Whirlpool dishwasher not draining properly
Common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher is not draining properly
The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher is not draining properly are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a faulty pump and motor assembly.
35% of the time it's the
Drain Pump
24% of the time it's the
Drain Hose
10% of the time it's the
Pump and Motor Assembly
31% of the time it's the
Something else
Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher
Drain Pump Replacement
A dishwasher that’s not draining properly 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.
Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement
When the dishwasher is not draining properly, 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.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining properly issue
How is the not draining properly problem fixed?
Correcting most not draining properly problems usually involves replacing the drain pump, drain hose or pump and motor assembly. 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 properly
When the dishwasher is not draining properly 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 properly 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.
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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.
Additional possible Whirlpool dishwasher symptoms you may experience
- Whirlpool dishwasher won't wash
- Whirlpool dishwasher won't start cycle
- Whirlpool dishwasher won't drain
- Whirlpool dishwasher will not spray water
- Whirlpool dishwasher not working
- Whirlpool dishwasher not washing
- Whirlpool dishwasher not turning on
- Whirlpool dishwasher not starting
- Whirlpool dishwasher not spinning
- Whirlpool dishwasher not heating
- Whirlpool dishwasher not filling
- Whirlpool dishwasher not drying
- Whirlpool dishwasher not draining
- Whirlpool dishwasher noisy
- Whirlpool dishwasher no water
- Whirlpool dishwasher no power
- Whirlpool dishwasher no heat
- Whirlpool dishwasher leaking water
- Whirlpool dishwasher leaking from bottom
- Whirlpool dishwasher leaking
- Whirlpool dishwasher gold series not cleaning
- Whirlpool dishwasher fills with water then stops
- Whirlpool dishwasher drain clogged
- Whirlpool dishwasher door not closing
- Whirlpool dishwasher display not working
- Whirlpool dishwasher dispenser not working
- Whirlpool dishwasher burning smell