Dishwasher Not Draining? How to Fix It Yourself
Short answerA dishwasher that won't drain usually has a clogged filter or sump, a kinked or clogged drain hose, a blocked air gap, or a clogged garbage disposal. Turn off the power and clean the filter first. If you just installed a new disposal, remove its knockout plug, which blocks the drain completely.
Safety first
- Turn off the dishwasher's breaker and close the water valve under the sink before you work on it.
- Watch for broken glass in the sump. Wear gloves, and never put your hand into the garbage disposal.
- Do not use drain cleaner in the dishwasher. Mop up spills and dry the floor within 24 to 48 hours.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filter or sump | Standing water, with food, labels or seeds at the bottom of the tub. | Remove the filters, rinse them and clear the sump. |
| Drain hose kinked or clogged | The hose under the sink is crushed, sagging or pinched. | Straighten it, or detach it and flush it with warm water. |
| Clogged sink, disposal or air gap | The sink also drains slowly, or water comes out of the air gap on the counter. | Run the disposal and clear the trap, and clean the air gap. |
| Disposal knockout plug left in | The problem began right after a new disposal was installed. | Remove the plug as described in the disposal's instructions. |
| Jammed or failed pump | A steady hum with no water moving, or a grinding sound. | Check the sump for debris. If it still fails, schedule service. |
What you need
- Towels and a shallow pan
- Cup, for bailing water
- Gloves
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Flashlight
How to fix it
- Cut power and water. Turn off the breaker and close the valve under the sink. Pull out the bottom rack.
- Remove the standing water and clean the filter. Bail out the water with a cup and towels. Note that on some models, 1 to 2 cups of clean water at the bottom is normal. Take out the filters as your manual shows, rinse them, and clear food, seeds, labels or glass from the sump with care.
- Clear the sink and disposal. Run the disposal to empty it before you run the dishwasher. If the sink is also slow, clear that clog first. If the disposal is new, turn off its power and remove the knockout plug as its instructions show.
- Check the hose. Look under the sink for a kinked, crushed or sagging drain hose. Disconnect it if needed and flush it with warm water, with a pan underneath. If there is no air gap, secure a high loop under the counter, as your installation guide specifies.
- Clean the air gap. If there is a small cap by the faucet, take it off and remove any debris.
- Test. Reconnect everything, restore the power and water, and run a short rinse. Use only dishwasher detergent, in the right amount, because too many suds also slow draining.
When to call a professional
- You hear a steady hum or grinding and the sump is clear, which suggests the pump.
- The pump never starts, which can point to the door switch, wiring or control board.
- You feel a tingle when you touch the unit. Stop using it, and call an electrician.
What it costs to have fixed
Appliance Repair is estimated at $90 to $460 nationally. See your state
Common questions
Why is there water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
A clogged filter or sump is the first thing to check, followed by the drain hose, air gap and disposal. GE notes that 1 to 2 cups of clean water is normal on models without an Ultra Fine filter.
Can I use drain cleaner in a dishwasher?
No. GE says not to use drain cleaner in the dishwasher. Clear the clog by hand at the filter, hose or sink drain instead.
Why won't my dishwasher drain after installing a new disposal?
The knockout plug inside the disposal's dishwasher inlet was probably not removed. Take it out following the disposal's instructions.
Why is my dishwasher not draining if nothing is clogged?
The cause may be electrical or in the controls. Whirlpool says that if the cycle pauses without the drain pump engaging, look at less common causes such as the timer, the control board, a door switch or the wiring. Source
Related repairs
- Dryer Not Heating? Safe Checks Before You Call
- Refrigerator Not Cooling? What to Check First
- Washing Machine Not Draining? How to Fix It
Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- GE Appliances: Dishwasher Not Draining — Clogged filters, sump, drain hose, running the disposer first, air gap, disposer plug, no drain cleaner, over-sudsing, high loop, and 1 to 2 cups of water being normal on some models
- Whirlpool: Dishwasher Not Draining — Shutting off power and water first, cleaning filters and sump, flushing the hose, knockout plug, hum meaning a jammed pump, and when to schedule service
- CDC: About Mold — Drying wet areas within 24 to 48 hours
- NFPA: Electrical Safety Checklist — A tingle when touching an appliance means call a qualified electrician
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.