The Drain Pump Is Damaged
Just like dishwasher filters, a drain pump can easily be blocked by leftover food particles and built-up grease. This will prevent the water from being drained after a washing cycle. Any debris that may have found its way to the pump can usually be found near the impeller .
Foreign objects, such as broken glass, can also easily slip into the drain pump and prevent the pump from working. You should be able to hear the pump struggling if there is a problem here.
Checking the drain pump requires access to the bottom of the dishwasher. This means youll need to disconnect the inlet hose and remove the base plate. Youll also have to take a resistance reading using a multimeter to ensure the pump is functioning correctly. If you feel uncomfortable performing any of these tasks or dont want to risk voiding your appliances warranty, call a to fix your dishwasher for you.
Drain Doctor is on hand to provide emergency plumbing services across the UK. We offer 24/7 drainage support, where our skilled technicians use the latest advanced cleaning equipment to efficiently and provide a long-lasting solution.
To find out more about our services, contact our expert drainage technicians at on 0800 707 172.
Part of
Solution : Clear Blockages On The Spray Arm
Although unlikely, a blocked spray arm can also be the culprit of water pooling in the bottom of the dishwasher.
As a reminder, spray arms are propellers that spin and spray your dishes with water during the cycle.
Food or hard water deposits can block the tiny holes in the spray arm, which disrupts the flow of water.
Its a good idea to clean the spray arms periodically, not only to prevent water from pooling in your dishwasher, but also because to maximize the cleaning power of your dishwasher.
If the spray arm is clogged, it cant distribute water throughout the entire chamber properly.
Instructions
Is Standing Water In The Dishwasher Normal
If the amount of water is 1 or 2 cups in the bottom of the dishwasher then it is normal as well as good. Because this water helps the seals to stop drying. If the seals of the machine get dry then it causes the machine to not work well. So after the wash cycle, the dishwasher stands wet due to the water droplets in the appliance tub. whirlpool dishwasher standing water under filter.
Usually, these droplets are the cause of the condensation drying law. So this water replaces after every wash cycle so every time the water drains and freshwater stand in the last of a wash cycle. But if the water is more than 2 cups then the garbage disposal or drain is clogged.
Recommended Reading: Pull Hair Out Of Drain
Don’t Miss: Bosch Dishwasher Customer Service Number
How To Fix A Miele Dishwasher That Wont Drain
Help & AdviceHow to Fix a Miele Dishwasher That Wont Drain
Finding water at the bottom of your Miele dishwasher means that the drain valve or pump is blocked. This can result in flooding in your dishwasher and cause it to function improperly. As a result, youre faced with dirty dishes, food debris floating around and possibly water leaks on your floor. In addition, if theres a hard object obstructing the valve or pump, you can face more serious technical issues further down the road. There is good news though. These Miele dishwasher problems can sometimes be solved on your own while in other cases, an expert may need to be called in. But before you do that, here are some guidelines as to how to unblock a Miele dishwasher.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining Common Problems

A dishwasher that doesnt drain creates a mess in your kitchen. Dirty water can spill onto your floor, leaving a trail of foul odors and debris. Not only do you have to mop up this mess, but you also have to clean the plates that are still dirty after the wash.
If you notice that your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining, take steps immediately to fix it. You can identify the source of the issue yourself and take steps to fix it or hire a professional if you feel more comfortable.
Here are a few causes of a Frigidaire dishwasher not draining and alternative models if you need to replace this old appliance.
You May Like: My Dishwasher Didn’t Drain
Consider Getting A Professional In
If you’ve carried out these quick checks and you still can’t get your dishwasher working properly, then it’s time to call in a professional.
You can use our free Which? Trusted Traders website, where you’ll find recommend tradespeople who have been through our rigorous screening process.
You can also use our Trusted Traders search tool below to find reliable local traders in your area.
Also, take a look at our guide to domestic appliance repairs to find out the average costs for a range of jobs, as quoted by Which? Trusted Traders from their years of experience.
If you want to give up and get a new one see our reviews for the best dishwasher for you.
Clear Drain Tube Under Sink
- Loosen the hose clamp on your drain tube where it connects to your garbage disposal or kitchen sink drain. Do this by turning it counter-clockwise with flat-head screwdriver.
- Put the drain hose in a bucket and set your dishwasher to drain by pressing the drain/cancel/start button for three seconds. Then close the dishwasher door to start it.
- While the drain tube is in the bucket, shake it to loosen the obstruction.
- When water comes shooting out, let it continue until its fully drained. If the bucket fills up, open the dishwasher door to stop the drain.
- Wiggle the drain hose back onto the garbage disposal unit or kitchen sink drain and tighten the hose clamp.
Pro tip: If you just installed a new garbage disposal before the dishwasher drain problem occurred, the cause may be a plastic plug inside the tube that connects to the dishwasher drain. To remove this plug, put your flat-head screwdriver in the disposals drain tube pipe and hit the back of the screwdriver with a hammer. That will knock out the plastic plug.
Scott Flint for Family Handyman
Also Check: Danby 18 Portable Dishwasher Ddw1805ewp
Dishwasher Not Draining 5 Steps To Fix It
Follow professional advice on how to fix a dishwasher that’s not draining, without damaging your machine. Get rid of standing water and unclog your appliance quickly.
Thank you for signing up to Realhomes. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Is your dishwasher not draining? A clogged dishwasher is inconvenient as standing water in your machine will make the kitchen smell bad and, of course, you’ll have to do all those dishes by hand…
Knowing how to clean a dishwasher properly is essential in preventing clog-ups, but if, despite your best efforts, you’re finding that the water just won’t drain, here’s what you should do, according to experts.
How To Diagnose Plumbing
Surprisingly often, drain problems with a dishwasher originate in drain parts outside the appliance itself. Not all the following steps will need to be completed. Continue until you determine the cause of the dishwasher’s drainage problems. If none of these plumbing-related issues seem to be at fault, then proceed to the diagnosing issues with the dishwasher itself.
Read Also: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Parts Diagram
Inspect Air Gap And Garbage Disposal
If the dishwasher is functioning properly, check your kitchens air gap or garbage disposal for clogs. Typically, your dishwasher shares a common drain with these devices. If either becomes clogged, an Electrolux dishwasher wont drain because this shared pipe is blocked.
Before starting a wash cycle, always run the disposal to clear the drain of any food particles. Regularly clean the air gap by removing its cover and scooping away visible debris with a paper towel or wire brush.
Is your Electrolux dishwasher not draining after trying these troubleshooting tips? Perhaps another issue, like the dishwasher not drying dishes, is hampering function. No matter the cause, the experts at Codys Appliance Repair can solve the problem!
You might find these related articles helpful…
Check The Drain Filter
The best place to start is to check the drain filter to ensure it isnt blocked. When it becomes blocked, your dishwasher might not be able to drain.
Heres how to check the drain filter:
Recommended Reading: Best Dishwasher 2021 Consumer Reports
Check The Sink’s Air Gap Cylinder
An air gap cylinder keeps water flowing in the right direction during the dishwashers cycles. It also prevents wastewater from backing up into the dishwasher. It should be located behind the sink and near the dishwasher outlet hose.
Check the air gap cylinder to make the inside is clear. If you notice any buildup, clean it out and make sure its tightly secured.
Solution : Unclog The Air Gap

Not all dishwashers have an air gap, but if yours does, theres a chance it has become clogged with debris, which can cause water to back up in your dishwasher.
How do you know if you have an air gap?
Its a small cylinder usually located near the sink and is often plastic with a protective metal casing. Heres an example:
If you dont see anything like that, you can skip this section.
Instructions
If youre a visual learner, check out this quick video that walks you through these steps.
Don’t Miss: What Is In Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Dishwasher Needs To Be Cleaned
Why wont my Electrolux dishwasher drain if the filter is dirty? The filter screens out debris to prevent drain pump clogs but can itself fall victim to blockages without regular cleanings. These clogs block water from draining, leaving puddles in the bottom of the dishwasher.
Heres how to clean the filter when you find your Electrolux dishwasher not draining:
- Remove the dishwashers lower rack.
- Take out the cylindrical filter by rotating it clockwise by the handle.
- Lift up on the flat filter to remove.
- Wash both components with a sponge under running water.
- Dry both thoroughly.
- Replace the flat filter.
- Place the cylindrical filter in its compartment and turn it counterclockwise by its handle until its secure.
- Replace the bottom rack.
Dishwasher Drain Pump Issue
A Frigidaire dishwasher drain pump facilitates draining by using an impeller to push water out of the dishwasher and through the drain hose. Sometimes food particles and debris can block the impeller, preventing proper draining. Refer to your user manual to determine how to access the drain pump and remove any blockages.
In other cases, the drain pump motor may fail, leaving the pump unable to expel water. Pump motor failure is usually confirmed with multimeter testing. If the pump shows a lack of continuity, it should be replaced by a professional dishwasher repair service.
Don’t Miss: Farberware Professional Fcd06abbwha Compact Portable Countertop Dishwasher
How Do I Fix A Dishwasher That Wont Drain
If youre reading this, were sorry your dishwasher is being difficult. Dont worry, though. A clogged dishwasher is a common and, in most cases, an easily fixed problem. Its also a problem most people want to take care of as quickly as possible. Nobody likes the stink and bacteria-spreading mess of standing water in their dishwasher.
Well walk you through the most common causes and fixes of this kitchen plumbing issue. That way, if it ever happens again, you can go, Aha! I know exactly what to do.
When To Call A Professional
If you have a newer dishwasher that isn’t anywhere close to old enough for replacement, you will likely want to figure out how to fix the current one. If you’ve tried all of the above fixes and the dishwasher is still not draining, several dishwasher parts could be at fault. Most dishwasher replacement parts are widely available online use the machine’s model number to find the right parts. Likely culprits include:
- Piston and nut assembly
- Drain pump and drain motor
Recommended Reading: Bamboo Cutting Board In Dishwasher
How To Fix Standing Water In Dishwasher
If you notice standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher, a repair may be necessary. However, while there are multiple reasons why the water in your dishwasher wont drain completely, most will not warrant a service call. Before calling a professional to fix the issue, follow these troubleshooting steps.
Dont Miss: My Sink Won T Drain But Isn T Clogged
Get Rid Of The Standing Water
The next thing to do after running the garbage disposal and cleaning out the air gap is to remove any standing water in your dishwasher. This may take some time the goal here is to get as much of the water out as possible so youre able to check for any possible mishaps inside the appliance. Start by scooping out water carefully. Use absorbent towels to mop things up as the water level gets low.
Also Check: Best Nonstick Cookware Dishwasher Safe
Clear Tube Before Air
- Push a straightened wire coat hanger 10 inches into the small air-gap tube.
- Set the dishwasher to drain/cancel/reset and close the door to start draining as you move the coat hanger up and down to break up the obstruction.
- Look for a column of water shooting up three inches above small air-gap tube.
If you dont have an air-gap up by the kitchen sink, your dishwasher drain hose goes directly into your garbage disposal or your kitchen sink drain. If this is the case, proceed to Step 4.
Scott Flint for Family Handyman
Great Reasons To Choose Fix Appliances Ca

If you have water in the bottom of your dishwasher, you are dealing with a problem that is a hassle and could potentially be very stinky. Dishwashers are needed for the family to stay clean and organized. There is no need for a dishwasher to be clogged for a long time. Instead of troubleshooting and figuring out how to fix the problems yourself, entrust the job to the professional technicians at Fix Appliances CA.
The team at Fix Appliances CA has seen it all and has the expertise and safety procedures to get the job done quickly and efficiently. So give the friendly appliance team at Fix Appliances a chance to save you time and hassle and get your kitchen smelling better today.
Some of the greatest reasons for choosing Fix Appliances CA are:
- FREE service call with your repair
- Locally owned and operated company
- Fixed prices on all repairs
- Services are available same day
- Professional expertise with fifteen years of working with appliances.
Our technicians are waiting for your call. So dont wait another minute with the dishwasher that will not drain. Call us today at or online now! You can find our services in Ottawa, Toronto and any other GTA areas.
Discount Coupon
Don’t Miss: Bosch 300 Panel Ready Dishwasher
If Your Dishwasher Isnt Draining Try The Following:
Check the pump seal.
If theres just a teensy bit of water in the bottom of your dishwasher, you dont need to worry. You need a little bit of water to remain in the bottom to make sure the pump seal remains moist.
Check the dishwasher door.
If its not closed all the way and latched, the dishwasher wont finish draining. Try closing the door, latching it, and running the dishwasher again.
Check the cycle.
If the cycle was interrupted, the dishwasher might not have drained. Look for a cancel/drain button or a way to reset the dishwasher. If you don’t see a button clearly labeled on the dishwasher dash, go online and google your dishwasher’s make and model to see if you need to press a combination of buttons to make it drain.
Check the electrical source.
Many dishwashers are plugged into an outlet that is controlled by an electrical switch. Make sure you didnt accidentally turn off the electrical source mid-cycle. The switch is often next to your garbage disposal switch and can be easily switched off without you realizing you’ve cut the power to your dishwasher.
Check your dishwasher drain hose.
Your drain hose is probably connected to your garbage disposal, which means you could be experiencing issues with the disposal or the drain hose. Check to see if:
- The drain hose is kinked, preventing drainage
- The drain hose is clogged
- The knockout plug is still in place and needs to be removed
- The drain hose is hanging down or is too long
You may need a new drain hose.