Dishwasher won't drain
Common reasons your dishwasher wont drain
The most common reasons your dishwasher won't drain are a failed drain pump, faulty pump and motor assembly or a cracked drain hose.
61% of the time it's the
Drain Pump
17% of the time it's the
Pump and Motor Assembly
13% of the time it's the
Drain Hose
9% of the time it's the
Something else
Common dishwasher repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.
Drain Pump Replacement
When your dishwasher doesn't drain properly, it's likely due to a malfunctioning drain pump. This could be because the drain pump motor is faulty or the impeller inside the pump is damaged. If the impeller is damaged, the drain pump may produce a loud noise. Alternatively, if the motor isn't spinning the impeller during the draining phase of the dishwashing cycle, it may either emit a buzzing noise or remain silent. Since the drain pump is difficult to reach, it's best to have a Sears Home Services Technician examine it and replace it if necessary.
Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement
When the dishwasher won't drain, the pump and motor assembly that drains the water is often faulty. The motor spins a pump impeller and the impeller that moves the water through the drain hose could be damaged. A faulty motor could also be failing to spin the impeller properly. You'll likely hear a grinding or whining noise when those failures are happening. Have a Sears Home Services Technician repair the dishwasher when a faulty pump isn’t draining the water properly.
Drain Hose
If your dishwasher isn't draining properly, a blocked or damaged drain hose may be the culprit. The drain hose links to the drain pump and directs wastewater to the sink drain. Equipped with a check valve, the hose prevents drain water from flowing back into the dishwasher once the drain cycle is complete. However, if the hose or check valve is cracked, water may flow back into the tub when the drain pump ceases operation. Since accessing the drain hose is challenging, it's best to enlist the help of a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to address any cracks or damages.
What to expect when you experience a dishwasher wont drain issue
How is the won't drain problem repaired?
Fixing most drainage issues typically requires replacing the drain pump, pump and motor assembly, or drain hose. However, since there are various possible causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to determine the cost of the repair.
Sears Home Services recommended strategies for a dishwasher that won't drain
If your dishwasher isn't draining, there could be various reasons for it. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians possess extensive experience in diagnosing all kinds of dishwasher problems.
What you will see with a dishwasher won't drain diagnosis
Identifying issues in modern appliances without adequate knowledge and training can prove challenging. Without employing appropriate diagnostic methods, resolving problems with your dishwasher may involve merely replacing parts based on guesswork. Appliances, particularly those developed over the last decade, have become highly advanced, often featuring electronic components that are challenging to assess. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming more challenging.
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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!
James G, Hillsboro, MO
Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO
Repair Dishwasher Resources
Learn how a rinse aid dispenser works in a dishwasher and how to troubleshoot problems.
Learn how an air gap works in the drain system of a dishwasher.
Learn how a portable dishwasher works.
Learn how a recirculation pump works in a dishwasher and how to troubleshoot pump problems.
Glossary Terms
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.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.
A furnace blower motor is a crucial component of a home heating system that drives the fan responsible for circulating air throughout the HVAC system and into the living spaces of the home.
Common dishwasher symptoms to look out for
- Dishwasher won't wash
- Dishwasher won't turn off
- Dishwasher won't start cycle
- Dishwasher not working
- Dishwasher not washing
- Dishwasher not turning on
- Dishwasher not starting
- Dishwasher not spinning
- Dishwasher not heating
- Dishwasher not filling
- Dishwasher not drying
- Dishwasher not draining properly
- Dishwasher not draining
- Dishwasher not cleaning bottom rack
- Dishwasher noisy
- Dishwasher no water
- Dishwasher no power
- Dishwasher no heat
- Dishwasher lights flashing and will not start
- Dishwasher light not working
- Dishwasher leaks water
- Dishwasher leaking water
- Dishwasher leaking from bottom
- Dishwasher leaking
- Dishwasher door not closing
- Dishwasher display not working
- Dishwasher dispenser not working
- Dishwasher detergent not dispensing
- Dishwasher burning smell
These dishwasher brands may also experience won't drain
- Whirlpool dishwasher won't drain
- Tappan dishwasher won't drain
- Samsung dishwasher won't drain
- Maytag dishwasher won't drain
- LG dishwasher won't drain
- KitchenAid dishwasher won't drain
- Kenmore Elite dishwasher won't drain
- Kenmore dishwasher won't drain
- Hotpoint dishwasher won't drain
- GE Profile dishwasher won't drain
- GE dishwasher won't drain
- Frigidaire dishwasher won't drain
- Bosch dishwasher won't drain
- Amana dishwasher won't drain