Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining? | Lee's Summit Appliance Repair

Although it’s never a pleasant sight to open a machine and realize it is still full of water, try not to panic just yet. You could be able to rectify the error without having to call a plumber or invest in a brand-new machine.

Your dishwasher declining to drain could be induced by multiple things a few of which are straightforward to fix. So, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service try this lineup of probable things you can identify by yourself. A number of which aren’t even a fault of the machine itself.

Ensure the dishwasher wasn’t stopped mid-program

It is probable that there is nothing preventing your dishwasher from draining. Instead, the program might have been cut short.

The cycle may have been cut short for multiple of reasons. Kids pressing controls, inadvertently pushing against the control panel, a power outage or opening the machine mid-program might all interrupt the cycle and mean your machine doesn’t empty.

If you suspect this could be the circumstance, or you just want to be sure it’s not the issue run the dishwasher again on a quick cycle.

Some machines may have an empty program meaning it’s well worth checking your owners manual or consulting google to find out.

Check the disposal

If you have a waste disposal examine this before you move on as an obstructed disposal will block the machine from draining. Run the disposal using lots of water to make sure there are no obstructions.

If you do find an obstruction drain un-blocker or a natural alternative can be employed to unclog the blockage and this might fix the issue.

Examine the plumbing for issues

If you kitchen sink is emptying reluctantly this could indicate a plumbing issue instead of an issue with your dishwasher.

If the sink is draining slowly you could attempt putting a little bicarb and vinegar down the drain, leaving it for a while, then flushing it through with hot water.

A plunger might also be employed to try and shift the obstruction.

This might be all you need to do to allow the appliance to work again so start a short rinse and drain program to check. If not you may remove the water by hand using a jug and a towel and troubleshoot the next few possible issues.

Make sure you disconnect the machine to prevent electrocution.

If during any of these examinations you believe you may have discovered and fixed the fault there is no need to continue to the next step. Just complete an empty program to make sure your dishwasher is fixed.

Check and clean the filters

Any number of things could block the filters including popcorn, paper from food jars, plastic covers and broken glass. Clear glass may also be difficult to spot if you aren’t looking for it.

Remove the filter then give it a good clean before putting it back in place. Not all machines have their filter in the same place so you might need to refer to the manual for this.

Is the drain hose blocked?

The next component to examine is the waste water hose. Many things could cause an obstruction including a build up of food debris, a kink in the hose, or a crushed hose. All of which may all stop your dishwasher from draining.

Contingent upon the location of the waste hose (normally the ribbed one) you could have the means to look at it by removing the kick board alternatively you might be required to pull the machine out from under the counter.

Visually examine the pipe in the first instance to see if it has been crushed or kinked. You may have the means to manually fix any kinks which is likely to fix the issue, however, be aware that when this has happened it is significantly more likely to happen again so you may need to purchase a new hose.

If you are unable to see any obvious kinks or obstructions you could remove the drain hose from the machine and blow through it to discover any blockages. Make sure you line the floor with newspaper or towels before you remove the hose as there might still be dirty water in the pipe.

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

Take off the hose at the sink end and give it a good clean to clear the obstruction. If you are unable to get rid of the blockage or the waste pipe is cracked or worn buy a new one. If you may get rid of the obstruction then re-attach the hose and start a short cycle to find out if you have fixed the fault.

You could also inspect where the pipe connects under your sink. This is a common place for debris to build up so if you happen to remove the waste hose give this connection a thorough scrub as well.

Examine the drain valve

You could manually check the drain valve to check it hasn’t seized. The drain valve will usually be situated in the bottom of the dishwasher on the valve bracket. Check your instruction manual if you can’t see it.

Depressing the valve or giving it a wiggle will likely be enough to find out if it’s stuck. If you can see any debris blocking it remove this. If you are unable to, this could be a good time to get in touch with a plumber unless you are confident in procuring and repairing the valve on your own.

Inspect your pump is not broken

Your water pump makes use of impellers that can become obstructed by pieces of glass or other debris. Check your pump isn’t blocked by removing the safety cover and ensuring that the impellers are free to move.

Listen to your dishwasher while it’s running

If it sounds unusual your dishwasher pump or motor could be damaged and need replacing.

Call a plumber

If none of the above checks has solved the fault, or you suspect the pump, pump valve or motor are damaged, it may be time to get the professionals.

This way though you will at least manage give them more information and have prevented needing to pay a big call-out charge for a clogged filter.