Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Although it’s never a welcome sight to open a machine and realize the machine hasn’t emptied fully, try not to overreact just yet. You may be able to fix the problem before you have to call a repair person or invest in a brand-new machine.

Your dishwasher declining to drain can be bought about by a number of components a few of which are straightforward to resolve. Therefore, before you call a dishwasher repair service here is a lineup of possible components you could correct by yourself. A few of which aren’t even a fault of the machine itself.

Ensure the cycle wasn’t interrupted

It is possible that there is nothing preventing your machine from emptying. Alternatively, the cycle may have been interrupted.

The program might have been cut short for multiple of reasons. Kids pushing controls, inadvertently leaning against the controls, a power cut or opening the dishwasher mid-cycle might all interrupt the cycle and mean your machine doesn’t empty.

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

A proportion appliances could have a drain program meaning it’s worthwhile having a look at your instructions or doing a quick internet search to check.

Examine the disposal

If your dishwasher is plumbed into a garbage disposal check this first as an obstructed garbage disposal will stop your dishwasher from emptying. Run the garbage disposal using lots of water to check there are no blockages.

If you do discover an issue drain un-blocker or a plunger could be employed to unclog the blockage and so this may deal with the fault.

Examine the plumbing for clogs

If you sink is draining reluctantly this could indicate an issue with the drains instead of an error with your machine.

In the case that the kitchen sink is draining inefficiently you can attempt putting a little bicarb and vinegar down the plughole, letting it sit for a while and then washing it away with hot water.

A sink plunger could also be employed to try and dislodge the blockage.

This may be sufficient to permit your appliance to drain so start a quick rinse and drain cycle at this point. If not you could remove the water by hand using a bowl and a sponge and troubleshoot the next few possible issues.

At this point make certain to turn off the dishwasher to stay safe.

If while you are carrying out one of these checks you think you have discovered and repaired the error there is no need to continue to the next step. Just start an empty cycle to make sure your machine is repaired.

Check and clean the filters

Corn Kernels, paper from tupperware, film lids and smashed glass, plus food debris, may all obstruct the dishwasher filter. Clear plastic lids could also be hard to spot if you aren’t looking for it.

Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly before putting it back in place. Not all dishwashers have their filter in the same location so you might need to refer to the manual for this.

Is the waste pipe blocked?

The next component to examine is the drain hose. Stuck food, a kink in the hose or a crushed hose could all stop your machine from draining.

Depending on the location of the waste hose (usually the corrugated one) you might be able to look at it by means of taking off the base or you may be required to move the machine away from the wall.

Have a look at the pipe in the first instance to discover if it has been crushed or kinked. You might manage fix these issues by hand which is likely to deal with the issue, but it’s worth noting that when this has happened the chance of it occurring again is significantly increased so you may need to order a new hose.

If you can’t see an issue you may remove the drain pipe from the machine and blow into it to figure out if there are any blockages. Be sure to put down newspaper or towels first as even if you have emptied the dishwasher there might still be water in the hose.

If you can’t blow air through the hose this might be the reason your machine isn’t emptying.

Disconnect the hose at the sink end and then give it a thorough clean to remove the obstruction. If you can’t dislodge the obstruction or the waste pipe is split or damaged invest in a brand-new one. If you may get rid of the blockage then put the hose back and start a quick program to make sure you have repaired the error.

You can also check where the waste pipe attaches under your sink as well. This is a common place for a build-up of gunk so if you do remove the waste pipe give this area a good clean as well.

Examine the drain valve

You could examine the drain valve by hand to make sure it hasn’t got stuck. The drain valve will usually be situated in the bottom of the machine on the valve bracket. Examine your instruction manual if you can’t see it.

Depressing the valve or giving it a wiggle should be enough to let you know if it’s seized. If you can see anything stopping it from moving get rid of this. If you can’t, this could be when you should get in touch with a plumber unless you are confident in purchasing and replacing the part yourself.

Examine your pump is not broken

Your appliance pump uses impellers that can be blocked by pieces of glass or other objects. Check your pump isn’t blocked by taking off the cover and making sure the impellers can be easily rotated.

Run your dishwasher and listen for any unusual sounds

If it sounds unusual your dishwasher pump or motor might be damaged and need replacing.

Call a plumber

If you have been through the above list and the error remains, or you think the pump, pump valve or motor are damaged, it could be a good time to call for help.

At least having done your best to troubleshoot you have prevented needing to pay a big call-out fee for a blocked hose.