Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining? | Spring Appliance Repair

Although it’s never a pleasant sight to open a dishwasher and find out it hasn’t drained properly, try not to panic just yet. You could be able to fix the problem by yourself, without having to call a plumber or purchase a brand-new dishwasher.

Your machine failing to empty may be induced by multiple components some of which are simple to figure out. Therefore, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service here is a selection of possible components you can identify on your own. A few of which are not even caused by the machine itself.

Check the dishwasher wasn’t interrupted mid-program

It is possible that there is nothing preventing your machine from draining. Instead, the program might have been cut short.

The program may have been stopped mid-way for a number of of reasons. Children pushing controls, inadvertently leaning on the control panel, a power surge or opening the machine mid-cycle might all stop the program from completing and mean your machine doesn’t drain.

If you suspect this could be the circumstance, or you think it might be a good idea to check start the dishwasher again on a short program.

A number machines could have a drain cycle meaning it’s well worth having a look at your manual or doing a quick internet search to check.

Inspect the garbage disposal

If you have a garbage disposal check this before you move on as a blocked disposal will stop your machine from draining. Run the waste disposal with lots of water to make sure there are no blockages.

If you do find a blockage drain un-blocker or a natural alternative can be used to remove the blockage and this could solve the error.

Inspect the plumbing for blockages

If you sink is draining inefficiently this may indicate an issue with the pipes as opposed to an error with your machine.

In the case that the sink is emptying slowly you can attempt putting some bicarb and white vinegar down the drain, leaving it for a while, then washing it away with hot water.

A plunger may also be used to attempt to dislodge the obstruction.

This could be enough to permit the appliance to work again so start a quick cycle to check. If not you can remove the dirty water by hand using a bowl and also a sponge and check the next few possible issues.

At this point make certain to turn off the machine to prevent electrocution.

If while you are carrying out one of these investigations you suspect you may have discovered and solved the fault there is no need to continue to the next issue. Just complete an empty cycle to check the dishwasher is now emptying as it used to.

Check and scrub the filters

Any number of things could block the filters including popcorn, paper from containers, film lids and smashed glass. Clear plastic lids can also be difficult to spot if you aren’t looking for it.

Remove the filter and give it a good scrub before putting it back in place. Not all filters are obvious and easy to remove so you may need to look at the owners manual for this.

Is the waste pipe obstructed?

The next area to check is the waste hose. Many things could cause a blockage including a build up of food debris, a kink in the hose, or a crushed hose. All of which could all prevent your dishwasher from draining.

Contingent upon the position of the waste pipe (generally the corrugated one) you may have the means to inspect it by removing the base alternatively you could need to pull the dishwasher out from the wall.

Look at the hose in the first instance to find out if it has been squashed or kinked. You might manage manually remove any kinks which is likely to deal with the issue, however, it’s worth noting that when this has occurred the chance of it occurring again is massively increased so you may need to order a replacement hose.

If you can’t find an issue you may remove the drain pipe from the pump and blow through it to figure out if there are any blockages. Be sure to put down newspaper or towels before you remove the hose as there might still be dirty water in the hose.

If you are unable to blow through the pipe this may be the problem.

Take off the hose at the sink end and give it a thorough flush through to clear the blockage. If you are unable to get rid of the blockage or the hose is cracked or degraded buy a new one. If you may remove the blockage then put the hose back and run a quick program to make sure you have repaired the error.

You could also check the point where the waste hose connects to the waste disposal as well. This is a typical place for debris to build up so if you do take off the waste pipe give this area a thorough scrub as well.

Inspect the drain valve

You can check the drain valve by hand to ensure it isn’t stopped working. The drain valve will generally be found in the bottom of the machine on the valve bracket. Check your owners manual if you’re unsure.

Pressing down on the valve or giving it a jiggle should be adequate to let you know if it’s seized. If you are able to see any debris blocking it remove this. If you are unable to, this could be a good time to ring a plumber unless you are undaunted by purchasing and swapping out the part on your own.

Check your pump is not broken

Your appliance pump makes use of impellers that can get blocked by pieces of china or other objects. Check your pump isn’t obstructed by taking off the cover and making sure the impellers are free to move.

Run your machine and listen for any unusual sounds

If your dishwasher is making funny noises your dishwasher pump or motor could be damaged and need to be repaired.

Call a repair person

If none of the above examinations has fixed the fault, or you suspect the pump, pump valve or motor are not working, it might be the moment you need to call a plumber.

At least having done your best to investigate what is wrong you have prevented needing to pay a hefty call-out charge for a clogged filter.