Dishwasher Not Draining? Here Are Some Common Problems and Solutions

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AtoZ
January 10, 2023
Dishwasher Repair

Is your dishwasher not draining? Thankfully, this is quite an easy problem to fix. In this guide, we cover the most common problems and then give you detailed solutions so you can fix your dishwasher.

Start by checking the drain impeller and then work your way through the guide until you find the cause of the problem and have fixed it.

The drain impeller might be faulty

The first common problem to check out is a faulty drain impeller. The purpose of the drain impeller is to push water out of your dishwasher through the drain hose during the wash cycle. If it becomes defective, your dishwasher might not drain.

Follow these steps to check the drain impeller:

  1. Locate the drain impeller. (Consult your user manual if you’re not sure where to find it.)
  2. Thoroughly inspect the drain impeller to make sure it isn’t damaged.
  3. If damaged, the impeller needs to be replaced. If it isn’t damaged, you can move on to checking the drain hose.
  4. If you’ve replaced the drain impeller, check if your dishwasher can now drain. If it still won’t drain, check the drain hose.

The drain hose might be faulty

If the drain hose becomes bent or is leaking, your dishwasher won’t be able to drain. If the hose is leaking, this will be obvious as you’ll have a big puddle on your floor. If this is the case, replace the hose immediately.

Follow these steps to check the drain hose:

  1. Start by locating the drain hose.
  2. Disconnect it from your dishwasher and the sink.
  3. Check for any signs of damage. If the drain hose is damaged, replace it.
  4. If the hose isn’t damaged, clean it out. A piece of wire can be used to dislodge anything blocking the hose.
  5. Once you’ve cleaned the hose and made sure it isn’t bent or damaged, reattach it to your dishwasher (or attach a new one, if necessary) and check if it can now drain. If not, check the drain pump.

The drain pump might be faulty

The drain pump is activated when your dishwasher needs to drain water during and at the end of a wash cycle. Sometimes the motor in the pump becomes defective, which stops it from functioning. When this happens, your dishwasher won’t be able to drain.

Follow these steps to check the drain pump:

  1. Switch the power off.
  2. Locate the drain pump. (Consult your user manual if you’re not sure where to find it.)
  3. Once you’ve located the pump, remove it from your dishwasher. (You’ll need to disconnect the wires and remove the screws that secure it in place.)
  4. Once removed, test the drain pump motor with a multimeter to ensure it has continuity.
  5. If the motor fails the test, the pump unit needs to be replaced. If it passes the test, it’s working correctly so you can reattach it and move on to checking the drain solenoid.
  6. If you’ve installed a new pump, run your dishwasher for a cycle and check if it can now drain. If not, check the drain solenoid.

The drain solenoid might be faulty

If checking the first three components hasn’t fixed the problem, the next component to check and rule out as the cause of your dishwasher not draining is the drain solenoid. The purpose of the drain solenoid is to open the drain valve so water can be removed from your dishwasher. If it fails to work, your dishwasher won’t be able to drain.

Follow these steps to check the drain solenoid:

  1. Locate the drain solenoid. (Consult your user manual if you’re not sure where to find it.)
  2. Inspect the drain solenoid to make sure it isn’t damaged.
  3. If damaged, the drain solenoid needs to be replaced. If you don’t find any obvious damage, it most likely isn’t faulty so you can move on to checking the drain valve.
  4. If you’ve installed a new drain solenoid, turn your dishwasher on and check if it can now drain. If not, check the drain valve.

The drain valve might be faulty

If the drain valve gets clogged or won’t open, water won’t be able to flow through it properly and your dishwasher will stay filled with water.

Follow these steps to check the drain valve:

  1. Locate the drain valve. (Consult your user manual if you’re not sure where to find it.)
  2. Check if the valve can open and close properly. If it’s electronic, you can check it with a multimeter. If the valve doesn’t have continuity, replace it.
  3. Next, make sure nothing is blocking the valve from being able to operate. If an obstruction is present, remove the offending object.
  4. Once you’ve examined or replaced the drain valve, turn your dishwasher on and check if it can now drain. If not, check the check ball and check valve.

The check ball and check valve might be faulty

The purpose of these two components is to stop water from coming back into your dishwasher once it drains out. If they’re faulty, water will come back in and your dishwasher won’t properly drain.

Follow these steps to check the check ball and check valve:

  1. Locate the check valve. (Consult your user manual if you’re not sure where to find it.)
  2. Make sure the check ball isn’t stuck. If it’s stuck, you should be able to free it. But if this isn’t possible, the whole valve unit will need to be replaced.
  3. If the ball is fine, make sure the valve can open and close properly. If damaged, the valve unit will need to be replaced. If the valve is working correctly, you’ll need to get a technician to come and inspect your dishwasher.
  4. Once the valve and ball are repaired or replaced, turn your dishwasher on and check if it can now drain. If it still doesn’t drain, you’ll need to get a technician to come and inspect your dishwasher.
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