How to Drain Your Dishwasher Manually: 2025 Detailed Guide

Try the Simple Fixes First

Check the garbage disposal. If it’s full or a dishrag is stuck inside, the dishwasher won’t drain. Briefly run the garbage disposal to make sure the dishwasher drain path is clear.

Next, run the drain pump on the dishwasher by pressing the Cancel/Drain button. You may need to hold that button down for a few seconds on some dishwasher models to get the drain pump to run.

This may fix your problem so you can continue using the dishwasher normally. If not, you can continue with the DIY troubleshooting fixes shown in this popular YouTube video:

How to Manually Drain the Dishwasher

When the drain pump won’t run, or running the drain pump doesn’t drain out the water, you can manually drain water out of your dishwasher using a number of different methods.

The easiest way to get most of the water out of the dishwasher is to use a wet/dry shop vacuum to simply suck the water out of the sump. You can remove filters in the bottom of the sump if necessary to get out as much of the water as possible.

To get more water out of the dishwasher, follow the steps described below to suck water out of the dishwasher through the drain hose.

Getting Started: Gather Tools, Equipment and Follow Safety Precautions

Before you draining the dishwasher manually through the drain hose, you'll need to be well-prepared. Here's a list of supplies you'll need:

• Bucket or container to hold the drain water.
• Absorbent cloths or towels.
• Pliers or an adjustable wrench.
• Sponge or a soft brush.
• Rubber gloves.
• Wet/dry shop vacuum.

Keep these tools within arm's reach to ensure a seamless dishwasher drain process. Now, let's take a look at some essential safety measures:

• Disconnect your dishwasher from its power source to avoid any electrical mishaps.
• Put on your rubber gloves to protect your hands from potential debris or sharp objects.
• Position an absorbent towel on the floor under the dishwasher drain hose connection to absorb any excess water.
• Use a flashlight or shop light to properly illuminate hard-to-see areas and prevent accidents.

These safety precautions are crucial for your protection while draining your dishwasher manually.

The Step-By-Step Guide to Manually Drain Your Dishwasher through the Drain Hose

Follow these steps to disconnect the drain hose and drain water from the dishwasher:

1. Unplug the dishwasher's power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher to kill power to the appliance.
2. Find the dishwasher's drain hose. It's usually connected to the sink's drain pipe or the garbage disposal.
3. Position a bucket or container under the disconnected hose to collect the water that will drain out.
4. Carefully disconnect the drain hose. Place the end of the drain hose in the bucket and allow water to drain out. You may not see much water drain out because the dishwasher drain hose typically has an anti-siphon loop along the side of the dishwasher. On some dishwashers, the drain hose goes through an air cap on the top of the kitchen sink.
5. After initially draining water out of the dishwasher drain hose, use the wet/dry shop vacuum to drain all the water out of the dishwasher. If the drain hose goes through an air gap, you may need to disconnect the inlet side of the drain hose from the air gap to suck water out of the dishwasher better.
6. Stop the shop vacuum and check for water still remaining in the dishwasher. If water still remains inside the dishwasher tub, follow the steps in the above video to clear the drain path and use the shop vacuum to drain water out.
7. After you've successfully drained all water out of the dishwasher, reattach the hose to the sink or garbage disposal, ensuring it's securely fastened. Reattach the drain hose to the air gap if necessary.
8. Restore power to the dishwasher and run a test cycle to confirm that you've solved the drainage issue.

If you've followed these steps to drain the dishwasher manually and standing water in your dishwasher is still an issue, there could be other problems preventing water from draining such as:

• Clogged dishwasher drain pump inlet or clogged sump filter.
• Broken drain pump.
• Clogged garbage disposal or sink drain.
• Faulty electronic control board or timer.
• Wiring failure.

To troubleshoot these issues, you can clean the dishwasher sump filter, check the drain pump for obstructions, clear blockages in the sink and garbage disposal. If these steps don't solve the problem, it's best to schedule professional dishwasher repair service. A Sears Home Services technician will visit your home and fix the problem.

Preventing Future Dishwasher Drainage Issues

To ensure your dishwasher operates efficiently, it's crucial to prevent drain clogs. Here are some tips and techniques to help you avoid future drainage issues.

• Before loading dishes into the dishwasher, scrape off food remnants. Large food particles can clog the dishwasher drain. Avoid putting coffee grounds, fruit peels, and grease down the drain as they can cause blockages over time.
• Regularly inspect and clean the dishwasher's filter. This vital component prevents debris from entering the dishwasher drain and causing clogs. You'll find the filter at the bottom or near the back of the dishwasher, depending on your model. Clean the filter monthly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Run a monthly maintenance cycle using a dishwasher cleaner to remove buildup and odors. Ensure the cleaner is compatible with your dishwasher model and follow the product instructions for best results.
• Another effective way to prevent clogs is to use vinegar. Pour a cup of vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container and place it on the top rack of an empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle to help remove any buildup and keep the dishwasher drain clear.
• Have your dishwasher professionally maintained yearly by Sears Home Services. Our technician will thoroughly check, clean and maintain your dishwasher. The tech will be able to spot potential problems and help prevent failures such as drain issues before they occur so your dishwasher works flawlessly all year long.

By integrating these preventative measures into your regular dishwasher maintenance routine, you can prevent clogs and ensure efficient dishwasher draining. Refer to your dishwasher's user manual for additional maintenance instructions and recommendations. For top-quality dishwasher maintenance products, explore our range of cleaning solutions designed to help keep your dishwasher looking good and functioning properly.