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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
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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.
If your dishwasher retains soiled water, a clog or broken pump often needs attention. Standing water brings odors and subpar cleaning. Try dishwasher fix near me.
What our customers say about us
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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
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dishwasher Resources
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If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.
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 dishwasher filter is designed to trap food particles, debris, and other residues during the wash cycle to prevent them from redepositing on dishes and clogging the drain.