Dishwasher won't drain
Most drain failures come from a clogged filter or a blockage in the drain hose or air gap, not a broken pump. Start by checking the filter at the bottom of the tub and the garbage disposal knockout plug if the dishwasher is newly installed.
Phone line open Monday to Saturday, 08:00–20:00. Call for today’s availability.
Check the filter first
The filter sits at the bottom of the tub, usually a round or cylindrical piece you can twist and lift out. Food particles, labels, and small bits of glass collect here and block water from draining away. With the dishwasher unplugged or the breaker off, remove the filter and rinse it under the tap. Clear any debris from the sump area underneath it as well, then replace the filter and make sure it clicks or locks back into position. A loose or missing filter can also cause drainage problems, since it changes how water flows to the pump.
Look at the drain hose for kinks or clogs
- Pull the dishwasher out slightly, with power off, to see the drain hose running to the sink cabinet or disposal.
- Check for a kink, a tight bend, or a section pinched under the unit itself.
- If the hose has a loop secured high under the counter (a standard installation requirement), confirm it has not come loose or collapsed.
- A straightened, unobstructed hose with no low points lets water flow out properly.
Check the air gap or disposal connection
If the dishwasher connects through an air gap (a small cylinder on the sink or counter) or through a garbage disposal, both are common points of blockage. Remove the cap on the air gap and clear out any debris inside with a brush. If the dishwasher drains through a disposal unit, make sure the disposal itself is clear of standing water, since a clogged disposal will back up into the dishwasher. If the disposal was recently installed and the dishwasher has never drained since, a knockout plug inside the disposal inlet may still be in place.
Check the cycle and settings
Confirm the cycle finished completely. Some cycles pause partway through, and opening the door or a power interruption partway through a cycle can leave standing water. Run a short rinse or drain cycle on its own and watch whether water clears at the end. If the control panel shows an error code, check the fault against the setting it refers to rather than assuming the pump has failed.
Check that the machine sits level
A dishwasher that is not level front-to-back or side-to-side can leave standing water pooled at one corner of the tub, which can look like a drain fault. With the machine empty, place a level on the open door or tub floor and check both directions. Adjust the leveling feet at the base if the machine rocks or sits noticeably off level. This is a quick check that rules out a simple cause before assuming something inside the machine has failed.
Signs the fault is inside the machine
If the filter, hose, air gap, and levelling all check out and water is still sitting in the tub at the end of every cycle, the problem is likely with the drain pump, a valve, or wiring inside the unit. Repeated drain failures right after a cycle restarts, unusual grinding or humming from underneath the tub, or standing water that returns immediately after being manually drained are signs the issue needs a technician. These parts sit behind the tub panel and are not meant to be opened or tested by hand.
When it needs a technician
If these checks have not sorted it, the fault is inside the machine. See Dishwasher Repair Kingston for repairs in Kingston, Amherstview, Bath, or call (343) 305-5417.
Dishwasher won't drain FAQ
Why is my dishwasher not draining?
The most common causes are a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose, or debris in the air gap or disposal connection. Checking these first resolves most cases without needing a technician.
Dishwasher not draining fully, what should I check?
Check the filter and sump area for debris, then confirm the drain hose has no kinks and the air gap is clear. Partial draining often points to a partial blockage rather than a failed pump.
Dishwasher won't drain at end of cycle, is that normal?
No, a small amount of water at the very bottom of the tub can be normal, but standing water covering the filter is not. Check the filter and drain hose before assuming a fault.
Dishwasher won't drain completely, could it be the installation?
Yes, a newly installed dishwasher that has never drained properly often has a knockout plug still in place in the garbage disposal inlet, or a drain hose that was not looped correctly under the counter.
Dishwasher won't drain how do I fix it myself?
With the power off, clean the filter, clear the air gap, and check the drain hose for kinks. If water still won't clear after these checks, the fault is likely inside the machine and needs a technician.
Request Dishwasher Repair Kingston
Fastest way to book is a call: (343) 305-5417, Monday to Saturday, 08:00–20:00. Or send the form and we’ll call you back.