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Bosch dishwasher not draining
Common reasons your Bosch dishwasher is not draining
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher is not draining are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a defective electronic control board.
31% of the time it's the Drain Pump
25% of the time it's the Drain Hose
15% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
29% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Bosch dishwasher
Drain Pump Replacement
A dishwasher that’s not draining often has a failed drain pump. The drain pump motor could be bad or the drain pump impeller could be damaged. The drain pump may make a loud noise when the impeller is damaged. The motor may make a loud buzzing noise or not make any noise at all if it isn’t spinning the impeller during the drain portion of the dishwashing cycle. The drain pump is hard to access so you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician check out the drain pump and replace it if it isn’t working.
Drain Hose Replacement
When the dishwasher will not drain properly, a cracked or clogged drain hose could be causing the failure. The drain hose connect to the drain pump and carries wastewater to the sink drain. The drain hose has a check valve to prevent drain water from siphoning back into the dishwasher at the end of the drain routine. A cracked hose or check valve can let water blow back into the tub when the drain pump stops. Accessing the drain hose is difficult so you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert fix the drain hose when it’s cracked or damaged.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
If your dishwasher is not draining, you can suspect that it has a defective electronic control board if the drain pump doesn’t run. The control board should send electrical current to the drain pump during the drain portion of the dishwashing cycle. A failed relay or corrupted logic on the circuit board could prevent the control board from sending electrical current to the drain pump. Determining whether an electronic control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the dishwasher when it is not draining.
Why is my Bosch dishwasher holding water in the bottom?
When your Bosch dishwasher isn't draining, start with the simplest checks. Blockages from food particles, debris, or other obstructions in the drain pump filter, garbage disposal, air gap, or drain hose are common reasons for this issue. The position of the drain hose might also cause a problem with draining. Addressing these problems can often get your dishwasher draining properly again without needing a major repair.
Check for Food Particles and Debris
Food particles and debris can easily cause dishwasher drain problems. These can build up at the bottom of the dishwasher tub or clog the drain pump filter, preventing water from draining away.
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Inspect the Bottom of the Tub: Open the dishwasher door and look for any visible food debris or particles around the sump area. Remove any buildup with a paper towel or cloth.
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Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Locate the drain pump filter, usually found at the bottom of the tub. You can check your owner's manual for its location. Remove the filter and rinse it under running water to clear out any food particles or debris. Make sure to securely reinstall the filter before running another cycle.
Check the Garbage Disposal
A clogged garbage disposal is another common reason a dishwasher won't drain. Dishwashers are often connected to the garbage disposal, and if the disposal is blocked, water won't drain properly from the dishwasher.
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Run the Garbage Disposal: Turn on the garbage disposal to clear any waste that may be blocking the drain path. Run water into the disposal for a few seconds after it stops to ensure the drain is clear.
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Inspect for a Knock-Out Plug: If a garbage disposal was recently installed, make sure the knock-out plug in the drain pipe connection was removed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove this plug if it is still in place.
Check the Sink Air Gap
An air gap, installed on some kitchen sinks, prevents drain water from backing up into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged with debris, it can cause draining problems.
- Inspect and Clean the Air Gap: Remove the air gap cover and check for any clogs. Clean out any debris using a small brush or rinse it with water. Securely reinstall the air gap cover.
Check the Drain Hose
The dishwasher drain hose must be installed correctly to ensure proper draining. If the hose is kinked or if there isn't a high loop, it can cause water to back up into the dishwasher.
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Inspect the Drain Hose for Kinks or Blockages: Check the drain hose from the dishwasher to the sink or garbage disposal for any kinks or visible blockages. Straighten any kinks you find.
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Verify the Drain Hose Loop: Ensure the drain hose has a loop that is higher than the drain connection point. This high loop prevents water from siphoning back into the dishwasher. Adjust the hose if necessary to create the proper loop.
By following these steps, you can often resolve draining problems without needing professional help. If these checks don’t solve the issue, consider more advanced troubleshooting or contact a professional technician.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Dishwasher Draining Problems
If the simple checks haven’t resolved the issue and your dishwasher still won’t drain, it may be time for more advanced troubleshooting. This could involve checking for deeper clogs, a malfunctioning drain pump, or even electrical issues. Here are some steps to consider:
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Check the Dishwasher Drain Hose for Clogs: If the hose was previously inspected for kinks, it’s time to look deeper. Disconnect the drain hose and inspect it for clogs or buildup that might not be visible from the outside. Clear any obstructions before reconnecting it securely.
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Inspect the Drain Pump: The drain pump pushes water out of the dishwasher. If the pump is faulty or obstructed, it won’t function properly. Access the drain pump and look for visible obstructions or signs of damage. If the pump is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
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Examine Electrical Components: Sometimes, a control board or wiring issue can prevent the dishwasher from draining. Check for any loose wires or burnt connections that might indicate an electrical problem. If you are not comfortable checking these components yourself, it’s best to call a professional technician.
For a detailed guide on how to perform these simple and more advanced troubleshooting steps, watch this video:
What to expect when you experience a Bosch dishwasher not draining issue
How is the not draining problem fixed?
Correcting most not draining problems usually involves replacing the drain pump, drain hose or electronic control board. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not draining
When the dishwasher is not draining it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.
What to look out for with a dishwasher not draining diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
Troubleshooting a Bosch Silence Plus 44 dba Not Draining
When you discover that your Bosch Silence Plus 44 dba dishwasher is not draining, check the sink drain for a clog. If the kitchen sink is stopped up, clear the clog so the dishwasher will drain properly.
If your Bosch Silence Plus dishwasher drain hose connects to the garbage disposal under your sink, clear the garbage disposal so water drains freely through the disposal and kitchen sink drain.
Check the air gap for a clog and clean out the air gap if drain water doesn’t flow through it smoothly.
If these troubleshooting tips don’t help you fix your Bosch Silence Plus 44 dba dishwasher not draining, schedule a visit by a Sears Home Services technician to diagnose your appliance and repair the problem.
How to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher that is Not Draining
A Bosch dishwasher not draining reset involves completely shutting off electrical power to the dishwasher so the electronic control board will reboot and go back to its default settings.
To shut off power to the Bosch dishwasher and reset the control so the dishwasher drains, flip the light switch beside the garbage disposal light switch next to the sink if you have that switch installed. That switch will completely shut off power to the dishwasher. Leave the switch off for 2 minutes and then turn it back on to restore power.
If your Bosch dishwasher does not have that switch installed, you can unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher to completely disconnect power for 2 minutes.
After restoring power to the dishwasher, see if it drains properly. If not, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home to fix the problem.
When your Bosch dishwasher ends with water pooling in the tub, clogged filters or a dead drain pump could be at fault. Standing water can lead to musty smells and spotty rinses. Rather than bailing out the basin, contact dishwasher fix near me. Proper drainage keeps your Bosch fresh and dishes residue-free.
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Thorough
James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.
Kirsten A, Oxford, PA
Service Call
Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
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Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.