Dishwasher Not Draining: Safe Checks and Likely Causes
Narrow down a dishwasher that leaves standing water: filter, hose, shared sink drain, pump, or control issue.
What this usually means
Standing water after a cycle most often comes from an accessible filter obstruction, a restricted drain hose, or a problem in the nearby sink drain. Pump and control failures remain possible after those checks.
Likely causes
Blocked accessible filterFood debris at the bottom filter can prevent normal drainage.
Kinked drain hoseA visibly squeezed hose under the sink can restrict flow.
Shared sink or disposal blockageIf the nearby sink is also slow, the shared drain path deserves attention first.
Drain pump or control issueNo pump sound, or continued failure after clearing accessible restrictions, may require appliance service.
Safe checks you can make
- Cancel the cycle and turn the dishwasher off.
- Confirm whether the nearby kitchen sink drains normally.
- Clean the removable filter according to its markings.
- Look under the sink for an obvious hose kink without disconnecting plumbing.
When to call a professional
Arrange appliance or drain service if accessible checks do not help, the pump sounds abnormal, the appliance leaks, or electrical/burning symptoms occur.
Common questions
Is a little water in the dishwasher normal?
A small amount below the filter can be normal for some models. Water covering the tub floor after a completed cycle is not.
Can I use drain cleaner in a dishwasher?
Do not pour chemical drain cleaner into a dishwasher. It can damage components and create an exposure risk.