Kenmore Dishwasher Not Draining? How to Fix It

Finding water sitting in your Kenmore dishwasher after a wash can ruin your day. Drainage problems happen a lot, but you don’t always need a repair person to fix them. 

This guide shows you why your dishwasher might not be draining and gives you simple steps to fix it. With a few tools and some easy instructions, you can probably solve it yourself and skip the hassle of a service call.

Why Is Your Kenmore Dishwasher Not Draining?

Let’s explore the most frequent culprits behind a Kenmore dishwasher that won’t drain completely.

1. Clogged Filter Assembly

The filter system in your Kenmore dishwasher catches food particles and debris to prevent them from recirculating onto your dishes or clogging the drain. When these filters become excessively dirty, water cannot pass through effectively.

To clean the filter assembly:

1. Remove the bottom dish rack to access the dishwasher floor.
2. Locate the filter assembly in the center bottom area of the tub.
3. Depending on your Kenmore model, rotate the upper filter counterclockwise and lift it out.
4. Remove the lower filter by lifting it straight up.
5. Examine both filters for food debris, broken glass, or accumulated grime.
6. Rinse the filters under warm running water, using a soft brush to remove stubborn residue.
7. Check the filter housing area for any objects that might block drainage.
8. Reinstall the filters, ensuring they lock securely into position.
9. Run a rinse cycle to test drainage.

Experts recommend cleaning dishwasher filters at least monthly for optimal performance—more frequently if you often skip pre-rinsing dishes or run heavy soil loads.

2. Blocked Drain Hose

The drain hose carries wastewater from your dishwasher to the garbage disposal or drain pipe. Kinks, clogs, or improper installation can prevent proper drainage.

To inspect and clear the drain hose:

1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker.
2. Pull the dishwasher forward if it’s installed under a counter (you may need to adjust the leveling feet).
3. Locate the drain hose at the back of the unit—a ribbed plastic tube typically connected to the sink drain or garbage disposal.
4. Check for visible kinks, bends, or pinched areas along the entire hose length.
5. Disconnect the hose at both ends, placing towels beneath to catch water.
6. Visually inspect the hose for blockages or use a flashlight to look through it.
7. Clear any obstructions using a long, flexible brush or by flushing with warm water.
8. Ensure the drain hose forms a high loop (elevated section) before connecting to the drain to prevent backflow.
9. Reconnect the hose securely at both ends.
10. Restore power and run a test cycle.

When reinstalling, verify that the drain hose isn’t pushed too far into the disposal or drain pipe—this can actually impede drainage and cause backflow.

3. Clogged Garbage Disposal or Air Gap

If your Kenmore dishwasher connects to a garbage disposal, a clogged disposal can prevent proper dishwasher drainage. Similarly, a blocked air gap (if installed) can cause drainage failures.

To address disposal and air gap issues:

1. Check if your garbage disposal has been used recently—a newly installed disposal may still have the knockout plug in place.
2. Run the garbage disposal for 15 seconds with cold water to clear any obstructions.
3. If your setup includes an air gap (a small cylinder on the sink or countertop), remove its cap.
4. Inspect the air gap for debris and clean it thoroughly.
5. Test dishwasher drainage after clearing these components.

Knockout plugs in new disposals are a surprisingly common oversight that prevents dishwasher drainage—remove this disk according to your disposal manufacturer’s instructions if needed.

4. Faulty Drain Pump

The drain pump forces water out of your dishwasher during the drain cycle. When this component malfunctions, water remains in the tub.

To check the drain pump:

1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher.
2. Access the pump by removing the lower access panel or pulling the dishwasher forward.
3. Listen for unusual sounds by momentarily restoring power and initiating a drain cycle—grinding, buzzing, or humming may indicate pump issues.
4. Disconnect power again before proceeding with inspection.
5. Check for visible damage or objects caught in the pump impeller.
6. If accessible, manually rotate the pump motor to check for free movement.
7. If equipped with a diagnostic mode, run the drain pump test (consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions).
8. If the pump appears damaged or unresponsive, it will require replacement.

Listen closely during normal operation—a properly functioning drain pump produces a moderate hum, while silence during drain cycles suggests electrical problems or a failed pump.

5. Check Valve Issues

Many Kenmore dishwashers include a check valve in the drain path that prevents drained water from flowing back into the tub. When this valve sticks or fails, drainage problems occur.

To address check valve issues:

1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher.
2. Access the drain hose connection point at the pump.
3. Locate the check valve, usually a small plastic fitting with a flapper inside.
4. Inspect the valve for debris that might prevent it from opening properly.
5. Clean the valve and ensure the flapper moves freely.
6. If the valve appears damaged, replace it with an identical part.
7. Reassemble components and test dishwasher drainage.

Check valves can become sticky or damaged over time, requiring cleaning or replacement to restore proper drainage function.

6. Timer or Control Board Malfunction

In some cases, the dishwasher’s timer or electronic control board fails to activate the drain cycle properly. This is typically less common than mechanical issues but worth investigating if other solutions fail.

To troubleshoot electronic components:

1. Reset the dishwasher by disconnecting power for 5 minutes.
2. Restore power and select a drain cycle or cancel/reset option.
3. Listen for the drain pump activation.
4. Check for error codes on the display panel (refer to your owner’s manual for code interpretations).
5. If available, run diagnostics to test individual components.
6. If electronic issues are suspected, professional diagnosis may be the most efficient solution.

Control board problems typically manifest as multiple functional issues, not just drainage failures, so consider this possibility if your dishwasher shows other operational symptoms.

How to Prevent Dishwasher Draining Issues

Implement these practices to avoid future drainage problems:

1. Scrape dishes thoroughly before loading, removing bones, seeds, and large food particles.
2. Clean the filter assembly every 2-4 weeks depending on usage.
3. Run hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure drain lines start with warm water.
4. Use dishwasher cleaner monthly to prevent grease buildup in drain components.
5. Periodically check and clean the air gap and drain connection points.

Summary

If your Kenmore dishwasher won’t drain, it’s usually a clog somewhere. Start with easy stuff like cleaning the filter or checking the hose. If that doesn’t work, you might need to look at parts like the pump.

Most fixes are simple, and you can get new parts from appliance stores if needed. You’ve got this—get your dishwasher working again without breaking the bank! But don’t hesitate to call a professional if things get too complicated and confusing.