Bosch Dishwasher Doesnt Drain How To Reset The Drain
- Post published:September 19, 2021
- Post category:Around the Kitchen/Dishwashers/Large Kitchen Appliances
Bosch dishwashers are some of the most reliable dishwashers in the marketplace. However, it doesn’t mean that they are completely error-proof. They can be subject to the same functional issues as any other dishwasher brand. We’ve researched how to reset a Bosch dishwasher when it doesn’t drain. In this post, we’ll discuss it in detail.
Below are a couple of ways that you can reset your Bosch dishwasher if it doesn’t drain.
Method 1. Use the Control Panel
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Troubleshooting Of Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining
Finding the source of the problem makes it easier to solve it as well as helps to become more aware of it in the future.
The following are some troubleshooting tips to diagnose the errors:
Clogged Air Gap
Wondering where the air gap in the Bosch dishwasher is? Though all the dishwashers dont have an air gap, some include a slight cap of sorts on top of the sink.
Unscrew the cover and clean it properly.
Obstructed Filter
If the filter of your Bosch dishwasher gets clogged, it can stop draining the water. Therefore, you will notice your unit is full of water after completing the cycle.
To fix it, remove the bottom rack of the unit to get access to the filter tube. Then rotate the bu turning anti-clockwise and removing the debris and food.
Clogged Drain Line
Inspect the drain line that runs from the dishwasher through the garbage disposal or sink. This place can get clogged up very easily.
If so, take the drain hose out and clean it thoroughly, especially the fittings close to the garbage disposal.
Drain Pump Failure
Drain pumps move water through the hose. If it fails, the water inside the dishwasher wont drain.
Use a multi-miter to check the continuity of the drain pump. If you find any interruption, replace the pump as it cant be repaired.
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Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining Causes And Solution
Hello Bosch Dishwasher owners! If you are facing a Bosch dishwasher not draining, dont worry. This post will break down the various things that you can do to fix this issue and get it working again. Bosch is one of the best brands for dishwashers for many people because they are durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
However, Bosch dishwashers also have a reputation for being difficult to repair if something goes wrong with them. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take before calling in a professional or buying a new dishwasher!
Detergent Dispenser Not Working

Detergent issues could also be responsible for a Bosch dishwasher not cleaning dishes sufficiently. Always use a quality dishwasher detergent that utilizes a blend of enzymes, soap, and rinse aid to dissolve food particles and lessen hard water stains.
However, even a high-quality detergent wont help if the dispenser doesnt open during a wash cycle. Check the dispenser and remove any accumulated residue that can clog it or prevent it from opening. If dishes remain dirty and the dispenser is still closed after a wash cycle, it may have malfunctioned and requires replacement.
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Why Do I Need To Descale My Dishwasher
Dishwashers are used on a regular basis which means that limescale can build up quickly, especially in hard water areas. To keep your dishwasher working as efficiently and effectively as possible, and to ensure your dishes come out perfectly clean, regular descaling is important.
How to descale a dishwasher?
Remove hard water residue and limescale buildup by using a descaler a few times a year. Simply start the hottest, longest cycle for the empty dishwasher . After 30 minutes add one box of Bosch descaler to the bottom of the dishwasher, then let the cyle continue. After the cycle has finished, run another wash cycle.
Descaling doesnt clean a dishwasher, it only removes hard water buildup. Use the Bosch dishwasher cleaner a few times a year to remove greasy residues.
Softening salt is a great way to soften the hard water used in your dishwasher. Review your owners manual to see if your dishwasher utilizes softening salt. If it does, simply pour the salt into the salt container, which is inside the dishwasher. To learn more, view our How to Add Salt video on our How-to Video page
Where Is Bosch Dishwasher Float Switch
The float switch is located near the bottom of the machine on the left side. Plug the wire harness connected to the float switch after you take a picture of the wiring. A flathead screwdriver can be used to pry the switch out of the sockets. If you dont have access to a soldering iron, you can solder the wires to each other with a small piece of electrical tape.
Be careful not to melt the tape, as it can be very difficult to re-solder. Once you have soldered the two wires together, it is a good idea to test the connection by plugging it into your computer and seeing if it works. If it does, then you are good to go.
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Dishwasher Filter Requires Cleaning
A clogged filter is one of the most common causes for a Bosch dishwasher not draining water. The filter screens out food particles and debris to prevent them from clogging the drain pump. However, if the filter becomes clogged, water wont be able to pass through the filter and will remain in the wash tub. If your dishwasher isnt cleaning dishes thoroughly or smells of mold or mildew, the filter may be due for a cleaning.
Heres how to clean a Bosch dishwasher filter:
Installing Your Bosch Dishwasher Drain Hose
Here are the steps involved with installing your Bosch dishwasher drain hose. Your dishwasher drain hose can be connected to your drain plumbing in 1 of 4 different ways:
You can attach it to your undersink dishwasher drain connection. You can attach it to your disposer dishwasher drain connection. You can attach it to your under-sink dishwasher drain connection. You can attach it to your disposer dishwasher drain connection.
Your dishwasher drain hose needs to have one place along the length, expertly attached twenty inches above your cabinet flooring.
Before any of this can happen, you will also need to install your rubber drain hose adapter. First, get your rubber drain hose adaptor, along with 2 hose clamps from your install kit. Along one outside end of your rubber hose drain adapter, youre going to find a raised rib. Put your drain hose inside the end that doesnt have the raised rib. Make sure the drain hose has been fully inserted. Using Silver Spring clamps, youre now going to make sure your connection has been properly secured. Finally, you are going to use the gold screw clamps to work at attaching your rubber drain hose adapter to your house plumbing.
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Using The Wrong Detergent
Dishwashers are designed to work with dishwashing detergents that leave no suds. Its all too easy to accidentally pour regular dishwashing soap into a dishwasher, where it can cause suds that obstruct the drain. If you run out of automatic dishwasher detergent and substitute laundry detergent, then the same problem can occur.
To fix this, clean the dishwasher tub until no water is left, and just run the cycle again with the correct type of detergent.
Bosch Dishwasher Drain Problem
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engineered wrote: Just fixed my washer with the exact same pump. Turned out to be a hair pin jamming the motor.Did you remove the hose to the pump before removing it to see if the pump was spinning?Look at the manual that’s taped to the base plate. You’ll see a diagnostic mode that may help you find the problem.
Drakestar wrote: Thanks for the reply. I removed the hose and used a screw driver to spin the blades. They spun freely. I didn’t notice a manual taped to the bottom. Maybe the installer removed it or I just did not notice it. I’ll take a look for it when I get home tonight.It sounds like it tries to run, but doesn’t actually get rid of the water. I thought about putting some food colouring in the water and watch and see if I can see it go through the translucent hose, but I’m not sure what that would tell me other than it is sort of working.
engineered wrote: My manual was taped to the back of the kickplate I removed to get at the motor.If you don’t have it I’m sure you can get it online by googling the model number.What about plugging the motor in and turning on the washer to drain mode, to see it spin?
Drakestar wrote: Definitely not on the back of the kickplate. I’m not sure I’d be able to see it spin because when you pull the hose off the hosing and look down the little ‘tunnel’ the rubber check valve flap thing is before the blades. I’ll try and google the troubleshooting modes.
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Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining But No Blockage
At this point, you know that the most common problem for Bosch dishwashers, when it comes to draining problems, is a block somewhere within the appliance. This can be easily resolved for most by simply removing and cleaning the filter at the bottom of the appliance or clearing out other spots that have the potential to block. However, if you clear these places of all debris and your dishwasher still isnt draining, what might be causing the problem?
If your Bosch dishwasher isnt draining, but there is no blockage, a failed drain pump may be the problem. The drain pump is a small part that is not incredibly expensive, but proper installation is essential when it comes to avoiding any further draining issues or potential leaks.
Why Is There Sitting Water In My Dishwasher

The water at the bottom of the dishwasher is not draining. This can be caused by a blocked drain hose or a jammed drain pump. It could be caused by a poorly installed drain hose or garbage disposal.
If the water level is too low, you may need to add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to your water. You can also try adding a small amount of water to the sink to see if that helps.
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Use The Control Panel
Many people may find resetting a Bosch dishwasher difficult because the control panel is on the unit’s upper door. This means that the controls are somewhat hidden, which can make them a bit difficult to access. However, if you have your instruction manual handy, it can make it easier to find the right control to correct any errors with the unit.
1. Press the start button
If the dishwasher is stuck on the drain cycle and the water will not run down, do not open the door while it is currently in operation. Doing so can potentially harm you and cause water damage to your floors.
Instead, hold down the start button on the dishwasher until you see the green “Active” or “On” light go out.
You may need to hold the button anywhere from three to five seconds until the light indicates that the dishwasher is cycling off. Depending on your model, there may be a “Cancel” or “Drain” button to press instead.
2. Let the water drain
When the dishwasher stops during the cycle, the water will stop projecting through the jets. Wait for about 10 minutes for the water to cool and drain, and then open up the dishwasher door. You may need to wait less time depending on the cycle that the dishwasher was placed.
In any event, you can also place your hand inside the dishwasher to feel if there is still too much heat to access the drain hose comfortably.
3. Check the drain hose
4. Fix any clogs or kinks
5. Replace the hose
6. Re-start the machine
Check The Air Gap For Clogs
The most common problem that prevents a Bosch dishwasher from draining is small bits of food caught in the air gap. Luckily, this is very easy to fix.
How it’s supposed to work:
Water is pumped from the dishwasher up through the air gap and then usually down through a larger hose to the garbage disposal. The problem is that when the water hits the top of the air gap, small bits of food can get stuck between the plastic lid and the built-in tube. This prevents the hose from working efficiently so the dishwasher doesn’t completely drain. It’s amazing what a huge problem a tiny bit of food can cause.
If you remove a bunch of debris, the problem is likely solved. Run the dishwasher on the rinse cycle and see if all the water is pumped out. If not, proceed to the next step.
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Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining
A Bosch dishwasher is an appliance that gives owners the freedom to get their dishes clean without ever having to question whether or not their dishes are going to come out clean, dry, and ready to be used without any additional care. However, part of this cleaning process includes the ability of the dishwasher to drain dirty water out of the appliance so drying can ensue. If you have a Bosh dishwasher and it isnt draining, read below to find the solution.
If your Bosch dishwasher is not draining, it could be that the air gap on your sink is clogged. To resolve this problem, remove the small piece that is either screwed off or easily popped off on the back of your sink and remove any debris from the area before trying to drain your dishwasher again.
Water is drained from your dishwasher and through the air gap, but sometimes, when water reaches the very top of the air gap, small bits of debris get stuck, which causes the water to begin to drain at a slower rate. If you see debris there, this is likely the issue. Once you have the area cleaned, be sure to load dishes that are free of any large pieces of food or any other items that could easily get stuck during the draining process to help prevent reoccurrence.
Bosch Dishwasher Doesnt Drain How To Fix
Bosch dishwashers are known for their ultra-low noise output levels and top-notch cleaning performance. However, one problem that many new customers face is their Bosch dishwashers failing to drain water. So, what is the root cause of this problem and, more important, how do we fix it?
If your Bosch dishwasher doesnt flush water as its supposed to, theres a good chance that theres a clog somewhere. Check the filter, garbage disposal, drain hose, drain pump, or air gap, and remove any solid debris before activating your dishwasher again.
In this brief guide, I will cover the various causes for why a Bosch dishwasher doesnt leak, as well as provide different troubleshooting methods.
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Whats The Best Way To Clean A Dishwasher
Pour 1 cup of hot water to flush the baking soda/vinegar mixture down the drain. With the filters out of the dishwasher, use hot, soapy water to clean them thoroughly. First, its helpful to let them soak in hot, soapy water to soften or loosen any food particles. Use a scrubbing brush to clean it off inside and out after soaking.
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