Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

No-one wishes to open their machine and discover standing water but, don’t overreact just yet. You could manage solve the error before you have to call a plumber or acquire a brand-new dishwasher.

Your dishwasher refusing to empty could have multiple of causes a number of which are simple to resolve. So, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service here is a list of probable things you could identify on your own. A few of which aren’t even caused by the machine itself.

Check the dishwasher wasn’t stopped mid-program

It is probable that there is nothing stopping your dishwasher from emptying. Rather, the program might have been stopped mid-way.

The cycle could have been stopped mid-way for a number of of reasons. Kids pushing controls, accidentally pushing on the buttons, a power cut or opening the dishwasher mid-cycle could all interrupt the program and mean your dishwasher doesn’t empty.

If you think this may be the circumstance, or you feel it may be worthwhile checking start your dishwasher again on a quick program.

A few appliances may have an empty cycle so it’s worthwhile checking your instruction manual or checking online to check.

Check the disposal

If your dishwasher is attached to a garbage disposal inspect this before you move on as a blocked garbage disposal will prevent your machine from emptying. Turn on the disposal with fast running water to check there are no obstructions.

If you do discover an issue drain unclogger or a plunger could be sought after to remove the blockage and so this might solve the fault.

Check the plumbing for issues

If you sink is emptying slowly this might indicate an issue with the drains instead of a problem with your machine.

In the case that the kitchen sink is emptying reluctantly you can try putting a little bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar down the plughole, leaving it for a while, then washing it away with hot water.

A plunger could also be utilized to attempt to remove the blockage.

This might be all you need to do to permit the appliance to work again so start a quick rinse and drain program at this point. If not you could remove the standing water by hand using a cup as well as a sponge and troubleshoot the next few possible issues.

At this point make certain to disconnect the machine to stay safe.

If while you are carrying out one of these investigations you believe you may have discovered and repaired the issue you don’t need to go through the rest of the steps. Just complete an empty program to ensure your machine is repaired.

Inspect and wash the filters

Any number of things could block the filters including popcorn, labels from containers, film lids and broken glass. Clear plastic lids can also be hard to see if you don’t look closely.

Remove the filter and give it a good clean before replacing it. Not all machines have their filter in the same location so you might need to consult the owners manual for this.

Is the drain pipe blocked?

The next area to inspect is the waste pipe. Many things could cause an obstruction including a build up of food debris, a kink in the hose, or a crushed hose. All of which can all prevent your machine from emptying.

Contingent upon the location of the waste hose (usually the corrugated one) you may manage look at it by lifting away the kick plate or you could be required to move the machine away from under the counter.

Have a look at the pipe in the first instance to find out if there are any kinks or it’s been squashed. You could have the means to fix these issues by hand which will most likely rectify the issue, but be aware that when this has occurred it is much more likely to happen again so you may need to order a spare hose.

If you are unable to find any obvious kinks or obstructions you could disconnect the drain hose from the machine and blow into it to discover any blockages. Be sure to put down newspaper or towels before you remove the hose as there could still be dirty water in the pipe.

If you can’t blow air through the pipe this might be the issue.

Take off the other end of the hose and then give it a thorough clean to remove the blockage. If you can’t shift the blockage or the pipe is split or worn buy a new one. If you could get rid of the obstruction then put the hose back and run a short cycle to make sure you have repaired the fault.

You could also examine where the hose connects to the sink as well. This is a typical point for a build-up of gunk so if you happen to remove the waste hose give this point a thorough clean as well.

Examine the drain valve

You can check the drain valve by hand to check it hasn’t stopped working. The drain valve will generally be found in the bottom of the dishwasher on the valve bracket. Consult your manual if you’re not sure.

Pushing down on the valve or wiggling it a bit will likely be adequate to find out if it’s seized. If you can see anything blocking it carefully extract this. If you are unable to, this may be when you should call a plumber unless you are happy in ordering and repairing the part on your own.

Inspect your pump is not blocked

Your dishwasher pump uses impellers that could be obstructed by pieces of glass or other debris. Check your pump isn’t blocked by taking off the cover and making sure the impellers can rotate freely.

Listen to your dishwasher while it’s on

If the dishwasher is making funny noises your dishwasher pump or motor might be broken and need to be repaired.

Call a repair person

If you have been through the above list and the problem persists, or you have reason to believe the pump, pump valve or motor are not working, it may be the moment you need to call for help.

This way though you will at least be able to give them more information and have prevented needing to pay a big repair charge for a clogged filter.

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