix your dishwasher drainage issue without needing a professional. However, if the problem persists or you’re unsure about any steps, don’t hesitate to call a qualified repair technician for assistance.