A guide · Editorially reviewed

Dishwasher won’t drain

Standing water can result from a dirty filter, blocked pump area, kinked hose, disposal/air-gap restriction or a failed drain pump.

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What changes the diagnosis here

Separate normal sump water from a tub that remains full after a drain command.

Separate normal sump water from a tub that remains full after a drain command.

Free and low-risk checks first

What to check next

General problem order
1

Clean the filter and sump area

Remove food debris from the user-accessible filter and sump.

How to check it safely
  1. Disconnect power.
  2. Remove the lower rack and filter as documented.
  3. Clean debris and reinstall correctly.
  4. Run a short drain test.

Why it helps: A blocked filter or sump is a common zero-part cause.

$0–$515–30 minEasyLow
2

Check drain hose, air gap and disposal connection

Inspect the full drain path for restrictions.

How to check it safely
  1. Disconnect power.
  2. Clean the sink air gap if fitted.
  3. Confirm the disposal knockout was removed after installation.
  4. Check for a kinked high loop or hose.

Why it helps: The household drain connection can prevent an otherwise working pump from draining.

$0–$2015–40 minEasyLow
3

Inspect the drain-pump area

Check the accessible pump cover and impeller area for debris.

How to check it safely
  1. Disconnect power.
  2. Remove standing water safely.
  3. Follow the model manual for user-accessible pump inspection.
  4. Stop before live testing.

Why it helps: Glass, labels and food debris can obstruct the pump.

$0–$2025–50 minModerateMedium
4

Test or replace the dishwasher drain pump

Confirm pump operation after restrictions are ruled out.

How to check it safely
  1. Disconnect power and water.
  2. Verify the exact pump part.
  3. Use a technician for electrical testing or base access.

Why it helps: A failed pump is plausible after filter and hose paths are clear.

$50–$33045–120 minAdvancedMedium
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Moderated first-party evidence

What matched FixEvidence outcomes show

No matched outcome sample yet

This page is currently based on reviewed diagnostic guidance and applicable rules. No moderated outcome matches this page closely enough to publish a rate.

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Is another repair worth it?

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Next relevant paths

Related diagnosis guides

Frequently asked questions

Should I replace a part based only on an error code?

No. A code identifies a detected condition, not necessarily the failed component. Rule out safe, inexpensive causes and confirm the exact model.

Why ask what I already tried?

The best next action changes when earlier checks fail. The engine removes repeated actions and applies prerequisite rules before ranking what remains.

Are success rates verified?

Every rate shows its denominator. Photo, receipt, invoice, technician and follow-up verification remain separate signals; none converts a small sample into high confidence.